Join us for an Artist Talk with WA Portrait Artists! 

Join four acclaimed WA Portrait Artists for an inspiring artist talk as they delve into their creative processes, sources of inspiration, and the powerful stories behind their works.

Following the talks, audience members will have the opportunity to accompany the speakers to Council House to view the exhibition in person.

Presented by WA Portrait Artists (est. 2012), a collective of artists dedicated to the art of portraiture, this is a unique opportunity to hear directly from the artists about their evolving practice. Members either live in, or have a strong connection to, Western Australia and have been finalists in major national or international portrait prizes, or have joined through a juried selection process.

The WA Portrait Artists exhibition runs from 26 May to 27 June 2025, at the Council House Foyer Gallery – 27 St Georges Terrace, Perth. This exhibition is a rare opportunity to experience the work of some of Australia’s leading portrait artists, brought together to showcase the rich diversity of portraiture within the Western Australian context.
 

Dates: Tuesday 12 June 2025
Time: 12pm – 1pm 
Cost: Free, bookings required.
Venue: City of Perth Library, 573 Hay Street, Perth.

Presenting Artists: 

Jill Ansell – Painting, Portraits and Prizes
Archibald Prize finalist Jill Ansell will speak about her love for portraiture, her creative process, and experiences entering major art prizes including the Archibald.

Sarah McBride – Portraiture as a Societal Dialogue
Sarah explores how portraiture can be used as a powerful tool to challenge social norms, question stereotypes, and reflect the struggles and stories of everyday people—expressing the complexities of society and the human condition through art.

Jenny Davies – Painting #statedaddy
Jenny shares her experience painting former Premier Mark McGowan in 2021 and her journey as a finalist in the Lester Portrait Prize.

Suzanne Lawson – From Process to Painting
Suzanne reveals her approach to creating emotionally resonant portraits—embracing unpredictability, and using light, contrast, and colour to capture the hidden and the fragile.