Costume Portrait Workshop- Building a Narrative

DATEJun 27, 2026
TIME1:00 PM - 5:30 PM
DAYS OF THE WEEKSAT
LOCATIONDrawing/Painting Studio
INSTRUCTOR Francesca Bessett
DURATION1 day
FOR AGES16+
PRICE$163.00
CLASS CODECAS26DPPFB054-01W

Workshops are ineligible for refunds once purchased.

Step into the world of storytelling through the painting. In this workshop, portrait artist Francesca Bessett guides students in creating narrative-driven paintings and drawings from a live, costumed model. Through demonstration and guided instruction, students will explore how costume, gesture, lighting, and composition can transform a study from life into a compelling visual story. Artists will develop skills to capture likeness and mood, design purposeful compositions, and use lighting and props to enhance atmosphere and emotion. This workshop blends classical principles of portraiture and figure drawing with imaginative choices that bring scenes to life. Students are encouraged to interpret the model as a character. All mediums are welcome- drawing, painting, digital.

Plan Your Visit

Mesa Arts Center is located at One East Main Street in Downtown Mesa, at the southeast corner of Main and Center Streets.

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Information and seating charts for each theater at Mesa Arts Center.

Open Tuesday–Saturday, 12–5 PM
Call 480-644-6500 or email boxoffice@mesaartscenter.com

Downtown Mesa parking can be limited during busy events. Parking is $10 and is available in our south lot or in the Sirrine Street Garage (only open for public parking after 5 PM on weekdays, and anytime on the weekends). To secure an accessible parking spot, we strongly recommend arriving at least one hour before showtime.

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To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone, each patron is allowed to bring one bag into the facility. This includes purses, backpacks and similar personal items.

Exceptions:

Medical bags and other essential items required for health or accessibility are exempt from this limit. These items will not count toward your one-bag allowance.

Bags must be no larger than 18"x14"x8"

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