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On Friday, Nov. 20, two adults can make observation-based pastel portraits at Windgate Art School, with Will Barnet’s approach to mood and identity as a reference.
All times are local to the venue · America/Chicago
The portrait exercise brings structure and expression together: participants work from observation, attending to facial proportions and model positioning as well as the expressive use of color.
AMFA links the studio portrait exercise to Will Barnet’s approach to mood, expression and identity. The event listing says participants will explore those qualities, then work in pastel on a portrait from observation, considering facial proportions and model positioning.
Expressive color is also part of the stated focus, connecting the arrangement of a face with the portrait’s mood.
Further reading: Art For Two: Pastel Portrait Drawings – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
The workshop’s connection to Barnet comes through AMFA’s exhibition Will Barnet: Seasons of Life, which drew on works on paper in the museum’s foundation collection. The exhibition followed shifts in Barnet’s career, from documenting social realities during the Great Depression to developing abstraction in postwar New York and returning to a new kind of realism in the 1960s.
That show ran May 2 through Oct. 11, 2026, and will have closed before the Nov. 20 class. Barnet’s work supplies context for the portrait exercise; the exhibition itself is not part of the evening.
Further reading: Art For Two: Pastel Portrait Drawings – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Will Barnet: Seasons of Life – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
Art For Two is a one-night class for a pair, but the finished work is individual: each participant makes and takes home a piece. AMFA says no prior art skills are needed, and class materials are included.
Further reading: Art For Two: Pastel Portrait Drawings – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts - Home ↗
AMFA describes one continuous workshop: Barnet’s handling of mood and identity informs an observation-based pastel portrait, rather than a series of separately timed activities.
The workshop runs from 6 to 9 p.m. Central time.
Art For Two: Pastel Portrait Drawings – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
The event listing gives a $120 rate for AMFA members; admission covers two people, both age 18 or older. Materials are included. AMFA says its Reduced Tuition Program is automatically applied to all classes through 2026; the listed event prices are $150 and $120 for members.
Art For Two: Pastel Portrait Drawings – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Windgate Art School – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
Use the event’s registration link to check current enrollment status. The available information does not confirm whether places remain.
AMFA cannot reschedule individually missed classes and does not prorate or refund missed classes.
Art For Two: Pastel Portrait Drawings – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts - Adult Classes ↗
For safety, Windgate requires closed-toe shoes in all studios; sandals and Crocs are not allowed. Tie back long hair so it cannot catch on powered equipment. Do not wear loose jewelry, and avoid clothing that is too loose. Wear comfortable clothes that can get a little dirty.
Present the Art For Two registration receipt at Park Grill for a complimentary appetizer. The offer is valid for one year from the workshop date and is separate from class admission.
Art For Two: Pastel Portrait Drawings – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts - Museum Map ↗
AMFA’s general visitor information lists wheelchairs available on a first-come basis, mobility aids permitted throughout the museum, portable stools in the galleries, and sensory bags and weighted blankets available through Guest Services. These are general museum accommodations, not confirmed arrangements for this workshop’s studio.
Windgate notes that physical requirements vary by studio and medium. Contact AMFA ahead with questions or requests about this class.
Accessibility Accommodations – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Windgate Art School – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
The event is at Windgate Art School, Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, 501 East Ninth Street, Little Rock, AR 72202. For class, follow the covered walkway to the double doors on the left and press the call-box button; security will ask which class you are attending.
The Art School entrance is open for entry from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Students can leave after 8 p.m. but cannot enter then, so arrive before the cutoff. AMFA’s Mobile Guide has an Art School section for finding the classroom.
Art For Two: Pastel Portrait Drawings – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Windgate Art School – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
Students may use guest parking spaces in AMFA’s lot. If it is full, Windgate lists the Firehouse Museum & Hostel lot at 1201 Commerce Street or street parking along Commerce, Rock or 11th Streets.
AMFA’s map identifies the Art School. The venue guidance does not list transit routes.
Windgate Art School – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts - Museum Map ↗
AMFA’s general visitor information lists wheelchairs on a first-come basis, permits mobility aids throughout the museum, and offers portable stools in the galleries and sensory bags and weighted blankets through Guest Services. These general accommodations are not confirmed specifically for the workshop studio.
Because Windgate says physical requirements vary by studio and medium, contact AMFA in advance with questions or requests about this class.
Accessibility Accommodations – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Windgate Art School – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
No. The exhibition ended Oct. 11, 2026. Barnet’s work is a reference for the class, but the exhibition will not be on view on Nov. 20.
Art For Two: Pastel Portrait Drawings – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Will Barnet: Seasons of Life – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
Yes. AMFA says no previous art skills are required and class materials are included.
Art For Two: Pastel Portrait Drawings – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗ · Windgate Art School – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
It covers two adults, both age 18 or older. The listed price is $150, or $120 for AMFA members.
Art For Two: Pastel Portrait Drawings – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
The class entrance is open for entry until 8 p.m. You can leave later, but cannot enter after 8, so plan to arrive before then.
Present it at Park Grill for a complimentary appetizer. The offer is valid for one year from the workshop date and is separate from admission.
Art For Two: Pastel Portrait Drawings – Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts ↗
501 East Ninth Street, Little Rock, AR 72202
Map search by venue and address. Check the organiser’s entrance details before travelling.
Images from the linked sources. Each caption identifies the context of the image.
Event, planning and background information checked 2026-11-01 against the linked sources.