Brushing up on portraiture

A group of creative seniors are proving wrong the adage of old dogs and new tricks with an exhibition of portraits at New Farm library this October.

The creative portraiture class from the University of the Third Age Brisbane (U3A) meets in New Farm Park to learn and practice the art of drawing.

Class tutor Carol Owens said: “This year we’ve expanded our skill sets of drawing with pencils and charcoal, with many of us dabbling in other mediums, surfaces and sizes.”

“We’ve been whipping up a storm of energy and drawing each other as well as invited guest models.

“We’re currently doing our holiday homework in small handmade sketchbooks that have been lovingly made by class member Sandy,” Ms Owens said.

Each term a couple of the participants volunteer to host-tutor a couple of the sessions in the park, which broadens their range of topics and is one of their favourite learning and development skills.

The class exhibition will be held at New Farm Library from October 5 – November 1.

Ms Owens said: “Check it out if you want to see the wonders of what a little tutoring and lots of practice in a supportive community of other emerging artists can do.

“Most of us were beginners in portraiture drawing when we formed as a group.”

U3A is a worldwide organisation promoting learning for personal enjoyment and wellbeing in older people.