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 "Contrasts" 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: "Eye Spy"

Deadline for submissions: 22nd May 2024

Follow this link to submit your photos on our WuFoo form

This month's gallery: Contrasts

'Black and White' by Carole Mindham, Hale u3a.

Portrait of Abdal-Wahid bin Masoud, Morrocan Ambassador to Elizabeth 1st. As he was in London 1600 to 1601 it is suggested he was the inspiration for Othello.

By Lesley Moore, Hurst , Hassocks and Ditchling u3a.

A black and white contrast design in watercolour.

'Valentines' by Nicholas Hanison, Hampstead Garden Suburb u3a

My watercolour painting depicts in a partly abstract form contrasts between Valentines Day and Night.

'Derbyshire' by Nigel Gossop, Havant u3a

This is based on the memory of watching a meteor storm on visit to Derbyshire. The painting is watercolour, gouache and Indian ink.

'Doodling' by Vasantiben Shah, Interest Groups Online

Inspired by doodling, tangled contrasting lines for a climate change exhibition using bright colours.

'Abstract squares' by Julie Gilson, Long Eaton and District u3a

At our u3a art group , we painted 9 abstract squares. We used watercolour, pen and tape. As you can spot I only painted 6 squares… whoops

'London Skyline' by Debbie Peaty, Palmers Green and Southgate u3a

This painting was inspired by suddenly seeing storm clouds gathering over the London Skyline in contrast to the previously bright sky. The view was from the balcony at top of what was then City Hall near Tower Bridge. It is painted in Acrylic on Canvas 30 x 40 cms.

'Heron' by Sue Matthews, Hammersmith u3a

Contrasting Heron and grasses on water at dusk.

'Face in the trees' by Dawn Jenkins, Ilkley & District u3a

The contrast of Black and white, the contrast of the softness of a face and the harshness of twigs and branches.

'Howarth' by Dawn Budge, Ayr u3a

This is a mixed media painting of the beautifull village of Howarth in the west Yorkshire. I've entiled 'The top of the hill'. It highlights the contrast of water colour to a pen and ink drawing.