From Rising Star to Best in Show: Alexi Karahaliou Brings His Journey to ArcWorks at ArcOpen 2025
- HobbyCrusAider
- Apr 26
- 3 min read
In just twelve months, Alexi Karahaliou @alexikpaints has gone from a promising up-and-comer to one of the most exciting names in the Australian display painting scene.
With a Gold medal in the Standard category at Crimson Brush 2024, Bronze medals at ArcOpen 2024, and a Silver at Guild’s Inn, Alexi spent last year quietly climbing the ranks. But in 2025, he made the leap from rising talent to Gold Level Masters Painter, declaring his achievement by winning the coveted Best in Show at Crimson Brush with his stunning “Vi from Arcane” figurine.
Now, Alexi is set to join the ArcOpen 2025 weekend not just as a competitor - but as an instructor - offering his first-ever ArcWorks workshop, aimed at helping painters push their skills and truly level up.
ArcWorks Session: Consciously Improving Your Painting
Sunday 4 May | 10:00AM - 12:00PM
$30 per person | Pre-booking essential via ArcFest Facebook DMs
What to bring: Sketchbook or notebook and pencil
Alexi’s workshop isn’t about mastering a new brush technique or finding the perfect paint recipe. It’s about how you think about painting - and how to improve with intent.
“In the past I spent plenty of time painting model after model without seeing improvement,” Alexi says.
“That’s what I want to address.”
This session will cover strategies to:
Maximise your practice time
Plan projects for better results
Identify and overcome your weak spots
It’s perfect for painters who feel stuck, or who are ready to transition from casual painting to a more display- or competition-focused mindset.
A Year of Growth - and the Lessons Behind It
A Gallery of Alexi’s 2024 ArcOpen Entries
Alexi’s workshop is grounded in experience. His own transformation as a painter over the last year has come through trial, discipline, and learning to approach miniatures with purpose.
His current favourite project, Mama Gnoma by Spira Mirabilis, is a great example. “It was the first model where I feel like I can say—even if it isn’t perfect—I accomplished what I wanted to,” Alexi explains. “I really tried to put a lot of emotion into the two characters and capture a particular feeling.”
It was also a challenging piece, full of unfamiliar surfaces and techniques: “It had a lot of elements I was trying for the first time, but I think it came together really nicely in the end.”
That willingness to take risks - and push through tough stage - is something he hopes to share with attendees.
“Sometimes the parts I’ve struggled with most end up being the parts I’m most proud of.”
Quickfire with Alexi
Favourite materials to paint:
Skin and faces - “they’re usually the centre of the model, and everything else builds around them.”
Strengths as a painter: Patience and persistence - especially when a model fights back.
Some Artistic inspirations:
Miniature painters: Moses Yao, Marc Masclans, Remy Tremblay, Maciej Kotlinski, Weixuan Wang
Fantasy artists: Paul Bonner, Dan Dos Santos, Jodie Muir, Cedric Payravernay, Bastien Lecouffe Deharme
Local painters: Too many to name - “head to your nearest guild meetup and you’ll find plenty of fellow painters to learn from.”
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This Session
Alexi’s workshop isn’t just about learning - it’s about unlocking progress.
If you’re feeling stuck in your painting, unsure why your work isn’t improving, or just want to find more direction in your creative journey, this is the session for you.
With clear, thoughtful insights and a lived experience of rapid growth.
Alexi’s ArcWorks workshop is a must-attend for any painter looking to level up.
Secure your spot now by messaging the ArcFest Facebook page with your name, phone number, email, and preferred session.
Follow Alexi and see more of his work:
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
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