ArcWorks - introducing Painter-focused Workshops at ArcFest
- HobbyCrusAider
- Apr 25
- 3 min read
ArcFest 2025 is proud to present ArcWorks: a new series of painter-focused workshops connected to ArcOpen and Studio d’Arc.
Whether you’re a new painter looking to improve, a veteran wanting to push your techniques further, or someone curious about the art of display painting,
ArcWorks brings you insight, skill-building, and inspiration from some of Australia’s top miniature artists.
This year’s ArcWorks line-up features three fantastic instructors: Nat Szymczak (@evalaina), Alexi Karahaliou (@alexikpaints), and Matt Mak (@matties_minis) - each bringing their own flair, expertise, and passion to the table.
These interactive 90-minute workshops are a rare opportunity to learn directly from painters at the top of their game, with engaging talks, live demonstrations, and plenty of time for questions.
The ArcWorks Sessions
10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Matt Mak - The Realism Filter
Learn how Matt uses oils, enamels, and pigment powders to create a sense of realism, atmosphere, and environment in his miniatures.
This session is a perfect introduction to incorporating alternative mediums into your painting repertoire. Matt will be painting live, sharing his thought process, and inviting discussion and questions throughout.
“I love faces, I love realism, and I love experimenting with new techniques. Let’s get gritty.”
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM
Nat Szymczak - Freehand Painting
Join talented artist and ArcOpen 2025 Judge Nat Szymczak (@evalaina) for a session on drawing inspiration from your own creative instincts.
Nat will take you on a deep dive into the art of freehand on miniatures — for many this is a challenging often frustrating next step - but it can be one of the most expressive and rewarding aspects of painting.
This session focuses on two key challenges: first, how to transfer and adapt a repeating design from a flat concept onto a sculpted, curved surface; and second, how to integrate that design so it feels like part of the material or surface finish, rather than something simply painted on top.
Whether you’re looking to add a detailed pattern to fabric, script on a purity seal, or something more ambitious, Nat will share practical methods, artistic insights, and creative ways to help make your freehand work feel intentional and beautifully embedded into the model.
As Nat puts it, “cloth and skin are where I find my storytelling. They shape how people feel about a model before they even see the rest.”
What to bring:
A notepad or sketchbook
A pencil or pen for notes and doodles
2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Alexi Karahaliou - Consciously Improving Your Painting
Alexi (@alexikpaints) brings a thought-provoking approach to skill progression. In 12 months Alexi has taken his skill from standard category Medalist to Best in Show at this year’s Crimson Brush. So if anyone has something to share about creating a path for dramatic improvement it’s Alexi.
“I want to discuss ways you can push your painting forward - making the most of your practice time, planning your projects for better outcomes, and learning to identify areas that need improvement.
“I don’t have much to teach you in terms of new brush techniques, but I’ve spent plenty of time in the past painting model after model without seeing real progress - and that’s exactly what I want to address.
If you’re someone who wants to improve - especially if you’re looking to dig into display painting or push your projects to the next level—I hope you’ll leave the session with new ways of thinking about your work that will help you grow your skills and take your painting further.
“I want to help people who feel stuck. You don’t always need new brushes - you might just need a new way of thinking.”
What do you need to bring
For each session our Presenters have asked that you bring a Sketchbook and/or notepad so that you can take down ideas and record the key insights you learn from attending.
How to Book Your Spot
Each ArcWorks session is $30 per person, payable on the day. Spaces are limited.
To secure your place, message the ArcFest Facebook page with:
Your name
Phone number
Which session(s) you’d like to attend
We can’t wait to see you at the workbench.
You’ll need a ticket to ArcFest to join in any of the activities we have running across the weekend, including these workshops. So grab your ticket here:
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