As part of Arts Season and the Vic Park Community Portrait Prize 2025, we invite the artistically curious to try a hand at portraiture!

Led by expert alumni from the prestigious Lester Prize, these FREE workshops will guide participants through the process and techniques of capturing a person’s likeness, essence & energy. You’ll explore a range of approaches and mediums to bring your portrait to life.

Designed for all skill and experience levels, whether you're new to painting or are wanting to level up, you'll be sure to pick up a trick or two.

And for those considering entering the 2nd Vic Park Community Portrait Prize, the sessions will help build confidence and refine skills to hopefully submit your work to the Portrait Prize.

However, entry to the Portrait Prize is not required to attend a workshop—everyone is welcome to join, learn, and create!

Workshop details

Self-Portraits from Life, step-by-step with Andrew Daly

Wednesday 12th March: 6pm - 8pm

Participants will learn the fundamentals of portraiture, painting a self-portrait using a mirror with acrylic paints.

- Setting up a pose - Sketching out the composition - Seeing tonal relationships - Blocking in coloured shapes & details

All artistic materials provided
BYO apron if desired
If you have a mirror with a stand, feel free to bring too

Portraits in Progress, feedback session with Natalie de Rozario

Saturday 22nd March: 10am - 12pm

Bring your work in progress—at any stage—and get expert feedback to refine your portrait, gain confidence, and prepare for the Vic Park Community Portrait Prize!

Table easels provided
BYO whatever materials you are using on your artwork
If you haven't yet started your piece, you can bring along a photo and materials to get started

The Vic Park Community Portrait Prize

An exhibition (and awards) by community, of community, for community...

If you live, work, play or have historical ties to the Vic Park area, we welcome you to try your hand at portraiture to capture the faces, tales and diversity of this wondrous community!

The Vic Park Community Portrait Prize is open to anyone and everyone, no matter your experience, age, or style. The only requirement is that both Artist and Subject must be connected to the Vic Park area in some way.

Submissions are FREE, and beginners are highly encouraged to give it a go!

3 x cash prizes for stand out entries
Entries close Sunday 6th April
Selected entries to feature in the Exhibition & Awards night on Friday 11th April
For more details click here