Last June, I had the incredible opportunity to take part in Landscape Artist of the Year as one of 50 wildcard artists. If you’re not familiar with the show, it features six main pod artists who are typically paint landscapes, while some of the wildcards are also landscape artists and others bring a mix of different artistic styles and approaches.
One of the highlights of the day was being interviewed by Stephen Mangan - one of my favourite UK actors and comedians! (The Split fans, will understand my excitement - Team Nathan! well, in seasons 1&2 😉)
Anyway, back to LAOTY - My challenge took place at Bristol Harbourside, I chose this vibrant and colourful location as it was perfect for my style. Unfortunately, the British weather had other plans, and it rained for most of the day! Thankfully, I came prepared with an umbrella and cable ties, and I was especially glad I chose to work mainly in oils - can you imagine if I wanted to create one of my signature blown ink paintings?! 😅
I have no idea if my interview made the final cut - it airs tonight, Wednesday 26th Feb at 8pm GMT on Sky Arts (it’s a one-hour show, and the focus has to be on the main/pod artists). But, as a newsletter subscriber, you’re getting the first look at the painting I started on the day. Started being the key word, if there’s one thing I learned - it’s that I struggle to finish a painting in just four hours!
Still, the experience was fantastic. I met all the judges and so many wonderful artists, and despite the downpour, it was a day to remember.
One of the most interesting parts was having the public watch me paint, asking questions about my materials and techniques. I also had some fun encounters with the judges - Kathleen Soriano hovered over my shoulder - humming while examining my work (which was both very thrilling and unnerving! for ages, all I could think about was “what did she think”? 😅), Tai Shan Shierenberg said hello to me in the pub during the break, and I even managed to get a photo with Kate Bryan ☺️.
Would I do it again? I’m tempted but I’ll need to master finishing a painting in record time first! Below is the piece I created on the day. I was nervous when I started but proud of what I produced in such a short time, especially with no practice run…and yes, I finished it off when I got home ☺️. I based the piece on my Helpless series of works which uses wedge brushes and palette knives to make rough marks on hand made paper. You can see though that I did start with inks in the sky but quickly stopped when it started raining.
I hope you enjoy the painting and the show if you’re able to tune in! If not, head over to my instagram where there is a reel of some video footage.
Bristol Harbourside For LAOTY, 2024
Original Painting,
60cm x 40cm (approx, tbc)
Oil paint on heavy 360gsm hand made cotton paper
Unframed.
To enquire : Send me an email
Thank you so much for taking the time to read my art blog!
Until next time,
Courtenay x