Watch Portrait Artist of The Year

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 ran for 10 seasons (102 episodes) between March 31, 2020 and on Storyvault Films