Portrait Exchange Painting Class
Details
TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE
Join a relaxed, creative and playful session where pairs paint portraits of each other.
The workshop takes place at BE Ka Art Studio, Elena’s atelier, overlooking the Thames.
If you don’t arrive with a painting partner, a lighthearted pairing process (such as a simple draw) will be used, making it easy and fun to connect with others.
No artistic experience is needed. This is a light, social and engaging experience designed to spark conversation, creativity and laughter—while creating something uniquely personal.
Elena, visual artist and teacher, will guide you step by step. You’ll begin with a quick and simple sketch, learning how to place and balance facial features on the page. You’ll then move on to painting with acrylics, exploring colour in a playful way, and finish with markers to add bold, refined or pop-inspired details if you'd like.
The focus is not on perfection, but on expression, connection and enjoyment. You’ll leave with a colourful portrait and a shared fun experience to remember.
At the end of the session, you can choose to keep your artwork as a personal memento, or gift it to the person you’ve painted.
## What you’ll get
- Step-by-step guidance on facial proportions, features, and how to sketch your subject before painting
- All materials provided: pencils, erasers, apron, acrylic paints, palettes, brushes, and a table easel
- Your finished portrait to take home or gift: choose between an A4 paper for painting, a 25 × 20 cm canvas boardor a 30 × 40 cm stretched canvas at checkout
## Please bring
BYOB – No drinks or food will be provided. You’re welcome to bring your own.
The studio is close to local favourites such as The Orchard Café and Layers Bakery**,** if you’d like to grab a drink or snack before or after (both open every day until 4 pm).
Aprons are provided, but we recommend comfortable clothes that you don't mind getting a little paint on.
## Good to know
- Suitable for complete beginners
- Enjoy a discount when booking two tickets ✨
- Ideal for individuals, friends, couples, dates, birthdays, gifts, hen dos, parent-child pairs, family members, colleagues, team-building or corporate workshops, offering a fun and creative way for groups to connect.
- Step-free access available
## 📍Location – Trinity Buoy Wharf
The workshop takes place at Trinity Buoy Wharf, a historic 19th-century site on the Thames, now home to one of London’s most vibrant creative communities.
You may wish to arrive early or stay after—there’s always something to explore. At weekends, you can visit London’s only lighthouse (free of charge), where you’ll find Longplayer, a thousand-year musical composition for singing bowls. An unexpected sound bath, and the perfect way to begin — or continue — your journey.
More info: https://www.trinitybuoywharf.com
The entry gate will be open from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., so please don’t be late. If you arrive after that, unfortunately, we won’t be able to let you in.
## Privacy & Consent
By attending this event, you agree to the possibility of being photographed or filmed. These images may be used for marketing or promotional purposes, such as on our website or social media. If you prefer not to appear, please let the organiser know on the day, and we will ensure you are not included.
