Wildlife artist to lead animal painting classes in July

Wildlife artist Melody Asbury, a signature member of the prestigious Society of Animal Artists, is offering a four-week class series where individual instruction will be given on learning anatomy, gesture and characteristics of various animals.

Now that the weather has warmed this will include the animals grazing in the Flanders’ pastures and homed in their North Barn as well as a collection of taxidermy and photographs. Any medium can be used and all artistic levels are welcome. Students should bring a sketchbook, pencil and other supplies of their choice to the first class

The first four class series will begin on Wednesday June 28 with classes also held on Wednesdays, July 5, 12 and 19. All classes will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Flanders’ studio, located on the corner of Flanders Road and Church Hill Road in Woodbury.

The cost for the four class series is $100 for members or $150 for nonmembers.

Preregistration is required. Those interested may register online at w w w.f landersnaturecenter.org or call 203-2633711, ext. 10, for more information.

Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust is a nonprofit organization that focuses on environmental education, and on the acquisition, conservation, and stewardship of open space. Through its land trust initiatives, Flanders actively works to protect important natural sites and the area’s landscape character and quality of life. Flanders manages over 2,300 acres of preserved land in Woodbury and neighboring towns.

Educational programs for children and adults are offered at the Van Vleck Farm Sanctuary, Flanders’ main campus in Woodbury. Trails at its major nature preserves are open to the public at no charge from dawn to dusk.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLANDERS NATURE CENTER Cows munching on grass is the subject of this animal painting.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FLANDERS NATURE CENTER Learn how to paint and draw chickens in the class.