While most artists strive to exhibit their art in expensive galleries, art student Devin Smith turned to the streets of Norwich for her inspiration and display space.

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Univsersity of the Arts student Devin Smith (pictured )wanted to shed light on less fortunate people in Norwich. She painted a series of portraits of big issue sellers and homeless people in Norwich. Photo : Steve AdamsNorwich Univsersity of the Arts student Devin Smith (pictured )wanted to shed light on less fortunate people in Norwich. She painted a series of portraits of big issue sellers and homeless people in Norwich. Photo : Steve Adams (Image: Copyright Archant Norfolk 2015)

In a bid to shine a light on the city's less privileged inhabitants, she crafted a series of gritty portraits of Big Issue sellers, homeless men and a litter picker.

Miss Smith, 21, used cardboard for a canvas – a nod to the material homeless people often use for insulation on cold nights.

'I see people on the streets and they are in this environment where people are walking by every day on their way to work but ignoring them,' said Miss Smith, of Rider Haggard Road, Heartsease.

Each of the men was presented with their painting, which Miss Smith said has boosted the Big Issue sales of sellers Ziggy and Jim Hannah.

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Univsersity of the Arts student Devin Smith wanted to shed light on less fortunate people in Norwich. She painted a series of portraits of big issue sellers and homeless people in Norwich. Seller Jim, Pottergate.Photo : Steve AdamsNorwich Univsersity of the Arts student Devin Smith wanted to shed light on less fortunate people in Norwich. She painted a series of portraits of big issue sellers and homeless people in Norwich. Seller Jim, Pottergate.Photo : Steve Adams (Image: Copyright Archant Norfolk 2015)

'By giving them the paintings they felt more wanted. People were coming up to them and talking about it.'

One of the paintings was exhibited in St Stephen's underpass, where Miss Smith photographed a homeless man sleeping next to it.

In a poignant twist of fate, days later that man was discovered dead there.

Miss Smith's photograph is likely the last image taken of 29-year-old Sergiusz Meges while he was still alive. 'It is nice to think he was using this painting as a comfort,' she said.

Miss Smith, who works part-time in a sports shop, said her father Billy taught her how to paint before he died, six years ago.

The third-year student lives with her mother Gina, who has often featured in her artwork.

She said: 'I have an understanding for people who are underprivileged. A lot of people are well off and they are blind to what is going on.'

One of her paintings was stolen, and another of was offered for sale for £200 by its model – a man called Peter.

But rather than be disappointed, Miss Smith, who went to the former Heartsease High School, said she was flattered her art was priced so high.

In the future she hopes to continue her social realist art, shining a light on people often forgotten in society.

Ziggy, 53, who lives in a caravan in Mulbarton, sells about 15 to 20 Big Issues a day with his nine-year-old dog Bonnie.

He said being asked to feature in a painting was a 'once-in-a-lifetime opportunity'.

'When she asked me if I would mind being painted I was really chuffed,' he added.

'I'm going to keep it with me. Hopefully it will help sales. People stop and look more often when it is up.'

Have you created an interesting project? Email sabah.meddings@archant.co.uk