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Past Winners

Series 10 Portrait Winner
Wendy Barratt

Actually taking part in Portrait Artist of the Year was something that 10 years ago I could never have imagined, but in 2023 I finally decided to put myself out there to see what would happen. I often describe the experience of PAOTY as a white knuckle ride with paint – but it was also a ride that I did with some wonderfully talented and inspiring fellow artists and with the support of the amazing production team at Storyvault. The kindness and critique from the judges who are so highly respected in the art world gave me the confidence to believe in myself and my abilities which has been worth it’s weight in gold.Winning the competition and with it the opportunity to create a portrait for the National Portrait Gallery is one of the most self-affirming and exhilarating experiences of my life.

Series 9 Portrait Winner
Morag Caister

The whole experience was rewarding at every single stage, and the intense nature of it pushed my practice forward so much. Having the opportunity to take part was life changing! I grew so much from how you’re challenged, and I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to work with the most amazing people.Taking part is a wonderful and unique way to have your work seen by people who may not have come across it otherwise, and then there are the opportunities that follow. Even the stage of preparing and submitting your self portrait is so good for your work and way you see it. Don’t hesitate to apply, it will only help you progress as an artist and bring you into contact with an amazing community!

Season 8 Landscape Winner
Finn Campbell-Notman

Did I really win!? By winning Landscape Artist of the Year I’ve painted my way out of a corner and that’s a huge life and career affirming thing to be able to say. Very often artists work far from the spotlight and when we do come to expose our work, and therefore ourselves, to an audience it can be discombobulating. But not on LAOTY. It is an entirely collegiate, supportive and friendly experience – all of the crew, presenters, judges and fellow artists are on the same team so the competition itself feels more like a very enjoyable game and that allowed us all to focus and simply to try to do our very best on the day. New friendships were forged, joy and struggles, elation and disappointment shared and if feels like we made something together. Making the winners film was enormous fun and then making the commission a huge challenge knowing that the painting would be exhibited at Queens House alongside the masterful Van de Veldes. Rising to that challenge and recalling where it started – early one cold, grey and rainy morning in Blackpool – when unveiling the painting in Greenwich is something I will remember for the rest of my life.

Series 8 Portrait Winner
Calum Stevenson

Taking part in Portrait Artist of the Year was a life-changing experience for me. Winning the competition brought my work to a much wider audience, sparked opportunities I’d only dreamed of and connected me to people who truly appreciate my work. As a young artist, the exposure has been invaluable, opening doors to exciting new projects and raising my profile as an artist. The competition itself can feel daunting and stressful at times, but the incredible team at Storyvault always made the process enjoyable and put me at ease. Working alongside so many talented artists was thrilling, and I was lucky to form lasting friendships along the way.
It’s been a journey of growth, creativity, and unexpected rewards. To anyone considering entering, I’d say go for it – you never know how far it might take you.

Series 7 Landscape Winner
Elisha Enfield

When I applied to the show I had no idea how much I would learn and grow. Being a part of Landscape Artist of the Year had an amazing impact on my career, but it is the connections I made with fellow artists and in my own practice that have been eye opening. As scary as venturing out of your comfort zone seems, the development it enables is vital; I am not the same person I was going into this competition. I would encourage anyone thinking of doing so, to apply.

Series 7 Portrait Winner Christabel Blackburn

Being a part of Portrait Artist is hard to describe as it meant so much to me. Terrifying, character building, fun, exhausting, exhilarating and enriching, it changed my life and built my confidence which was drastically lacking. Everyone who works on the show is lovely, and sharing the experience with the other contestants has forged invaluable relationships. I am so grateful to everyone who makes this incredible show and to the awe inspiring judges who I’ve looked up to for years and never dreamed they’d be saying my name at the end of the 2020 show. To anyone who is considering entering and is on the fence- do it. And to those that didn’t get through first time… try again! That happened to me and I won second time round. You won’t regret it.

Series 6 Landscape Winner
Ophelia Redpath

At the age of 55, I feel my life has had an immediate turnaround as a result of taking part in Landscape Artist of the Year. The very fact that my submission piece gave me a place in LAOTY was a massive boost. The competition itself couldn’t have been a more genuine affirmation of life. The amazing array of talent from the other artists, the kind and professional crew, the locations and weather, all with their own challenges and character, the judges with their wealth of experience, and the wonderful presenters, Joan and Stephen, all made it unforgettable. I couldn’t have hoped for a more lively, colourful and vibrant experience. There was nothing to be frightened of, and everything to be inspired and excited by. So, to anyone who would like to apply, there is nothing to lose, and so much to gain. Good luck!!!!

Series 6  Portrait Winner
 Curtis Holder

I think I experienced every possible emotion while taking part in Portrait Artist of the Year, but mostly it was a joy. It was inspiring to work alongside so many talented artists and to share our love of creating art. The challenge to produce each portrait in only four hours created a sense of urgency that encouraged me to experiment, pushing my drawing forward in unexpected ways. Hearing the judges critique my work and say that I have something unique and special to offer has boosted my confidence and drive to succeed. Winning the competition and the opportunity to create a piece of work for a major institution like the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery has been eye-opening and life-changing. The whole process has been a precious and self-affirming experience. If you’re thinking about entering, my advice is to go for it – whatever happens, you’ve got nothing to lose.

Series 5 Landscape Winner Fujiko Rose

It was a hugely fun experience and that experience is what pushed me to actually do and sell fine art.

Series 5 Portrait Winner
 Duncan Shoosmith

I would heartily recommend entering Portrait Artist of the Year. It’s well out of most artists’ comfort zone but it’s all the better for it. It’s bizarre, it’s stressful and it’s exhausting…but it’s also incredibly rewarding both on a personal and professional level. I now have a mountain of work, and a firmer confidence in myself as an artist…not to mention some new strong friendships.

Series 4 Landscape Winner
Jen Gash

The whole process was just amazing – life changing to be honest.

Series 4 Portrait Winner
Samira Addo

This competition came at such a pivotal time for me and I’m so glad I took the leap! Every experience from the 4 hour challenges, to meeting my sitters, to working with the crew has been a pleasure. It’s been great to be in an environment where there are artists from all walks of life, to see and learn how they work and even though it’s a competition the general vibe is uplifting and supportive. I feel my work has actually developed throughout the process and it has given me confidence as well as great exposure.

Series 3 Landscape Winner
Tom Voyce

Taking part in Landscape Artist of the Year was a wonderful experience. Having my work scrutinised by the judges was terrifying but also really rewarding. I was unsure about applying at first but the competition process was a challenging, fun and positive experience that teaches you so much about yourself and your artistic practice. I have really believed in myself as an artist since winning and the exposure that my work has received, combined with the opportunities I`ve been presented with have been fantastic. Now I have a growing number of solo shows and I`m exposing my art to a wider audience.

Series 3 Portrait Winner
 Gareth Reid

I’d describe the past year as exciting, stressful, exhausting, affirming, and pure fun. The other artists and the crew are all so lovely that it`s a joy to take part in. They were very special days that will live long in the memory, and the impact that the exposure has had on my career has been huge. I wish I could do it all again but I have work to get on with!

Series 2 Landscape Winner
Richard Allen

Taking part in Landscape Artist of the Year was a truly exhilarating experience. The validation of winning, and having my work endorsed by the judges is, of course, humbling and gratifying. The exposure that my work has had and the opportunities I`ve been given since winning have been invaluable. For me, usually a solitary, private person; embracing that performance element to painting whilst talking about and demonstrating my process has afforded me insights about my art that I would otherwise never have had.

Series 2 Portrait Winner
 Christian Hook

This is not a gimmicky programme. There is no humiliation or personal probing, just a real search for talent. Taking part was such a positive experience. It helps you to see the strengths and weaknesses of your own work. Aside from that, it is a really fun day and you are surrounded by like-minded people. This is a programme that is serious about unearthing talent and it gives you an amazing opportunity to get your work noticed by a wider audience.

Series 1 Landscape Winner
Nerine McIntyre

Winning the competition has had an amazing impact on my career as an artist. I`m so busy with painting and I have had a lot of commission work as a result of the programme. I also have my first solo exhibition planned for later this year.

Series 1 Portrait Winner
 Nick Lord

Since the show I`ve been presented with amazing opportunities; I`ve exhibited in my first solo show, as well as being commissioned by some of the most prestigious establishments in the U.K. Most importantly, Portrait Artist Of The Year gave me the beauty of time. This has allowed me to concentrate on developing my work, as well as furthering my artistic knowledge. As a result of this, I feel as though I`ve improved significantly as an artist.Is given me the confidence to focus on what I want to paint, helping me unlock my full potential as an artist.

Feeling inspired?

You can get involved in either competition by applying to be a competitor or visit one of the events being filmed. You can find out more information about each competition on our Landscape Artist of the Year page or our Portrait Artist of the Year page. Please follow @SkyArts, Instagram, Facebook or join our mailing list to be kept informed of developments for both programmes.