Upwey Archies Adult Portrait Workshop

Learn the secrets behind a great portrait

This three-hour workshop for adults and teens 15+ offers practical guidance as you create your Archies portrait.

You’ll paint alongside others in a supportive, pressure-free environment where curiosity, experimentation and progress are more important than perfection.
We’ll begin with a short portrait demonstration, followed by one-on-one guidance and feedback.

The workshop will finish with a group viewing, clear next steps and notes to take home.
You’re welcome to start a new portrait or continue one already in progress. 

Please bring your Archies board (boards are now SOLD OUT so will not be available to purchase on the day), reference image and preferred painting materials (non-toxic, low-odour medium required) some basic drawing materials and acrylic  paints will be provided but if you would like to work in oils, please bring your own.

All levels are welcome, although some basic experience with oils is recommended if you intend to work with oil paint.

About the Facilitator

French-born artist and product designer Laurie Guetat received the Highly Commended award in the 2025 Upwey Archies for her piece 'Gwen'.

With more than 15 years’ industry experience and a background in facilitating creative workshops, she brings a practical, design-led approach to portraiture.

Laurie loves helping people turn observation into purposeful choices, encouraging them to see a portrait not simply as something to copy, but as a design element within an image — something that can be emphasised and arranged to create a stronger artistic statement.