ARCWORKS SPOTLIGHT: MATT MAK @matties

Matt Mak is one of those painters who just gets atmosphere. His miniatures feel like they stepped off a storybook page - gritty, grounded, and full of life.

After stepping away from the hobby for a time, it was a Primaris Invictus Warsuit that pulled him back in, forcing him to re-learn how to paint from scratch. That project, months in the making, is still one of his most meaningful.

However, faces are Matt’s favourite surface - “I love faces,” he says simply - but his broader strength lies in improvisation and adaptation. He’s not afraid to experiment, try new materials, and push through tough painting sessions.

That’s made him a bold, distinctive artist whose work regularly stops people in their tracks.

In his ArcWorks session - The Realism Filter - Matt will guide painters through using oils, enamels, and pigment powders to bring depth and atmosphere to their miniatures.

This is a beginner-friendly intro to weathering and storytelling through texture, with live painting, discussion, and plenty of room for questions.

Whether you’re curious about environmental effects or just want to see how Matt builds his signature mood, this is a session you won’t want to miss.

Matt draws inspiration from legends like @olthar, @daemonrich, @bb_miniatures, @toraji_art, @pax_acrylica, and @miguelminisâ€”and swears by Spanish painters in general.

Oh, and if you’re cooking or buying dinner for him, serve pasta: mezzo rigato for meat ragu, spaghetti for aglio e olio, or orecchiette with fagioli. He told us that he really loves pasta!

We hope you love Matt’s workshop.

ARCWORKS WORKSHOP

The Realism Filter

Instructor: Matt Mak @matties_minis

Saturday 3 May, 10:00 - 11:30am

$30 per person - Payable on the day

Pre-booking essential via ArcFest Facebook DMs

Bring: Notebook/sketchpad & pencil.

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