Workshops

I will schedule horse render courses with You in the future…why? Because it’s certainly the most difficult animal to draw and you instruct so technically it enables the student to draw a horse thus it becomes approachable and almost easy…

Also the way you showed us how to lay down oil paint – technique was a game changer…the second day of the class.

Jasmin- Sedona

 August 6–7, 2026
Members: $125 | Non-Members: $150

Whether you’re new to painting or looking to refine your skills, this two-day workshop with acclaimed Prescott artist Francis Beegle will provide a strong foundation in acrylic painting while encouraging creativity and artistic growth.

Participants will explore essential painting techniques including brush handling, color mixing, grayscale values, shapes, soft and hard edges, and the effective use of light and shadow. Through live demonstrations, hands-on practice, and individualized guidance, students will complete two engaging projects—a vibrant Colorful Bear and a scenic Southwest Landscape—while developing the skills needed to create successful paintings of their own.

Francis brings years of artistic training and teaching experience to the classroom. Since moving to Prescott in 2014, she has become an active member of the local arts community, studying at the Scottsdale Artists’ School and continuing her artistic development through regular workshops and instruction. Her work has been exhibited throughout Arizona, including a solo exhibition in Sedona, and one of her paintings was selected for exhibition at the prestigious Salmagundi Club in New York City.

A dedicated educator, Francis has taught at the Phippen Museum, Yavapai College, and the Mountain Artists Guild, where she also serves as Education Coordinator. Known for her welcoming teaching style and ability to make painting approachable for all skill levels, Francis believes that anyone can learn to paint with practice, encouragement, and a willingness to explore.

A supply list will be provided for beginners. Students who already have materials are encouraged to contact the instructor to discuss what they may wish to bring.

Materials List (suggested) Acrylic Workshop with Francis Leon Beegle:

The following is what I recommend you bring to the class or workshop. Basically you want to bring everything you need to do a painting, and these are my suggestions.

CANVASES:
You may use canvases or panels. Please bring at least four (4) panel/canvas per day of the workshop. I recommend sizes such as 9×12, 11×14, 12×12 or 12×16. I don’t recommend bringing anything larger than 12” x 16.” I use Pintura Paint Panels (carried by Jerry’s Artarama), in case you’d like to try what I use. You can buy inexpensive ones on Amazon or Michaels.

BRUSHES:
Acrylic brushes – I use flats (brights if I am painting on canvas) in bristle brushes ranging in sizes from #2 to #12. I do most of my painting with a #4 and #8 flat. You may use whichever type of brush you’d prefer, but bring at least one larger brush, size #8 or larger. The brand I prefer is Princeton Dakota series 6300F. And I use a small brush, called a liner or rigger, for details.

SOLVENT (there is a thinner for acrylic paint from Amazon.. Liquitex Professional Effects Medium, 118ml (4-oz), Flow Aid (about $14). Water works too, but still dries faster.

ACRYLIC PAINT COLORS:
You may bring the colors of your choice to the class or workshop. I encourage you to buy the highest quality paints you can afford. I found a huge difference in my painting enjoyment and results when I switched from student grade to professional grade paints, and I began using far less paint.

I will be painting with acrylics in this workshop, but virtually everything in the workshop translates beautifully in oils as well. I use a slow-dry acrylic called Golden Open (they also have simply Golden, which are not slow-dry). If you want to experiment with my palette of colors, it consists of: Titanium White, Bismuth Vanadate Yellow, Yellow Oche, Cadmium Orange; Quinacridone Red; Transparent Red Iron Oxide; Phthalo Blue (red shade) [note: If you’re fairly new to painting, try Cobalt Blue or Ultramarine Blue instead, as the Phthalo colors are very strong and a little hard to control.]; Teal, Chromium Oxide Green; Payne’s Gray, and Burnt Umber. The Yellow Oche and Burnt Umber are optional for me (I don’t always use them). Using these colors is optional – you may use whatever palette of colors you prefer.

PALETTE: You can buy an inexpensive plastic palette from any art supply store. I recommend one no smaller than 9×12, but 12×16 is better. Also, paper towels and/or a few rags are really helpful and apron always handy to wear.

PHOTOGRAPHIC REFERENCE:
If time allows will be working on a photo of your choice. Working from an iPad or desktop is fine, but a photo on a phone is too small.

EASELS: Bring your own easel, either stand-up or table top