Creative Powerhouse Nat Szymczak Joins ArcWorks Lineup at ArcOpen 2025

Following the exciting announcement of her role on the ArcOpen 2025 judging panel, we’re proud to share that Nat Szymczak @evalaina will also be teaching a dedicated ArcWorks workshop at this year’s ArcFest.

Nat is well known across the Australian hobby scene for her bold use of colour, whimsical compositions, and detailed freehand work. Her painting style fuses design fundamentals with storytelling, and her pieces have a way of catching your eye - and holding it.

Now, with ArcOpen fast approaching, she’s bringing her skills and signature style to the teaching table.

ArcWorks Session: Freehand on Miniatures

Sunday 4 May | 1:00 - 3:00PM

$30 per person

Pre-booking essential via ArcFest Facebook DMs

What to bring: Sketchbook or notepad and pencil

In this two-hour ArcWorks session, Nat will help you get comfortable with one of the most intimidating techniques in miniature painting: freehand.

The class will focus on two key skills:

• How to transfer and modify a repeated design from flat paper to a sculpted surface

  
  

• How to integrate that design into the surface material or texture - so it looks like part of the model, not just something sitting on top of it

It’s perfect for painters looking to build confidence and creativity, or add narrative flair to their miniatures through more expressive surface work.

Creative Growth

Nat’s path into miniature painting began in 2016 with board games and Warhammer, but it was the discovery of display painting - and the community that comes with it—that really lit the fire. Over time, she developed a style full of vibrant colours, thoughtful lighting, and artistic choices that often push the boundaries of conventional presentation.

Her recent favourite piece, Mama Gnoma, is a perfect example of that. “She’s a testament to how much I’ve grown in all stages of the skill over the years,” Nat says. “A friend described it as ‘feeling like a warm hug,’ and that’s stayed with me.”

Alongside her reputation as an award-winning artist, Nat is also a dedicated teacher. She’s run workshops at PAX, Crimson Brush, and Guild’s Inn, and is passionate about helping painters step outside their comfort zone to explore new techniques and mediums.

Whether it’s helping students plan ambitious projects or encouraging them to embrace what makes their work unique, Nat’s classes are known for being accessible, friendly, and packed with insight.

Quickfire with Nat

• Favourite things to paint: Cloth and skin - “you can shift the whole feel of a piece with just those two elements.”

• Strengths: Creativity, follow-through, and sticking with ambitious plans (even if she overcommits).

• Inspiration: Too many Aussie painters to name - “which says a lot about the local talent.”

  
  

Whether you’re joining her for feedback at the judges panel or sitting in on her ArcWorks workshop, Nat brings a unique blend of energy, insight, and artistic courage that makes her a standout addition to ArcOpen 2025.

Spaces for her workshop are limited - book early via the ArcFest Facebook page to avoid disappointment.

Follow Nat on Instagram @evalaina or visit her portfolio at www.evastudios.com.au.

To join in this year’s ArcWorks Painters Workshops you’ll need a ticket - General Admission or ArcOpen. Tickets are available here: https://acme.arcscore.events/t/arcfest