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, reference image and preferred oil-painting materials (non-toxic, low-odour medium required).All levels are welcome, although some basic experience with oils is recommended.

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.