Drawing Workshop: The Classical Portrait

Drawing Workshop: The Classical Portrait

  • DATESep 20, 2025
  • TIME1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • DAYS OF THE WEEKSAT
  • LOCATIONDrawing/Painting Studio
  • INSTRUCTOR Francesca Bessett
  • DURATION1 day
  • FOR AGES16+
  • PRICE$113.00
  • CLASS CODECAF25DPPFB054-01W
Create a portrait that captures both likeness and emotion, with a classical style that feels timeless. In this immersive workshop, you’ll learn a classical approach to portrait drawing from start to finish, grounded in traditional techniques with a focus on expressing the unique spirit of your subject. What you’ll explore: * Understanding classical portrait proportions and structure * Building form through careful observation of light and shadow * Techniques for rendering delicate features with precision and grace * Infusing your work with emotional depth and narrative presence * Compositional choices that enhance timelessness and mood With step-by-step demonstrations, guided practice, and personalized feedback, you’ll leave equipped to create portraits that resonate beyond the surface—portraits that feel alive, timeless, and meaningful. No prior experience required—just bring your curiosity and passion for drawing the human face!

Plan Your Visit - Classes

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

Click here for a map and directions


Open Tuesday–Saturday, 12–5 PM

Call 480-644-6500 or email boxoffice@mesaartscenter.com


Ceramics: Clay is available for purchase in the Mesa Arts Center Ceramics Studio the first day of class. Additional class supplies may be required and will be discussed the first day of class, or prior to class in an email from your instructor.

Glass Fusing/Stained Glass/Flame Working/Glass Blowing: All materials will be discussed on the first day of class – unless specifically noted in the class description, students need not pre-purchase supplies. Appropriate clothing required – natural fiber fabrics (cotton, silk, linen, wool), leather closed toe shoes.

Jewelry: Students will receive a syllabus and materials list from the instructor via email prior to the class start date.

Lapidary: Students need not purchase supplies.

Welding/Blacksmithing: First day of class no materials are needed! However, all students are required to bring leather work gloves (the yellow roping kind best), safety glasses and welding helmet. You do not need welding helmet for first class. We will go over helmet, materials and syllabus in first class. Students must also wear all-cotton clothing and all-leather closed toe shoes

Painting/Printmaking/Photo: Instructors will provide students with a list of supplies on the first day of class, or prior to class via email. A limited selection of basic art materials will be available for student use on the first day.


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.

Click here to view a parking map.


Our mission is to make the art studio classrooms a space for relaxation, enjoyment, discovery and learning. To help aid in that pursuit, the studios department has employed the use of sensory kits available to all students in any class. Upon request to your instructor, a variety of sensory and stress-relieving items will be provided in class.

Additionally, enChroma glasses are available for youth, teens and adults in any of the studio programs. If you struggle with color blindness, consider requesting use of these glasses in your next class!

Have an accessibility need or if you would like to talk through options available at Mesa Arts Center, please contact artstudioclass@mesaartscenter.com.

Learn more about all our accessibility offerings here.

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