Portrait Artist Of The Year 2017 Info
As the four hours ticked away, two distinct approaches emerged. Some artists fought for every pore, every strand of hair, attempting to capture the sitter with photographic precision. Others stepped back, using broad strokes and color blocking to capture the "energy" of the sitter.
One of the most memorable aspects of the season was the emotional depth displayed. The "Wildcard" entrants—artists who show up on the day hoping for a spot—added an element of unpredictability. But as the weeks progressed, a clear narrative began to form. This was a year where technical proficiency was high, but the judges were looking for that spark of "je ne sais quoi"—an emotional resonance that technical skill alone cannot buy.
Since his victory, Reid has become one of the most sought-after portraitists in the UK. He has been commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery, universities, and private collectors worldwide. However, he has remained deeply connected to the teaching community. Following his 2017 win, Reid released a series of masterclasses focusing on "Lost Edges & Chiaroscuro," which have become bestsellers on art tutorial platforms.
A Canvas of Talent: Reliving the Triumph and Drama of Portrait Artist of the Year 2017 portrait artist of the year 2017
The 2017 season of (Series 3) featured 54 artists competing for a prestigious commission and a £10,000 prize. The season concluded with a surprising personal discovery for the winner and was later highlighted when the champion was named "Portrait Artist of the Decade". 🎨 The Winner: Gareth Reid Gareth Reid , an Irish artist based in Glasgow, was crowned the winner.
The core format of the Sky Arts Artist of the Year franchise forces contestants out of their comforting studio sanctuaries.
Reid’s approach to portraiture is defined by his use of and lost edges . Unlike hyper-realists who paint every pore, Reid allows parts of the face to dissolve into shadow. This technique, on full display during the 2017 finale, forces the viewer’s eye to complete the image, creating a dynamic, breathing relationship between the painting and the observer. As the four hours ticked away, two distinct
However, the heat winners of 2017 demonstrated that they weren't just copying faces; they were interpreting personalities. The semi-finalists who eventually battled for a spot in the final showed a remarkable range of styles—from hyper-realism to expressive, almost abstract impressionism.
The celebrity lineup is always a draw for the casual viewer, and 2017 featured a fascinating array of faces. From the striking features of actress Anna Friel to the weathered character of actor Ian McKellen, the sitters provided varied challenges. Painting a young face requires a different technique than painting an older one; smooth skin versus wrinkles, vibrancy versus history.
For the cycle that aired and concluded in 2017, the competition was fiercer than ever. The eventual winner didn’t just paint a likeness; they captured a soul. So, who was the , and why does their victory remain a touchstone for aspiring artists four years later? The answer is the exceptionally talented British painter, Gareth Reid . One of the most memorable aspects of the
His winning portrait of the 2017 series was a revelation. Painting the actor and presenter, he eschewed bright, flattering colors in favor of a moody, low-key palette. The eyes, however, burned with startling clarity. Judge Tai Shan Schierenberg noted, "Most artists paint the surface of a person. Gareth has painted the weather inside them."
Judges praised the painting for having "no dead spots"—every inch of the canvas was activated with intention.
The 2017 series took the artists on a journey across the UK, holding heats in Cardiff, Edinburgh, Plymouth, and London. Each heat presented a new challenge, usually in the form of celebrity sitters who, to their credit, sat remarkably still for the duration.
If you are an aspiring painter hoping to follow in Gareth Reid’s footsteps, the 2017 competition offers three timeless lessons: