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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 "Transport" 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: "Numbers and Letters"

Deadline for submissions: 31st January 2024

Follow this link to submit your photos on our WuFoo form

This month's gallery: Transport

'Fishermens' boats' by Jill Foley, Chester u3a

A watercolour depicting fishermen's boats - a working man's transport.

'Venice' by Lesley Moore, Hassocks, Hurst and Ditchling u3a

Such a lovely way to travel on the waterways of Venice.

'Leon Zernitsky' by Dawn Jenkins, Ilkley & District u3a

My Painting was inspired by Leon Zernitsky, the abstract forms and amazing colours make his work appealing and eye catching. 

'Sail boats' by Jo Harrison, Sutton Coldfield u3a

Sail boats near Powell's pool in Sutton Coldfield park. 

'Early morning Ferry' by Shirley Mountain, Chesterfield u3a

Early Morning Ferry (oil painting 12""x 12")

'Argentina' by Anne Gill, Sully u3a

Workman’s transport truck in Argentina

"Metrolink tram at Manchester Victoria" by Anne Pearson, Hale & District u3a

 Where the old meets the new.

'Packhorse Bridge' by Dennis Parkinson, Northallerton u3a

Packhorse Bridge - original motorway -(watercolour)

'Christmas Train' by Susie Shaw, Hawkwell Village u3a

The Christmas Train steams into town. 

'Wise men' by Pam Morris, Tavy District u3a

I've combined watercolour using clingfilm for the land with a lino print of the wise men on camels.

'Magic Carpet' by Wendy Watson, Sherburn & Villages u3a

The environmentally friendly way to travel! No fumes, no pollution. We all need one. Painted in watercolour and ink.

'Oxford canal' by Robert Cato, Luton u3a

This painting of transport of days gone by was inspired by a photograph I took a few years ago by the canal at Oxford. 

'Special Delivery' by Ian Weatherley, Witham & District (Essex) u3a

A seasonal image using black ink, coloured ink and coloured pencil on Mixed Media paper, depicting Santa Claus making good progress on his deliveries this year.

'Camping' by Elaine Adams, Northallerton u3a

Camping in the wild by canoe painted in acrylic with a touch of pastel.

'Horses' by Brian Gaunt, Northallerton u3a

Always loved drawing horses and horses are probably our oldest method of transport.