Join us for this month’s koha life drawing session. We’ll be taking inspiration from several Adam Portraiture Award 2026 finalists: Tony Guo, Emma Hercus and David Owain Jones. Their portraits show sitters absorbed in a good book, and our model will be bringing that same energy to the session.

We’ll be drawing from 2 to 4 pm. Please arrive a little early to set yourself up. We’ll take a short kaputī (cup of tea) break halfway through.

This is a koha event. The New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata is an independent gallery that relies on grants and private donations, so if you’re able to contribute, your support is appreciated.

Thankyou to Almighty Sparkling Water for providing us with tasty inu (drinks) for these sessions.

Interested in modeling? Contact us—we're always looking for sitters. Everyone is welcome to join!

Feel free to document your own work at these sessions and share it with us directly or on social media. But please be mindful not to photograph the model during the session.

Accessibility Information: The New Zealand Portrait Gallery is an accessible venue, all on one level. There is an accessible wharepaku at the back of the venue. The gallery has automatic sliding doors and glass doors that can be pushed or pulled to enter. We have a wheelchair available for use within the gallery, and there is low stool seating throughout. If you have any questions regarding accessibility or if there is something we could do to make your visit easier, please get in touch.