In 2022 I had the unexpected privilege of taking part in Sky Arts: Portrait Artist of the Year. It was right at the very beginning of my art career, and being invited onto the show after my first-ever application felt almost unreal. I remember rereading the email several times just to convince myself it was actually happening.
Filming day itself was a whirlwind. I arrived to find a studio buzzing with energy, filled with incredibly talented artists working in every medium you can imagine. Our heat had three sitters, and each of us was randomly assigned one on the day. That moment alone was a mix of excitement, nerves, and a tiny hope that the universe had a sense of humour when it came to who I’d end up painting.
From there, the famous four-hour challenge began. It’s amazing how fast four hours disappear when you’re trying to create a portrait under bright lights with cameras floating around you. Between the gentle interruptions for interviews and the general pressure of knowing it’s all being filmed, your brain ends up juggling far more than just paint and proportions.
I had been selected with a self-portrait I’d painted earlier that year—a piece that marked a real shift in my confidence. Being chosen because of it felt like a quiet confirmation that I was moving in the right direction. But what truly stayed with me was the sense of community. The conversations with the other artists, the presenters, and the crew made the day feel welcoming and supportive, despite the intensity.
It was an experience I will always treasure. If you’d like to watch it, my episode still airs regularly on Sky Arts and is also available to stream on NOW TV.
