u3a - Paint or Draw (POD) - a monthly art challenge

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 "Comedy" 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: "Mud"

Deadline for submissions: 30 September 2026

Follow this link to submit your photos on our WuFoo form

This month's gallery: Comedy

'Charlie Chaplin' by Lesley, Hurst, Hassocks and Ditchling u3a

A pen portrait of Charlie Chaplin one of the greatest comic artists of the screen, 1889 - 1977.

'Zebra' by Chris, Long Eaton & District u3a

A caricature of a zebra telling a joke may not be comedy gold……but the zebra thought it was funny! I drew this in pencil initially and added the caption in photoshop afterwards.

'Sausages' by Laurie, Banbury u3a

Reduction linocut

'Scatty' by Spencer, Sutton Coldfield u3a

I think just looking at Scatty would make you chuckle!

‘Shh do you want to know a secret?’ by Stephanie, Saxonshore u3a

It’s part of a series of paintings about performance.

'Clown of the sea' by Diane, East Suffolk u3a

I was inspired by an artist doing a demo at my U3A art group of a pencil drawing of a hare and thought I could apply the technique to the Puffin adding a touch of colour.

'On the Fly' by Julie, Baddow and Galleywood u3a

This cartoon is inspired by a nonchalant novelty frog enjoying a cup of tea in a friend's garden. I have added the snack element to add drama.

Pencil drawing by Dennis, Northallerton u3a

'Masks' by Robert, Luton u3a

After a lot of thought to find a suitable picture for this month's challenge of 'Comedy', I made a pastel painting of two masks for the theme.

'Baguette' by Carolyn, Barnet u3a

Inspired by recently seeing some Beryl Cook paintings and thought I would have a go but it’s not as simple as it looks. Looking at it afterwards, I thought I should’ve added more detail to make it more interesting. You live and learn.

'Well, at least it makes me smile!' by Ian, Witham & District (Essex) u3a

I know that clowns aren't everybody's idea of comedy, but I think that this image doesn't look quite as sinister as some and the situation offers at least the potential of an imminent banana skin 'slip-up' moment. Drawn in Fineliners and Coloured Pencils.

‘Stage Fright’ by Janet Amor, Bradford on Avon u3a

These ladies look frightened waiting to do their turn on stage.

'A fair wind' by Trevor, Swaffham & District u3a

A fair wind.

'Medieval jester' by Jane, u3a online art

I found this month's subject quite tricky but I chose a medieval jester because comedy goes back throughout history. Acrylic jester and watercolour background.

Paint or draw