u3a - Paint or Draw

Send in pictures of your original artwork on a monthly theme to feature in our online gallery. No prizes, just prestige!

Are you a dab hand with a paintbrush or pencil?
Do you want to develop your skills or are you simply interested in the world around you and how to capture it in a piece of artwork?

We are running a monthly challenge to encourage people to paint or draw a piece of artwork, then take a photo of their work and submit their pictures via our online form. We are going to be posting a different theme each month and inviting u3a members to submit photos of their creations on that topic.

This is not a competition and it is not about your artistic ability – what we want from you are interesting pictures, possibly different perspectives on everyday scenes or objects, anything which has inspired you to paint or draw. Peter Akers, a member of the paint or draw network, has shared his helpful tips on Starting out in pastels, Sandra Foster has some tips on Acrylics and David Wrigley, another member, has shared some thoughts on Watercolours. We will be extending this network of members so please do contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. if you would like to find out more.

At the end of every month, we will choose and publish up to 15 photos of artwork on an online gallery for each theme to share the pictures with all of our members. Just upload your photo using the form below (you will receive an acknowledgement once submitted). Follow the links at the bottom of the page to view previous galleries.

Please only submit one photo per person. Your photo of your artwork should also not include any recognisable people.

The theme "A moment in History" is now closed. Thank you to all those who submitted photos of their artwork on this theme. This is just a selection of the fantastic pictures that were sent in. It was very difficult to choose as they were all brilliant and much appreciated.

The theme for this month is: "Circus"

Deadline for submissions: 2nd April 2025

Follow this link to submit your photos on our WuFoo form

This month's gallery: Warmth

'Leaves' by Carole Mindham y3a

'River Ex' by Sue Matthews, Hammersmith & Fulham u3a

River Ex, Devon looking beautifully warm and inviting.

'Winter flower' by EJ Oakley

This is an imaginative interpretation of a winter flower display to evoke warmth of the colour.

'Hot air balloons' by Robert Kinghorn, Sidmouth u3a

I enjoy painting in acrylic with its bright colours and hot air balloons make a good subject for this.

'Warmth of the Glow' by Dawn Jenkins, Ilkley & District u3a

Painted in watercolour, a newly struck match emitting a light and a brief moment of warmth.

'Nuria' by Liz Octigan, Stone u3qa

This portrait exudes warmth, the colours, the smile, the crinkle eyes. I think she would embrace you with her big heart.

'Hot tea' by Lesley Moore, Hurst, Hassocks and Ditchling

Nothing like a steaming mug of hot tea to warm you up!

'Sun and snow on a cold walk' by Shirley Mountain, Chesterfield u3a

The sun warms us in all sorts of ways - body and mind. Mixed media on paper 8 x 10.

'Hot drink' by Robert Cato, Luton u3a

I remembered that wonderful feeling of warmth you get on a cold day when you hold a mug full of a hot drink in both hands. This is what I have tried to show in my picture.