Ep 9. Episode 9
- January 17, 2007
- 44 min
Portrait Artist of The Year is a British television series that features artists from all over UK who will compete against each other to create the best portrait of a celebrity within the given time frame. The show is hosted by the comedians, Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell. In season 3 episode 9, the remaining artists will paint the portrait of the famous UK comedian, Bill Bailey.
The episode will start with a short introduction to the episode's celebrity sitter, Bill Bailey. The contestants will be introduced as they prepare their equipment and primed canvases for the day's portrait challenge. Each artist will be allocated three hours to complete their task amidst interruptions like changing light conditions and the artist's apprehension of how the painting will look to Bill Bailey.
The episode will showcase the different approaches taken by the artists to create a unique portrait of the celebrity. Some may opt for a classical portraiture style, whilst others may channel in abstract methods. On the other hand, some artists will seek inspiration from Bill Bailey's humor, life journey, and his unique persona, which will set their portrait apart.
As the three hours draw to a near end, the contestants will bring their art to a halt and step back to investigate their work. The judges will then critique the art and give their opinion on how well the artists captured and conveyed Bill's likeness. The artists will then be given a chance to explain every deliberate stroke they made and the inspiration behind it.
After the deliberations, the judges will then announce the top three finalists who will get to exhibit their paintings in the esteemed National Portrait Gallery in London. The winner will receive a commission to paint a prominent personality the following year.
The episode's highlight will be the reveal of the artist's final works and how the celebrity sitter, Bill Bailey, will react to the different interpretations of himself. Viewers can expect a range of emotions from the celebrity sitter, from surprise, amusement, to awe, and appreciation for the artists' talent.
Overall, the episode will be a delight for art enthusiasts and Bill Bailey fans who are keen on the art of portraiture, as they witness the artists at work in real-life and how they bring their interpretation of a celebrity sitter onto a canvas. The episode promises to be educational, insightful, comical and inspiring to all who watch it.