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Past Winners

2020 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.

2020 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.

2019 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.

2018 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.

2017 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!

2014 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.

2013 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.