Ep 1. Episode 1

Portrait Artist of The Year season 4 episode 1, titled "Episode 1," is an exciting and engaging competition between artists to create stunning portraits of famous and interesting models. In this highly-anticipated episode, the show kicks off with ten talented artists from across the UK competing for the prestigious title of Portrait Artist of The Year, a commission to paint a portrait of a famous personality, and a cash prize.

The episode opens with a tantalizing glimpse into the personalities of the artists, as each contestant introduces themselves and their artistic style. It is evident from the outset that they are a diverse group, ranging from seasoned professionals to up-and-coming artists, all with their own unique approach to creating portraits.

The artists are then tasked with creating their first portrait of the series, with only four hours to complete their artwork. The subject of the portrait is none other than acclaimed actor Miriam Margolyes, who gamely poses for the artists while offering funny anecdotes and words of encouragement.

The artists are all given the same sittings with the same lighting and told to be creative in their interpretation of the subject. Seeing each artist's creative interpretation of Miriam Margolyes is fascinating, with every artist taking a unique approach in portraying the subject.

The artists must work quickly and efficiently to capture the essence of the subject in their painting, while also showcasing their own artistic style and technique. As the clock ticks down, it is exciting to see each artist put the finishing touches on their work, with some taking risks and others sticking to a more traditional approach.

Once the time is up, the judges closely examine each portrait, offering insightful critiques and commentary on the artists' techniques and creativity. The judges' feedback proves to be valuable to both the artists and the audience, providing a deeper understanding of what goes into creating a truly great portrait.

Finally, the judges take a vote and announce the winner of the first round of competition. Each artist anxiously awaits the results, with some feeling quietly confident and others appearing genuinely surprised.

Overall, Portrait Artist of The Year season 4 episode 1 is an excellent start to the new season of this beloved artistic competition. With talented artists, fascinating subjects, and insightful commentary from the judges, it is sure to captivate audiences and inspire aspiring painters everywhere.