A GWENT artist has picked up her paintbrush and put her love for wetland environments onto paper.

The collection of 19 pastel paintings, by Jill Hobbs, from Sebastapol, is currently on display at the Newport Wetlands visitor centre.

Called 'Waterworks', it is based on her weekly visits to the attraction, featuring reflections and bird life.

Ms Hobbs, who has painted landscapes for 30 years, turned her hand to art after taking a degree in sculpture, at what was the Newport college of art and design, now part of the University of Wales, Newport.

The mother-of-four teaches at Griffithstown art group and in community education throughout Torfaen and said the free exhibition has so far been well received by visitors to the centre.

"The Newport Wetlands have a feeling of beauty and it's great to pick out the bird life in the rushes," she said.

The exhibition will be at the Newport Wetlands centre until December 31.