Everything came to a halt during the pandemic. That was also when I realized I needed to do something meaningful, even while staying at home.
I tried some online courses but struggled to stay interested. My brother-in-law, who enjoyed taking U3A courses, encouraged me to give them a try. I didn’t take it seriously at first, but when he sent me the link to the website, everything changed. From that moment on, I never looked back.
The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a community-based organization that offers lifelong learning opportunities for older adults, typically those in retirement or semi-retirement. It provides a wide range of courses and activities. I do Pyrography or Wood Burning Class, Zumba, Chines Cooking, Origami and my favourite- Urban Sketching.
This was my first attempt at sketching from an online photo, following a challenge set by my tutor, Kathleen.
A few months later, I took on a more complex challenge, still working from online photos.
When we were finally allowed to venture a short distance from home, I began sketching scenes from my local area, focusing especially on nature.
I experimented with different styles while sketching the same subject, using reference photos I found online. I believe that was back in 2022.
In the following years, I grew bolder in my approach to sketching, tackling more complex spreads using photos I took in 2018.
I also joined sketching challenges in Instagram.
I’m part of the Casey Urban Sketching group, where we meet every month—though now, because we’re enjoying it so much, we’ve started meeting twice a month. We choose a location, grab a coffee or a meal, then sketch and chat.
I’ve also joined the Melbourne Urban Sketchers group a few times—they’re a much larger group. However, I can’t attend often since they meet on Sundays, and Jack has work the next day and I don’t drive in the city. The location of sketch-meets are usually 1 hour away from my place.
My biggest achievement so far has been sketching in public on my own. Urban sketching is all about capturing what you see and drawing on location. I’m still not entirely comfortable doing this, but I hope to grow more confident by doing it more often in the years to come. The following sketches were all done quickly during my travels.
I’m linking this to the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge, hosted this week by Anne. She invites us to share our passions, hobbies, and the life experiences that led us to them. I am also linking it to Xingfumama’s Whatsoever is Lovely Challenge
Fabulous Teresa
Thanks Brian. Glad you think so.
Ang gaganda.
Thanks Arlene. Just trying and practicing.
Wow! How wonderful you found a new talent and expanded your skills! Beautiful artwork!
Thanks a lot Donna. So happy to be doing this now.
Excellent sketches!
You really got the talent for it.
Perfect response to the challenge.
Thanks Nes. Happy that you liked my response for the challenge. Much appreciate your comment.
I couldn’t draw or paint to save my life, I was hopeless at art when I was at school, so I really admire those who can, especially if it’s not a natural talent. These are fabulous Teresa, well done
Thanks Eunice. I was an artist in school but stopped doing art when I came to Australia. So no art for me for about 35 years until this.
Your sketches are beautiful Teresa! What a talent you have, and the story behind it is one of survival. Survival during the pandemic. I loved all your sketches.
Thanks so much Anne. Your topic inspired me to share my best loved hobby.
No wonder you stuck with it. You’re good!
Thanks so much Margaret. That is nice to hear.
I’ve often admired your sketches without knowing the backstory behind your hobby, so this was a very interesting read
I recently joined our U3A group and have been to a couple of talks but not really looked into the classes side of the organisation.
I so appreciate your comment Sarah. And U3A have so many courses that for sure you can find some that you will enjoy doing. Thanks for stopping by.
This is a true WOW Teresa! Your sketching is wonderful, and good on you for trying it in the first place!! I loved your post and admire your efforts to try something new as well as your incredible progress and terrific work. Great response!
Thanks so much Tina, so happy to read your comment. Brings a smile to my face.
You have a natural talent for this, Teresa. I’ve admired every sketch of yours that I’ve ever seen. I tried to find U3A locally but without any success. I’ll have to try again. Persistence pays xx
I am hoping that you find one. It is really fun to interact with people who love the same things as you.
Wonderful style. I like your work very much! Draw on. : )
So glad to hear your thoughts Rebecca. Much appreciated.
This is really amazing
Thanks so much Hammad.
It’s the most wonderful activity, I feel that it’s changed my life. Happy sketching!
That is definitely how I am feeling. Thanks and happy sketching to you as well.
You are very clever! Mel
Thanks Mel, much appreciate your comment.
Not just a creative thing to do, but it also gets you hours of company. Lovely sketches
Yup, and that too. Thanks for your lovely comment I.J.
Just started again from scratch after an incorrectly healed wrist fracture. Your inspiring post comes at the right time :). Wonderful sketches! Vibrant and full of life. Love each one of them.
Wowww. GREAT sketches. Very impressive.
Thanks so much John.
You are a natural, Teresa, I would never thought you’re only sketching for a few years. So, so beautiful.
Glad you think so, Sofia. Much appreciated
You are absolutely an artist, Teresa! I have always admired your sketches, and now I get the story as well! A perfect response with all the beauty and interesting background. Hope to see more of this!
I love your work too A-C. Hope we both get the inspiration to carry on.
Terese, your sketches are terrific!
Thanks so much for your kind words!