Award Finalist Throws Down Paint Challenge To Novices

A finalist in the 2011 David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation’s Wildlife Artist of the Year competition is challenging anyone who thinks they can’t paint to have a go.

Glenda Maynard is a member of the Radstock-based Old Bakery Artists and a familiar face at Swan Stationers in Wells. Earlier this year her carefully executed painting of a flamingo was short-listed for the £10,000 prize and was exhibited at London’s prestigious Mall Galleries.

On a trip to Tanzania in 1960, wildlife artist David witnessed the slaughter of a herd of more than 200 zebra and has campaigned to raise awareness of endangered mammals and the people who share their environment ever since.

Ms Maynard was born in London and has lived in Wells for the last 20 years. She is a volunteer art teacher at nursing home Fletcher House and is offering to pass on her skills to the public too.

She said: “Many people were put off art at school, and although they would like to be able to paint a picture, they don’t think they can. I guarantee that after one, two-hour session you will take home a painting to be proud of”.

On offer are ‘pay-as-you-go’ art sessions at Wookey Hole Caves Community Hall (Bowls Club), Wookey Hole, near Wells, from 11am – 1pm each Monday.

Cost for adults is £10 per session, children under 12, accompanied by an adult, are free of charge. Step-by-step guidance and all art materials needed for the sessions are included in the fee.