Sketching the Farm Class at Appleton

A walk on the farm is a wonderful treat. Deepen the experience by stopping to observe, sketch and soak in the beauty on display. Enjoy the open space of the farm while receiving encouraging and upbeat instruction on landscape and nature sketching techniques. The focus will be on creating a strong composition, and using value and texture to capture the essence of the scene.

All skill and experience levels are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Each walk will be approximately 1.5 miles. We will stop at several spots to sit and sketch the view. To fully enjoy the time outdoors, please dress for the weather, bring a folding chair, a water bottle, a hat and a windbreaker. The pasture and plains are often breezy. Bring a sketchbook and some pens (such as ballpoint, extra fine permanent marker or brush pens).

Sketching the Farm routes will vary as listed below, sign up for as many or as few as you would like. There will be a 5 person minimum for each session, individual dates will be cancelled if we have less than 5 participants. Pre-registration is required.

Saturday July 10, Sunset Hill
Wednesday July 14, the Farmstead
Saturday July 24, Grass Rides to Pinnacle (park at Grass Rides lot)
Saturday August 21, New House
Saturday August 28, Kentucky Gate
Wednesday September 8, location TBD
Saturday September 11, Grass Rides to Red Barn (park at Grass Rides lot)
Saturday September 25, Sunset Hill
Saturday October 2, Grass Rides to Pinnacle (park at Grass Rides lot)
Wednesday October 6, location TBD
Saturday October 16, Kentucky Gate

Please note: Participants will be asked to follow Covid-19 related guidelines, including wearing face coverings and maintaining social distance. If you are experiencing symptoms, please do not attend the event.

Space is limited for this event and pre-registration is strongly recommended.

We will meet at the Farm Offices building except for dates which begin at the Grass Rides.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Buy out a class/private classes: Have a group that wants to take a class or program together? We have options to buy out our classes and/or create public private versions. Email [email protected] for more information.
• Directions to the Farm: On 1A South, farm is about two miles south of downtown Ipswich. When you see Presbyterian Church on your right, it’s a little more than a quarter of a mile to the farm entrance, on your right. If you reach downtown Hamilton, you have gone too far. ON 1A North, farm is about four miles north of downtown Hamilton. When you see Entering Ipswich sign on your left, it’s about a quarter of a mile to the farm entrance, on your left. If you reach downtown Ipswich, you have gone too far.
• Directions to Grass Rides parking lot: From the main entrance of Appleton Farms, take a left onto Route 1A. Take your first left onto Waldingfield Road. At the end of Waldingfield Road, take a left onto Highland Street. You will see the parking lot just ahead, on your left.