I have recently been enjoying experimenting with mixed media. Watercolour is my favourite medium and one I have worked in since I was 18 years old. Now, however, I have discovered that combining cut up newspaper with watercolour can create very vibrant paintings. In 'Small Tortoiseshell butterflies in blossom' I have used newspaper collage for parts of the butterflies wings along with watercolour. I have strengthened the colours by highlighting with pastel and inktense blocks. For the blossom I used watercolour. After masking out the areas of white blossom I added a blue wash for the sky. Then, after removing the masking fluid, I painted in the blossom. Using collage with watercolour seems to add a strength and depth to the painting which I like and I will be using this technique alot more in my future paintings. I have recently exhibited my paintings with the Twickenham Art Circle at the Landmark Arts Centre, Teddington from 19th until 21st September and at the Surbiton Festival on 27th September. I will also be exhibiting my paintings from 25th October until 1st November with the Surbiton Arts group at the Surbiton Library Annexe on Ewell Road, Surbiton.