Young Archie Competition – Art Class Focus Topic
In the “Young Archies” topic, students will focus on creating meaningful and personal portraits as they prepare entries for the prestigious annual Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) Young Archie competition. This competition celebrates young artists aged 5–18, challenging them to capture the essence of someone special in their lives, such as a family member, friend, or someone who inspires them.
About the AGNSW Young Archie Competition
Beginning in 2013, the Art Gallery of NSW invited budding artists between the ages of 5 and 18 to submit a portrait to the Young Archie competition.
This annual competition is judged by the Art Gallery’s family programs manager and a guest judge, based on merit and originality.
There are four age categories: 5–8 year olds, 9–12 year olds, 13–15 year olds and 16–18 year olds.
As well as online, all finalists are displayed at the Art Gallery of New South Wales in conjunction with the Archibald, Wynne and Sulman Prizes exhibition.
Artworks receiving an honourable mention are also displayed online and, since 2014, at Sydney’s SH Ervin Gallery.
Please note:
- Entries must be received by the Art Gallery of NSW by Monday 3rd March 2025 at 5pm
- There is no fee for entry.
- Important information on how to enter and prizes is provided at https://www.artgallery.nsw.gov.au/art/prizes/young-archie/enter/
DO NOT bring entries to Sydney Art School. The competition is run by AGNSW (Art Gallery of NSW) and entries must be posted to them or delivered in person by the cut-off date. Entries must be submitted directly to AGNSW (postal or in-person) and that Sydney Art School will not handle submissions.
Additional Prizes for Sydney Art School Students
Sydney Art School encourages all eligible students to enter the Young Archie. Any enrolled student who receives an award in the competition will receive an additional prize from the School:
- Winner: Complimentary Resource Kit plus 2 terms of art classes for kids at SAS
- Finalist: Complimentary Resource Kit plus 1 term of complimentary art classes at SAS
- Honourable Mention: Complimentary Resource Kit
Preparation for the Term
We strongly encourage you to choose the subject of your portrait & bring a photo to your first class
The portrait must be of a person who is special to you – someone who is known to you and who knows you and plays a significant role in your life. So if you paint your best friend as if they were a superhero, that would be eligible, but a portrait of a superhero would not. A portrait of someone you knew who has since died is eligible too.
You may also enter a self portrait.
The AGNSW prefers that the portrait is ‘painted from life’ and that your subject has a sitting for their portrait, like with the Archibald Prize. You may also create the portrait from memory or take your own photograph to use for reference.
What Will the Students Do & Learn
In the “Young Archies” topic, students will focus on creating meaningful and personal portraits as they prepare entries for the prestigious annual Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW) Young Archie competition. This competition celebrates young artists aged 5–18, challenging them to capture the essence of someone special in their lives, such as a family member, friend, or someone who inspires them.
Throughout the term, students will study the styles and techniques of renowned Australian artists, including Margaret Olley and Brett Whiteley. They will learn how to use intricate detail and storytelling, bold and expressive compositions, and vibrant, symbolic designs to bring their portraits to life.
By the end of the program, each student will have completed a finished portrait ready for submission to the Young Archie competition. This experience not only provides an opportunity to showcase their skills on a prestigious platform but also encourages them to express their individuality and creativity, celebrating their unique artistic voices.
Our classes will guide students through the artistic process, from understanding the fundamentals of portraiture to exploring techniques in drawing, painting, and composition. Students will gain inspiration from some of Australia’s most celebrated artists, including Margaret Olley, known for her observational detail and vibrant palette; Brett Whiteley, whose expressive and dynamic portraits capture personality and emotion. By studying these artists, students will learn to infuse their own portraits with creativity, individuality, and depth.
Through a mix of structured lessons and creative exploration, students will build confidence in their artistic skills while being encouraged to express their unique perspectives. They’ll also gain insights into the process of entering their work and celebrating the achievements of young artists across Australia.
Skills Students Will Develop in the Young Archie Program
Capturing Personality in Portraits:
Students will learn how to bring expression and character into their portraits by observing features, emotions, and storytelling elements. Inspired by Margaret Olley’s rich details and Brett Whiteley’s dynamic compositions, they will practice making their portraits more lifelike and expressive.
Using Color for Emotion & Mood:
Students will experiment with color choices to show different emotions, learning how warm and cool tones can change the feeling of a portrait.
Composition & Layout:
How to plan and arrange the face and background to make a visually strong portrait. Inspired by Whiteley’s bold lines and Olley’s balanced scenes, students will explore different portrait styles.
Exploring Texture & Brushwork:
Students will use different pencil, pastel, or paint strokes to add texture and personality to their portraits, experimenting with how different materials change the look of a face.
Telling a Story in a Portrait:
How to add personal meaning to a portrait by choosing a background, pose, or color scheme that tells a story about the person being painted.
By exploring the techniques and styles of celebrated Australian artists, students will not only build technical skills but also discover how to express their unique perspectives through portraiture. These lessons will prepare them to create meaningful and captivating entries for the Young Archie competition, reflecting the emotional and artistic depth celebrated by this prestigious event.
