Landscape Artist of the Year Returns with Star Hosts and Stunning Views
Mark your calendars! Sky Arts’ hit series Landscape Artist of the Year returns on 11th January 2023, airing on Sky Arts, Freeview, and NOW. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan are back to host this eagerly anticipated eighth series, following their smash-hit run on Portrait Artist of the Year.
Epic Locations Challenge Talented Artists Across the UK
The eight-episode series spans five heats, a semi-final, a grand final, and a prize commission. Artists will battle it out in some of the UK’s most jaw-dropping locations. From the gothic Castle Ward in Northern Ireland—famous as the Game of Thrones’ Winterfell— to the buzzing Blackpool Pleasure Beach, this season is packed with variety.
For the first time ever, the series will film at the elite Royal Ascot, known as one of the toughest spots to paint. Semi-finalists face the engineering wonder of the 1 Barrier, before the finalists take on the quirky Italianate village of Portmeirion in Wales.
High Stakes and Fierce Competition
- Eight artists per heat choose their favoured medium and have just four hours to create a plein air masterpiece.
- Judges Tai Shan Schierenberg, Kathleen Soriano, and Kate Bryan decide who advances, keeping eyes peeled on progress throughout the day.
- 50 wildcards – pro and amateur hopefuls off the official list – compete for a wild-card spot, with one chosen each week to join the semi-final.
- The six heat winners plus the winning wildcard battle in the semi-final, and from there three finalists emerge.
£10,000 Prize and Prestige Up for Grabs
The winner walks away with a £10,000 commission from Royal Museums Greenwich to create a piece inspired by The Van de Veldes, Dutch pioneers of seascape art. This artwork will be displayed in the Queen’s House as part of a March 2023 exhibition celebrating Dutch masters.
Hosts and Judges Share Their Excitement
Philip Edgar-Jones, Director of Sky Arts: “Landscape Artist of the Year never fails to uncover incredible artistic talent, showcasing a glorious range of interpretations of the British landscape. Watching the work come together is always a joy – it turns out watching paint dry is pretty exciting.”
Joan Bakewell: “It’s always a delight hosting Landscape Artist of the Year. I’m constantly fascinated by how our gifted artists are able to interpret the beauty of such a variety of landscapes in just four hours! I look forward to showcasing the outstanding talent this series has to offer.”
Stephen Mangan: “I can’t wait for audiences to see the brilliantly talented artists we have this series. The magic of seeing these artists turn a blank canvas into a work of art is a marvel to witness. It’s why I keep coming back!”
