Feet up popcorn Ready!

Feet up, Popcorn ready…...it’s been a long wait, but this gripping eight-episode series is kicking off tonight… and I took part! 

A brand-new series of Landscape Artist of the Year, airing on Sky Arts, Freeview and NOW; every Wednesday starting tonight, 11th January 2023.

It’s going to be a long wait for Episode 4, (1st February) set at the pleasure beach, where I ruined my golf brolly and obliterated most of the memories, due to extreme weather and a crazy viewpoint. There’s still an embargo to share too much but can’t resist a small teaser.  

Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan are back as hosts, and it was great to get the chance to see them and speak in person…. even if it was only about the size of my table! 

 “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!” and I couldn’t agree with Stephen more.

Alongside the artists competing in the heats are 50 wildcard entrants - keen professional and amateur artists who have not made the official contestant list. Was it a crazy decision to drive six hours to Blackpool to take part as a wild card?

Well actually NO, I wasn’t the only artist who had come from a far corner of the country to meet up on that extremely challenging day. The colourful, complex view of the pleasure beach was not for the faint-hearted and the screams from the rollercoaster were only echoing my inner angst.

Throughout the day the judge mentals, Tai Shan Schierenberg, curator Kathleen Soriano and art historian Kate Bryan came out in all weathers to keep us motivated and lend a discerning eye.

Tonight starts with Blackpool day 1, North Pier.