Review: Episode 8 of Portrait Artist of the Year 2019
I don't suppose that when the producers of Portrait Artist of the Year asked Jodie Comer to sit for Episode 8 that they realised that they would have an actress who has been nominated for very many global awards in the period between sitting and broadcasting.
Just goes to show how important portraits are for recording moments in time....
I'm pleased to say that you can see the names and profiles of all the artists in every episode of Series 5 on one page on the Sky Arts website. Just the credits at the end of the programme to get fixed now.....
There were four professional artists - with a variety of backgrounds and experience.
It's always worthwhile listening to the reasons why the Judges like the different self-portraits. I think I like Kathleen's the best - she's the most articulate in my opinion - although I don't always agree with her!
Amazing what a difference a year makes - hence the voiceover for Jodie Comer.
I heard three key themes in terms of comments from the artists - and I assume that they may well be asked the same question - and then include those which worked best and/or got the best answers.
(I remember being filmed once and giving the BBC producer an answer I KNEW they would not include in the programme because it was too trite for words!)
Interestingly, when you watch the programmes through three times as I do before writing these reviews, I often pick up on things I don't spot the first or second time watching. Like how often certain artists speak - and say something really insightful - or something really stupid. It's a great indicator for who's going to be in the shortlist!
READ MORE......>>
Just goes to show how important portraits are for recording moments in time....
 |
| Jodie Comer sits for Portrait Artist of the Year 2019 |
The Artists, Self-portraits and Sitters
I'm pleased to say that you can see the names and profiles of all the artists in every episode of Series 5 on one page on the Sky Arts website. Just the credits at the end of the programme to get fixed now.....
Professional Artists
There were four professional artists - with a variety of backgrounds and experience.
- Olga Godovaniuc - video - From Moldova where she went to the Children's School of Art. Now based in London. She handpaints luxury fashion accessories. Likes unusual colours for skin tones. Describes her painting style as "fantastic reality".
- Martin Ireland - video - taught life drawing classes for over 20 years. Worth watching for the faces he pulled when he saw his sitter.
"We have a fabric situation here"
- Colin Pethick - video - a fine art painter and freelance art tutor, based in the Tamar Valley. Became a professional artist after a back injury as a bricklayer. Born in Devon, he studied Fine Art at BA Honours degree level at Plymouth college of art and the University of Plymouth Grinds chicken bones into his paint. His wife loved the programme - but passed way the previous October and had entered the programme to honour her.
- Duncan Shoosmith (Facebook/ Twitter / Instagram) - video - based in Wiltshire; combines painting at home in his garage with looking after his three young children. He does great portraits of kids if you take a look at his website!
Amateur Artists
- Tasha Davey (Facebook | Instagram) - video - an 18 year old studying for her A-levels. Worked almost flat from her iPad and I think didn't see the problem she made for herself re. perspective
- Tom Mead (Facebook / Instagram) - video - Always nice to see a website which includes evidence that the artist goes to life class and can draw from life! Currently doing a BA degree in Painting at the University of Arts (Wimbledon). He creates paintings with a multifaceted perspective on individuals which suggest movement. Loves to paint in acrylic.
The face is the most important thing
- Toby Michael (Instagram) - video - In his final year at Winchester School of Art at the time of filing. Gridded up to start with.
- Rebecca Train (Instagram) - video - Becca is an Office Manager from Kent. She gave up painting for over a decade until she returned to a life drawing class recently.
- Emily Wolff (Facebook/ Instagram) - video - competed in PAOTY 2014 and has sold her artwork internationally since. This is her self-portrait
Start with a mistake and keep correcting it. It's sort of a life philosophy
The Self Portraits
 |
| Starting the review of the self-portraits - with the one by Tom Mead |
"we want something that surprises us"I did think one self-portrait gave the editors of the programme some amusement given the cut between the self-portrait and the artist!
The Sitters
Amazing what a difference a year makes - hence the voiceover for Jodie Comer.
- Jodie Comer - an English actress, known for her roles as the assassin Villanelle in Killing Eve (for which she has received numerous nominations for awards), Chloe Gemell in the comedy-drama series My Mad Fat Diary, Ivy Moxam in the BBC3 miniseries Thirteen and Kate Parks in Doctor Foster. She has a wonderful unaffected Scouse accent - which must have come as a surprise to some viewers of Killing Eve.
Her bone structure is beautiful Tai
- Nick Moran - A British actor who has featured in a number of films over three decades and gained fame from the Guy Ritchie movie, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels. He portrayed Scabior in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 1 and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2.
- Daniel Lismore is a London based artist, designer, creative consultant, celebrity stylist, writer and campaigner. Described as England's most eccentric dresser by Vogue.
Discussions and Observations
I heard three key themes in terms of comments from the artists - and I assume that they may well be asked the same question - and then include those which worked best and/or got the best answers.
(I remember being filmed once and giving the BBC producer an answer I KNEW they would not include in the programme because it was too trite for words!)
Interestingly, when you watch the programmes through three times as I do before writing these reviews, I often pick up on things I don't spot the first or second time watching. Like how often certain artists speak - and say something really insightful - or something really stupid. It's a great indicator for who's going to be in the shortlist!
READ MORE......>>
