Browse all episodes of Portrait Artist of the Year

Look back on the best moments from the tenth season of Portrait Artist of the Year.

Best of

Rebecca Ferguson

This special film joins the Sky Arts Portrait Artist of the Year 2017 as they collect a £10,000 commission to paint broadcaster Graham Norton.

Painting Graham Norton

It's crunch time as the three finalists get four nerve-wracking hours to paint The Hobbit actor Sir Ian McKellen. Who will the judges crown the competition winner?

Episode 8

Artists in Scotland paint Gary Kemp, Daniela Nardini and Ashley Jensen. An incredibly close heat means there's a twist in store. With Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell.

Episode 3

The contestants are challenged to paint historian David Olusoga, scientist Maggie Aderin-Pocock, and ballet dancer Sergei Polunin.  Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

David Olusoga, Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Sergei Polunin

The winning artist creates a commissioned portrait of ballet star Carlos Acosta.

Carlos Acosta

Dame Stella Rimington, Big Zuu, Alexis Ffrench

Jim Carter, Benjamin Zephaniah, Ellie Simmonds

Jonathan Van Tam

The 6th heat of the 10th season features 9 artists creating portraits of comedian/actor/presenter Josh Widdicombe, tenor Nicky Spence and dancer/television personality Shirley Ballas.

Josh Widdicombe, Nicky Spence, Shirley Ballas

The six heat winners arrive for the semi-final where celebrity sitter Imelda Staunton awaits. The pressure is on as only three artists will be chosen for the final.

Episode 7

Comedian Noel Fielding, TV presenter Reggie Yates and model Daphne Selfe are the celebrity sitters this week as a group of artists attempts to impress the judges.

Noel Fielding, Reggie Yates, Daphne Selfe

The contestants are challenged to paint comedian Asim Chaudhry, actor Russell Tovey and actress Doreen Mantle. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

Asim Chaudhry, Russell Tovey and Doreen Mantle

The contestants are challenged to paint singer-songwriter Celeste, actress Lydia West, and  journalist Alastair Campbell.  Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

Celeste, Lydia West, Alastair Campbell

Artists vie for the final place in the semi-final by painting Sharon Corr, The Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon and actor Colm Meaney in Dublin. With Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell.

Episode 6

Join the 2014 winner as they plan, paint and unveil their £10,000 commission to paint actor Alan Cumming for the Scottish National Portrait Gallery.

Painting Alan Cumming

The semi-finalists battle for three spots in the series final as they paint jazz star Courtney Pine at Hackney's Round Chapel. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan host.

Courtney Pine

The three remaining artists compete in the final, painting actress Laura Linney before the winner of the career-changing £10,000 commission is announced.

Final - Laura Linney

The contestants are challenged to paint singer Gabrielle, actor Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, and television presenter Grace Neutral.  Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

Gabrielle, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Grace Neutral

The contestants are challenged to paint actor and presenter Gyles Brandreth, conductor Karen Gibson, and actress Sophie Cookson.  Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

Gyles Brandreth, Karen Gibson, Sophie Cookson

The contestants are challenged to paint author Alexa Chung, comedian Nish Kumar, and actor Philip Glenister.  Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

Alexa Chung, Nish Kumar, Philip Glenister

The contestants are challenged to paint naturalist Chris Packham, choreographer Arlene Phillips, and powerlifter Ali Jawad.  Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

Chris Packham, Arlene Phillips, Ali Jawad

Henning Wehn, Lemar, Candice Carty-Williams

The semi-final of the tenth season features the seven heat winning artists and one surprise addition, creating portraits of singer, songwriter and media personality Emma Bunton. The judges will select the seasons three finalists.

Emma Bunton

More artists put their nerves and artistic flair to the test as they paint celebrities Julian Fellowes, Ronni Ancona and Helena Kennedy QC in Edinburgh. With Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell.

Episode 2

Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell search for a new star portrait artist. The celebrity sitters opening the series are David Tennant, Michaela Coel and James Morrison.

David Tennant, Michaela Coel, James Morrison

Investigative journalist Ross Kemp, actor Freddie Fox and Broadchurch star Vicky McClure strike a pose for a new group of portrait artists.

Ross Kemp, Freddie Fox, Vicky McClure

A new group of portrait artists attempt to capture the likeness of actors Kenneth Cranham, Claire Skinner and Sope Dirisu on canvas. Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell host.

Kenneth Cranham, Claire Skinner, Sope Dirisu

Frank Skinner, Joan Bakewell and the judges head to Glasgow as 21 competitors capture celebrity sitters including actor John Hannah and paralympian Michael Kerr.

Glasgow

Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell begin their hunt for the Portrait Artist of the Year. Heat one sees artists paint sitters Sol Campbell, John Humphrys and Maisie Williams against the clock.

Episode 1

Frank Skinner, Joan Bakewell and the judges move the competition to Wales, where 12 gifted artists get just four hours to paint celebrities Non Evans Ade Adepitan and Greg Davies.

Episode 4

The seven semi-finalists battle for a place in the final by painting a double portrait of Richard Dawkins and Sally Hitchiner. With Joan Bakewell and Frank Skinner.

Another spot in the semi-final is up for grabs as nine more fledgling Frida Kahlos get set to paint stars Anna Chancellor, Stephen Graham and Beverley Knight.

Anna Chancellor, Stephen Graham & Beverley Knight

The contestants are challenged to paint actor Ncuti Gatwa, British peeress and socialite Lady Glenconner, and actress Fay Ripley.  Stephen Mangan presents.

The three remaining artists create portraits of renowned actor and comedian Eddie Izzard. The winner is revealed.

Final

The contestants are challenged to paint  journalist Ian Hislop, author Emma Dabiri, and actor Daniel Mays.  Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

Ian Hislop, Emma Dabiri, Daniel Mays

Elizabeth Day, Khadija Mellah, Nick Grimshaw: The opening heat of 2022's search gets underway.

Elizabeth Day, Khadija Mellah, Nick Grimshaw

Lulu, Alex Brooker, Phil Manzanera: The search continues as the artists create portraits to get the ball rolling in the second heat of 2022's competition.

Lulu, Alex Brooker, Phil Manzanera

Suggs, Miquita Oliver, Eve Muirhead

Sir Lenny Henry

The 2nd heat of the tenth season from the Battersea Arts Centre features 9 artists creating portraits of radio and TV presenter Nihal Arthanayake, journalist and food critic Jay Rayner and television presenter and journalist Susanna Reid.

Jay Rayner, Nihal Arthanayake, Susanna Reid

The 3rd heat of the 10th season features 9 artists creating portraits of academic/diplomat/author/broadcaster/former soldier/former politician Rory Stewart, chef/television presenter Ainsley Harriott and comedian/actor/writer Rob Delaney.

Rory Stewart, Ainsley Harriott, Rob Delaney

The 7th heat of the 10th season features 9 artists creating portraits of social media creator and reality television contestant Joe Sugg, actor Daryl McCormack and actor/television presenter Lenny Rush.

Joe Sugg, Daryl McCormack, Lenny Rush

A new group of artists aim to impress with a portrait of three well-known celebrities.

Lucy Worsley, Ricky Hatton, Musa Motha

Nine artists compete in a portrait challenge, capturing likenesses of musician Self Esteem, model Emma Thynn, and surgeon Dr. Karan Rajan at London's Battersea Arts Centre in the season's final heat.

Rebecca Taylor, Emma Thynn, Dr. Karan Rajan

Joan Bakewell and Frank Skinner begin their search for Sky Arts' Portrait Artist of the Year in London, where artists are asked to paint stars such as Alison Steadman.

London

The nine contestants are challenged to paint actor Ken Stott, director Mike Leigh and actress Lydia Leonard. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

Ken Stott, Mike Leigh and Lydia Leonard

The contestants are challenged to paint actress Kelly Macdonald, actor Hugh Skinner, and actress Polly Walker.  Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

Kelly Macdonald, Hugh Skinner, Polly Walker

The contestants are challenged to paint Pink Floyd drummer Nick Mason.  Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

Semi-Final: Nick Mason

Bruno Tonioli, YolanDa Brown, Helen Sharman

Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell take the competition to Dublin where 21 artists hope to wow the judges with portraits of Pauline McLynn, David Rawle and Lethal Bizzle.

Dublin

James Norton, Raleigh Ritchie and Lesley Manville are the sitters as the artists compete for the £10,000 commission. Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell host.

This week's famous sitters are model Rachel Hunter, actress Stefanie Martini and Game of Thrones star Conleth Hill as the portrait painting competition continues.

Rachel Hunter, Stefanie Martini, Conleth Hil

It's the semi-final and the remaining artists attempt to impress the judges with their portraits of this week's celebrity sitters - model Lily Cole and actor Simon Callow.

Lily Cole, Simon Callow

This special film follows the winner of Portrait Artist of the Year 2018 as they paint a commissioned portrait of Sex and the City actress Kim Cattrall.

The Winner's Story

It's brushes at the ready as nine more artists battle for the last spot in the semi-final. With Daniel Lismore, Jodie Comer and Nick Moran.

Jodie Comer, Daniel Lismore & Nick Moran

Cush Jumbo, Baaba Maal, Carly Paoli

The seventh heat of the eleventh season from the Battersea Arts Centre in London sees 9 artists creating portraits of journalist/broadcaster Martha Kearney, designer/writer/presenter Kevin McCloud and former model/activist Heather Mills.

Heather Mills, Kevin McCloud, Martha Kearney

In the semi-final, eight artists are given a choice of colours and textures to feature in their portraits of Joely Richardson.

Joely Richardson

This week, the contestants paint celebrity sitters Sue Perkins, Richard E Grant and Nina Sosanya. But who will the judges send through to the next round?

Downton Abbey actress Elizabeth McGovern, Harry Potter film star Fiona Shaw and Paralympic gold medalist Kadeena Cox sit for a new group of portrait artists.

Elizabeth McGovern, Fiona Shaw, Kadeena Cox

In the last of the heats, actress Meera Syal, star of stage and screen Sir Derek Jacobi and broadcaster Kirsty Wark sit for a new group of portrait artists.

Meera Syal, Derek Jacobi, Kirsty Wark

David Gandy, Ashley Walters and Anne Reid strike a pose as nine more hopefuls bid to paint their way to the semi-final. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan host.

David Gandy, Anne Reid & Ashley Walters

Actor Trevor Eve, Fortitude star Parminder Nagra and author Ben Okri are the celebrity sitters this week as a new group of artists attempt to impress the judges.

Nine artists race the clock to capture Eddie Hall, Jodie Kidd and James Purefoy on canvas. Whose work will land them a spot in the semi-final? Let the judges decide.

Eddie Hall, Jodie Kidd & James Purefoy

A new bunch of hopefuls pitch their easels as they bid to paint their way to the semi-finals. Mark Gatiss, Georgina Campbell and Tanni Grey-Thompson strike a pose.

Georgina Campbell, Mark Gatiss & Tanni Grey-Thompson

Join this year's winner as they plan, paint and unveil their £10,000 commission of music legend Tom Jones for the National Museum of Wales. Last in the series.

Winner's Film Tom Jones

The nine contestants are challenged to paint Deborah Findlay, Wunmi Mosaku and Omid Djalili. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

Deborah Findlay, Wunmi Mosaku and Omid Djalili

The contestants are challenged to paint actor and director Kwame Kwei-Armah, Olympic rower Dame Katherine Grainger and maître d'hôtel Fred Sirieix.  Stephen Mangan presents.

The winner embarks on their £10,000 prize commission to create a portrait of Dr Jane Goodall for the National Portrait Gallery.

Winners Story

Broadcaster Adrian Chiles, actress Sian Phillips and actor Phil Davis sit for a group of portrait artists this week. Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell host.

It's the final and the three remaining artists hope to impress the judges as they paint celebrity sitter Tom Courtenay and win a career-changing £10,000 commission.

Episode 8 - Final

The contestants are challenged to paint poet John Cooper Clarke, TV presenter Fearne Cotton and actress Haydn Gwynne. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

John Cooper Clarke, Fearne Cotton and Haydn Gwynne

The contestants are challenged to paint journalist Trevor McDonald, actress Mirren Mack and drag queen The Vivienne.  Stephen Mangan presents.

The contestants are challenged to paint barrister  Robert Rinder, writer Katie Piper and director Don Letts.  Stephen Mangan presents.

Episode 5

The contestants are challenged to paint actor Eddie Marsan, actress Sian Clifford and actor Paul Mescal.  Stephen Mangan presents.

The contestants are challenged to paint actor David Haig, actor Jordan Stephens and actress Jane Horrocks.  Stephen Mangan presents.

The final heat takes Joan Bakewell and Frank Skinner to Wales where artists paint a topless Gavin Henson, Lucian Freud's muse Sue Tilley and war veteran Simon Weston.

Cardiff

Michael Ball, Robert Bathurst, Anita Rani

Ready, set, paint! Nine eager artists get four hours to capture stars including Matthew Goode as this year's search begins. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan host.

Matthew Goode, Geraldine James and Andi Oliver

Nine more hopefuls get just four hours to make their mark on the judges as they paint Nitin Sawhney, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Adrian Lester.

Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Adrian Lester & Nitin Sawhney

Nine more artists fight for a spot in the semi-final, getting just four hours to wow the judges with paintings of Angela Griffin, Gina McKee and Jamael Westman.

Angela Griffin, Gina McKee & Jamael Westman

The 5th heat of the 10th season features 9 artists creating portraits of actor/presenter Nigel Havers, news reader/journalist Mishal Husain and business person Vanessa Kingori OBE.

Nigel Havers, Mishal Husain, Vanessa Kingori

In London, 12 artists attempt to impress the judges by capturing celebrities including Jilly Cooper and Daniel Roche. One contestant uses tapestry to depict Melvyn Bragg.

The contestants are challenged to paint DJ Trevor Nelson, actor and director Noel Clarke and former Pussycat Doll Ashley Roberts. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

The contestants are challenged to paint former Strictly judge Len Goodman, rapper Tinie Tempah and actress Harriet Walter. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present.

The nine contestants are challenged to paint Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson, Line of Duty star Adrian Dunbar and actress Zawe Ashton. Joan Bakewell and Stephen Mangan present

Ricky Wilson, Adrian Dunbar and Zawe Ashton

The contestants are challenged to paint author Deborah James, actor Eamonn Walker and presenter Melanie Sykes.  Stephen Mangan presents.

The contestants are challenged to paint singer Ray BLK, actor James Nesbitt and fashion designer Pam Hogg.  Stephen Mangan presents.

In the final, the three remaining artists paint the Australian actor Barry Humphries. The winner is revealed.

Final: Barry Humphries

The winning artist creates a commissioned portrait of Violinist Nicola Benedetti.

Nicola Benedetti

The final of the tenth season features the three finalists creating a portrait of broadcaster, author and presenter of Artist of the Year Joan Bakewell. The judges will select the seasons winner who will receive a £10,000 prize commission.

Joan Bakewell

The penultimate stage of the competition takes the four finalists to the French Capital, where they have six hours to paint author and model Sophie Dahl.

Paris

Musician Rick Wakeman, Hairy Biker Dave Myers and singer Katie Kissoon are the sitters awaiting a new group of portrait artists as the competition continues.

It's the final and the portrait artists are challenged to paint multi award-winning singer-songwriter Emeli Sande before the judges pick a series winner.

The Final: Emeli Sande

Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell launch a new search for a star portrait artist. The contestants will paint celebrity sitters as they hope to win the £10,000 prize.

Rosie Jones, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Andy Cole

Jill Scott, Jimi Famurewa, Lyall Hakaraia

Artists from the UK and Ireland compete by creating portraits of famous people.

All Episodes of Portrait Artist of the Year

Season 1

Glasgow

Season 1 Episode 2 - Aired 11/12/2013

London

Season 1 Episode 1 - Aired 11/5/2013

Dublin

Season 1 Episode 3 - Aired 11/19/2013

Cardiff

Season 1 Episode 4 - Aired 11/26/2013

Paris

Season 1 Episode 5 - Aired 12/3/2013

National Portrait Gallery

Season 1 Episode 6 - Aired 12/10/2013

Painting Hilary Mantel

Season 1 Episode 7 - Aired 12/17/2013