Amateur artists have set themselves a series of challenges to keep each other motivated while their fortnightly art classes have been on hold.

They are all members of the Newark and District U3A, part of a national organisation for retired and semi-retired people who want to enjoy learning, staying active, and living life to the full.

The group has adapted to coronavirus restrictions by setting up Zoom meetings for many of its activities.

From dancing to crafts and tai chi, members have been continuing to be active online.

One of the groups is Art 4 All, led by Jacqueline Cartright, which meets every two weeks.

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She explained how the group had adapted its classes.

“It started with one of our members asking if I had done any artwork since lockdown, to which I replied ‘no’,” she said.

“Bearing in mind that I am the group leader, I was not setting a good example.

“But on finding out that we all felt the same, I took hold of the reins, got a member to set up the Zoom meetings, and went about sending out fortnightly challenges.”

The first set of challenges were based on colour.

“We began with mixing greens from yellow and blue, and maybe a little red, and matching them to plants found in the garden or around the house,” Jacqueline said.

Challenge two was to look at shades of blue, using Picasso’s blue period for inspiration.

Challenge three was for the artists to close their eyes and think of red, choosing one of the images they imagined to inspire their work.

Challenge four focused on mixing shades of yellow, influenced by Van Gogh.

They moved on to work with colour palettes, includ- ing secondary and tertiary colours, black and white.

“We are now on challenge 15 and from challenge seven I handed over the reins to individual members to set the challenges, inviting a whole new spread of ideas,” Jacqueline said.

“I hope people find our challenges inspirational.

“We are all amateur and range from those who have never done any art, or at least since finger painting, to those who just fancied having a dabble, to a few who are really quite good.”

Anyone who would like to join Art 4 All, or any other U3A groups, should contact secretary Maggie George on 07790 719870.