Portrait Artist of The Year

Watch Portrait Artist of The Year

  • 2020
  • 7 Seasons
  • 8.4  (362)

Portrait Artist of the Year is a British television show produced by Storyvault Films in which portrait artists compete against each other to create the best portrait of a celebrity sitter. Each episode features three artists who have been selected from a large pool of applicants, all hoping to win the title of Portrait Artist of the Year.

The show is presented by comedian Frank Skinner, who brings his wit and humor to the proceedings. Skinner introduces the contestants and celebrity judges, provides commentary throughout each episode and engages in lighthearted banter with the artists as they work on their portraits. Skinner’s affable personality makes for an enjoyable watch and allows for a relaxed atmosphere within the competition.

Tai Shan Schierenberg, an accomplished portrait artist in his own right, serves as one of the show’s three judges. Schierenberg, along with the other judges, provides critique of each portrait produced and ultimately decides which artist will move on to the next round. Each episode is unique in that it features a different celebrity sitter, who is selected based on their relevance and influence in popular culture.

The show features a wide range of artists from those who are amateur to experienced and professional artists. This variety of artists brings an element of excitement to the show as it is thrilling to see what each artist can produce. The contestants come from all walks of life, with different skill levels and backgrounds, ranging from an amateur painter to a trained artist.

Each episode is divided into three rounds, with one elimination each round. The first round allows the artists to capture a quick sketch of the sitter, followed by a longer painting in the second round. The third and final round is a wildcard, where the remaining artists get to choose their own subject, giving viewers a glimpse into their own artistic style outside of the competition.

Throughout each episode, the artists face a variety of challenges. From working with different materials and mediums, to painting with the sitter in motion, the challenges keep the artists on their toes and push their abilities to the limit. The pressure is high as each round progresses and the artists are aware that they must produce their best work in order to move on to the next round.

Throughout the show, the audience has the opportunity to see behind the scenes of each artist's creative process. From the initial drawings and sketches to the completed portraits, viewers can see the technique that each artist utilizes to bring their portrait to life.

Ultimately, the show culminates in a tense and exciting finale where the remaining artists compete for the title of Portrait Artist of the Year. The finalists are given a longer time frame to produce a portrait of a public figure, which then goes on display at the National Portrait Gallery.

The show has been praised for its ability to showcase the talent of both amateur and professional artists, as well as for its unique concept in the world of reality television. It provides a platform for new and emerging artists to showcase their work, as well as celebrate the craft and skill of traditional portraiture.

Portrait Artist of the Year is a delightful watch for anyone who appreciates art and talent competitions. It is an engaging and entertaining show that never takes itself too seriously, making for a thoroughly enjoyable viewing experience.

Portrait Artist of The Year is a series that is currently running and has 7 seasons (69 episodes). The series first aired on March 31, 2020.

Portrait Artist of The Year
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Seasons
The Winner's Story: Painting Carlos Acosta
11. The Winner's Story: Painting Carlos Acosta
December 16, 2020
From over 1000 applicants, 72 artists made it to the heats, 8 made it to the semi-final and just 3 to the final, where our worthy winner for this seventh series of Portrait Artist of the Year was selected.
Semi Final - Eddie Izzard
10. Semi Final - Eddie Izzard
December 16, 2020
After making it through the semi-final, just three artists remain in the running to become Portrait Artist of the Year. Artists have four hours to create their portraits, and find Battersea Arts Centre transformed to provide the perfect setting for their sitter - renowned actor, comedian and activist, Eddie Izzard.
Bernardine Evaristo
9. Bernardine Evaristo
December 9, 2020
Just three artists will be chosen to go through to the next stage, where they will be within touching distance of a GBP 10,000 prize commission to paint Cuban ballet icon, Carlos Acosta for the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. So which three artists will make it through to the final?
Kwame Kwei Armah, Dame Katherine Granger, Fred Sirieix
8. Kwame Kwei Armah, Dame Katherine Granger, Fred Sirieix
December 2, 2020
In this eighth heat, 9 artists are challenged to create a portrait of one of 3 celebrities: actor and playright Kwame Kwei Armah, Olympic athlete Dame Katherine Granger and TV restaurant manager Fred Sirieix.
David Haig, Jordan Stephens, Jane Horrocks
7. David Haig, Jordan Stephens, Jane Horrocks
November 25, 2020
In this seventh heat, 9 artists are challenged to create a portrait of one of 3 celebrities: actors Jane Horrocks and David Haig, and musician, actor and presenter Jordan Stephens.
Eddie Marsan, Sian Clifford, Paul Mescal
6. Eddie Marsan, Sian Clifford, Paul Mescal
November 18, 2020
In this sixth heat, 9 artists are challenged to create a portrait of one of 3 celebrities: actors Eddie Marsan, Sian Clifford and Paul Mescal.
Robert Rinder, Katie Piper, Don Letts
5. Robert Rinder, Katie Piper, Don Letts
November 11, 2020
In this fifth heat, 9 artists are challenged to create a portrait of one of 3 celebrities: criminal barrister Robert Rinder; author, model and presenter Katie Piper and film maker, musician and DJ Don Letts.
Ray BLK, James Nesbitt, Pam Hogg
4. Ray BLK, James Nesbitt, Pam Hogg
November 4, 2020
In this fourth heat, 9 artists are challenged to create a portrait of one of 3 celebrities: musician Ray BLK, actor James Nesbit and designer Pam Hogg.
Deborah James, Eamonn Walker, Melanie Sykes
3. Deborah James, Eamonn Walker, Melanie Sykes
October 28, 2020
In this third heat, 9 artists are challenged to create a portrait of one of 3 celebrities: author and campaigner Deborah James, actor Eamonn Walker and model and presenter Melanie Sykes.
Sir Trevor McDonald, Mirren Mack, The Vivienne
2. Sir Trevor McDonald, Mirren Mack, The Vivienne
October 20, 2020
In this second heat, 9 artists are challenged to create a portrait of one of 3 celebrities: veteran current affairs journalist and presenter Sir Trevor McDonald, actor Mirren Mack and drag queen The Vivienne.
Ncuti Gatwa, Lady Glenconner, Fay Ripley
1. Ncuti Gatwa, Lady Glenconner, Fay Ripley
October 13, 2020
In this first heat, 9 artists are challenged to create a portrait of one of 3 celebrities: actors Ncuti Gatwa, and Fay Ripley and Lady Glenconner. To reach the semi-final, artists will need to impress judges Kathleen Soriano, Tai Shan Schierenberg and Kate Bryan.
Description
Where to Watch Portrait Artist of The Year
Portrait Artist of The Year is available for streaming on the Storyvault Films website, both individual episodes and full seasons. You can also watch Portrait Artist of The Year on demand at Amazon Prime and Tubi TV.
  • Premiere Date
    March 31, 2020
  • IMDB Rating
    8.4  (362)