The doors to Port Stephens Community Arts Centre may be closed due to COVID-19 but its artists have still been busy creating at home.
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Shifting into 'remote mode', the centre's painters have found a whole new creative way to socialise and develop their skills while in self-isolation by taking part in a weekly art challenge.
Participants also show each other and discuss their artworks using Zoom, a popular online video conference tool.
"With the arts centre temporarily closed, many of our artist members are participating in a weekly art challenge," Nikki Waters from Nelson Bay Arts Centre said.
"We send out a reference photo and ask participants to paint a variation on this theme in a medium of their choice [for example] water colour, acrylic, pastel, ink."
The first week of the challenge, which asked artists to paint citrus, saw more than 15 entries and the second week, themed the old boat, had 28.
Participant entries swelled to 40 in week three of the painting challenge, which asked painters to submit an artwork of ballet shoes.
Last week's challenge was 'a dog's life', seeking artists to paint a dog.
There were 41 entries into the week five challenge.
Some members have even submitted multiple versions of the weekly challenge depicted in different mediums, Waters said.
"Weekly, completed entries are posted on our Facebook page and a compilation of all entries in thumbnail format are sent to all participants by email," she added.
Completed entries can be viewed on the Port Stephens Community Arts Centre Facebook page.
Members have welcomed the art challenge as one way of filling their time at home while adhering to the coronavirus regulations.
Participants have reacted very positively to this challenge," Waters said.
"We even have entries from members who usually participate in different crafts like pottery and fusion," she said.
"It's wonderful that all groups are feeling inspired to partake in the weekly challenge.
"Any member of the community arts centre is welcome to take part in the weekly challenge.
"Anyone wanting to join the challenge can still do so by sending a message on Facebook to Nikki Waters."
