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 Margaret Olley, known for her observational detail and vibrant palette; Brett Whiteley, whose expressive and dynamic portraits capture personality and emotion; and Del Kathryn Barton, celebrated for her bold colors and intricate, contemporary designs. 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.
While the exact dates for the 2025 Young Archie competition have not been announced yet, based on previous years, entry forms are typically available online from mid-February to mid-March. For instance, in 2024, entry forms were available from 12 February to 17 March. We anticipate a similar timeline for 2025 and will keep students and parents informed as soon as the official dates are released.
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 Archies” Term
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Expressing Personality Through Portraiture: Students will learn how to capture the essence of their subject, drawing inspiration from Margaret Olley’s ability to convey personality through intimate detail, Brett Whiteley’s dynamic and emotive compositions, and Del Kathryn Barton’s intricate and symbolic storytelling. They will explore how to infuse portraits with individuality and emotional depth.
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Exploring Color for Mood and Character: Like Whiteley and Barton, who used vibrant and unconventional color 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.
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Techniques in Composition and Design: Drawing inspiration from these great artists, students will study different approaches to composition. From Whiteley’s fluid and spontaneous layouts to Barton’s intricate detailing and layering, students will practice balancing elements within their portraits to create visually compelling works.
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Texture and Brushwork for Detail and Expression: Students will experiment with brush techniques, from delicate detail reminiscent of Olley’s still lifes to bold, energetic strokes inspired by Whiteley. They will explore how texture can enhance expression and bring a portrait to life.
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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 or incorporating symbolic elements like Barton, 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.