1300 ART CLASS - 1300 278 252
ENQUIRE NOW

Term Topic – What Students Will Do and Learn – Young Archie – 2025 Term 4

This term, our young artists will embark on an inspiring journey into portraiture as they prepare for the prestigious Young Archie competition, held annually by the Art Gallery of New South Wales (AGNSW). The Young Archie competition invites children and teenagers aged 5–18 to celebrate creativity by creating portraits of someone special to them—whether a family member, friend, or someone who inspires them.

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

  • Kathrin Longhurst, known for her high-realist figurative portraits that transform themes of identity, gender, and cultural heritage into messages of hope and empowerment;
  • Vincent Fantauzzo, whose photorealistic and expressive works capture the essence and emotion of his subjects with striking intimacy; and
  • Del Kathryn Barton, whose vibrant, psychedelic portraits blend fantasy, femininity, and emotional depth to evoke wonder and personal connection. 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. By the end of the term, students will have completed a finished portrait ready for submission to the Young Archie competition. They’ll also gain insights into the process of entering their work and celebrating the achievements of young artists across Australia.

Please note:

Preparation for the Term

We strongly encourage you to choose the subject of your portrait & bring a photo to your first class this term.

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.

Let’s celebrate the joy of art and self-expression as we inspire the next generation of portrait artists!

Skills Students Will Learn in the “Young Archie” Term

  • Expressing Personality Through Portraiture: Students will learn how to capture the essence of their subject, drawing inspiration from Kathrin Longhurst’s high-realist figurative portraits that convey identity and empowerment, Vincent Fantauzzo’s photorealistic works that reveal emotional depth and intimacy, and Del Kathryn Barton’s vibrant, psychedelic compositions that weave intricate and symbolic storytelling. They will explore how to infuse portraits with individuality and emotional resonance.

  • Exploring Color for Mood and Character: Inspired by Kathrin Longhurst’s nuanced use of tone to evoke hope, Fantauzzo’s emotive and atmospheric color choices, and Barton’s bold, unconventional palettes, students will experiment with color to evoke mood, highlight character traits, and add vibrancy to their works. This exploration encourages an expressive approach to color selection.

  • Techniques in Composition and Design: Drawing inspiration from these celebrated artists, students will study different approaches to composition. From Longhurst’s balanced and evocative layouts to Fantauzzo’s intimate and focused framing and Barton’s intricate, layered designs, students will practice balancing elements within their portraits to create visually compelling works.

  • Texture and Brushwork for Detail and Expression: Students will experiment with brush techniques, from Longhurst’s refined realism to Fantauzzo’s expressive and textured strokes and Barton’s intricate, tactile detailing. They will explore how texture can enhance expression and bring a portrait to life.

  • Personal Interpretation and Storytelling: Like the artists they’ll study, students will learn to add personal meaning and narrative to their work. Whether by focusing on their connection to the subject, as seen in Fantauzzo’s intimate portrayals, or incorporating symbolic elements like Barton’s fantastical motifs, students will develop their own artistic voice and storytelling abilities.

By exploring the techniques and styles of these 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.