This is a self-portrait created by observing yourself in a mirror or from a photograph. It’s a direct and honest way to explore how you see yourself. You can focus on your expression, clothing, or even your mood at the time.

This kind of portrait is about looking closely and capturing what you see. It doesn’t have to be perfect or flattering—it’s about being present and truthful in your observation.

You could sit in front of a mirror and draw or paint what you see. Try different expressions or angles. You can do lots of sketches before you decide on your final artwork.

This is a portrait of Alexander Wilson who became a world famous ornithologist. He came from Paisley. John Byrne was inspired by his story and wanted to make a painting of him. This painting is from Byrne's imagination and does not look like Wilson. However it represents him and is still a portrait of him. He has surrounded him with birds because that was Wilson's passion. Again the birds are not exact representations, but that's okay. This is a decorative piece from the artist's imagination.

You could create a portrait of someone who you admire. Draw them in a style you like rather than trying too hard to make it look like them, and surround them with images of things that are connected to them.

This is a portrait of the artist John Byrne by Steven Campbell.

The artists both took part in a project where they were paired up and asked to paint each other. They both found it quite daunting and challenging. The idea of painting another artist and being painted and looked at came up in their conversations.

This is a complex painting by Campbell which shows how emotional he felt. We think the person on the easel is Campbell himself as he is being painted by Byrne. He has hidden Byrne within the Paisley Patterns to the left of the easel. Byrne is famously from Paisley.

You could pair up with someone else and draw or paint each others portrait. You can do lots of sketches before you fix on how you want your final artwork to look.

This is a portrait of the artist Steven Campbell by John Byrne.

The artists both took part in a project where they were paired up and asked to paint each other. They both found it quite daunting and challenging. The idea of painting another artist and being painted and looked at came up in their conversations. They met and made sketches and drew each other. Both tried to make paintings a few time before they felt happy with their final works. This is a straightforward painting which shows Campbell as he was dressed and sitting in front of Byrne when they met.

You could pair up with someone else and draw or paint each others portrait. You can do lots of sketches before you fix on how you want your final artwork to look.

A portrait can be a painting of objects or a space that tell the story of a person -like 'The Studio' by John Byrne.

This is a self-portrait.

Even though Byrne is not in the painting, he is represented by his objects, like his bag, palette, brushes and easel. You can see his cup of tea. John was always drinking tea and didn't mind if it went cold.

You could make a self-portrait by creating an image of objects that tell the story of you.

Image, Identity and Imagination!

What do we show the world—and what do we keep inside?

Theme – Portraits. Get Inspired by John Byrne and Steven Campbell!

This exhibition invites young artists to explore the many ways we express who we are. Whether through portraits of people or objects that represent them, your artwork can reflect how you see yourself, how others see you, and how we all form ideas about one another. Are we more than what we appear to be? Do we judge ourselves and others by their image? Let your imagination guide you as you draw, paint, or create a portrait that tells a deeper story—of identity, emotion, and the power of being seen.

All mediums are welcome—painting, collage, sculpture, digital art, photography, and more. But we encourage everyone to begin their creative journey with drawing. Drawing helps us slow down, look more closely, and truly see what’s in front of us—and within us. It’s a powerful way to explore ideas, observe real life, and think beyond the surface. Whether you're sketching a face, an object, or a feeling, drawing can help you discover new ways of understanding yourself and others.

We have created some guided resources for drawing games that help you loosen up and develop your hand eye co-ordination. Artists use these exercises to warm-up before they start a drawing. We encourage you to do the same. They’ll sharpen your skills – and they’re fun!

Stuck for ideas on how to start? Have a look at the suggested lesson ideas. Please use, adapt or ignore!!

First have a look at the paintings from our collection and ‘Get Inspired!'.

We have included 3 optional lesson plans to give you some ideas, and a drawing techniques Ppt and worksheet. Please use, adapt or ignore them as you wish!!

Get Inspired by the paintings below!

Please attach one to the back of each artwork. NO STAPLES.

Art UK is a fabulous resource - have a look!!

You will find all of the oil paintings in Paisley Museum's collection and in all public collections in the UK. You can search by artist, title, location.....