Care homes across Dorset have chosen creative ways to celebrate visual art and culture.
Residents at Colten Care homes in West Moors, Longham, Poole and Sherborne have all enjoyed activities, talks and presentations inspired by the annual Unesco World Art Day.
At Brook View in West Moors, residents were treated to a talk and art demonstration by New Forest-based equine illustrator and author Alan Langford.

They watched and asked questions as he sketched and coloured a picture of a horse. As he worked, he explained the different techniques he was using.

Resident Paula Merels said: “It was fascinating to see the painting coming to life before our very eyes. It was fun and educational.”

At the end of the visit, Alan donated his picture to the residents.

“They were absolutely enthralled by Alan’s session, how quickly he built up the picture, and his surprise gift at the end,” said companionship team member Jo Vardy.

“Alan has kindly offered to return to hold an art masterclass, hearing that we have some keen painters among us, especially residents Patricia Upshall and Pam Roberts who were transported back to happy memories of days when they were creating art themselves.”

World Art Day has been celebrated internationally every year since 2012 on the April birthday of renaissance genius Leonardo Da Vinci.