Get expert feedback on your art – book a free one-on-one portfolio review in our Portfolio Surgery morning sessions.

In our free Artist Portfolio Surgery, an established artist and industry expert will provide constructive feedback, professional guidance and practical tips on how to strengthen your presentation, technique, and overall artistic vision.

They’ll help you identify areas for improvement and discuss ways to refine your work. You’ll also receive tailored feedback while engaging in thought-provoking discussions about the creative process, career development, and the challenges of being an artist in today’s dynamic art world.

This is a rare opportunity to gain valuable insights, refine your practice, and take your work to the next level.

Sessions are only available for individual artists and not groups.

What to Expect at a Portfolio Surgery

• Personalised one-on-one feedback from an established artist or creative industry professional.
• Constructive guidance to help refine your artistic voice, creative direction, and presentation of work.
• Practical career advice on opportunities, networking, and next steps in your artistic journey.
• Support with portfolio presentation, including layout, documentation, and how to talk about your work confidently.

What to Bring With You

• A selection of your artwork. This could be either physical pieces, sketchbooks, or digital images on a tablet or laptop.
• An up-to-date artist CV or short bio, including exhibitions, education, or relevant experience.
• A portfolio or digital folder that best represents your style and range of skills.
• A statement or short summary describing your practice and what inspires your work.
• Questions or goals you’d like to discuss, such as applying for residencies, approaching galleries, or developing a specific project.
• A notebook or device for jotting down feedback and recommendations.

Don’t worry if you don’t have everything listed – just bring what you can! The sessions are designed to support artists at all stages, whether you’re developing your first body of work or refining an established portfolio.

Our Portfolio Surgeries are simply a creative conversation. It’s your chance to get honest, professional feedback, explore new perspectives, and build confidence in presenting your art.

Portfolio Experts:

Jacqueline Utley and Hayley Field

Jacqueline Utley and Hayley Field are painters who also work together on a project called Obscure Secure.

They aim to demonstrate the creative impact of historical women artists on contemporary practice, engaging the public, peers, and institutions in issues around representation and equality.

Their collaboration is also integral to the ongoing development and production of their individual painting practices.

Over the past 10 years they have worked with Colchester and Ipswich Museums, Britten Pears Arts and Towner Eastbourne to research women artists in collections and have received Arts Council England project grants and a Developing Your Creative Practice award.

Rebecca Riess

Rebecca’s solo exhibition ‘Lossless’ is currently on show at Firstsite.

Rebecca Riess was born in London in 1972.  She received her BFA from The Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore MD, USA 1994 and MFA from Columbia University, School of The Arts, NYC, USA 1996.

In 1995 she attended Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture residency program USA.

Rebecca lives and works in Suffolk where her practice involves drawing, painting, sculpture and stitching. She has exhibited in the US (including LA, Chicago, NYC) in Europe, and more recently has had solo shows at 303 Projects, The Art Station and Panrucker Gallery London.

In 2025 she was awarded the Clyde & Co art prize through New Platform Art and she is a Firstsite Bursary winner 2026.

Find out more about the exhibition and artist

This Portfolio Surgery – Morning Session is held as part of The Firstsite Art Fair!