Landscape Artist of the Year

In 2017, I competed on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year for the opportunity to win a £10,000 commission for Theatre Royal Drury Lane’s permanent collection. I was fortunate enough to be selected as the winner.

As part of the prize, I travelled to Jamaica to explore Firefly, the former home of the legendary playwright Noël Coward. On returning to the UK, I completed the commissioned painting and unveiled the finished work on camera for the final reveal.

Featured Work

Selected pieces from the series…

Lavender Fields (Limited Edition Print)

Dimensions – A4, A3, A2, A1
Technique – Gilcee Print on Soft White Cotton Paper
Other details – Framing option on request.
Shipping – Included
About the artwork – My favourite painting from my time on Landscape Artist of the Year was created at ‘The Hop Farm,’ a stunning location in Kent with rolling hills and perfect weather. For me, perspective and color contrast are essential and the view from the pods offered all of this and more. Tai Shan Shirenberg himself remarked, ‘This view was almost made for you.’ During the four hours, I completed three paintings, as is customary in my process, but this was the only study that I completed fully.
This artwork is only available as a one off artwork and a limited edition print.

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The Winners Film

Noel Coward’s Estate- Firefly, Jamaica

‘The View from Firefly’

After winning the final stage in the UK, I was fortunate enough to travel to Jamaica, where I was commissioned to create a painting of the view from Noël Coward’s former home, Firefly.

While there, I produced a series of pencil and painted studies, some of which are shown above, exploring the landscape and atmosphere of the site.

The final commissioned work was unveiled in front of the cameras at Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, where it is now part of the theatre’s permanent display.

Unvealing

Final

Shed Studio

Final

The Final

Winkworth Arborteum, Surrey

‘The Boathouse’

The final stage of Landscape Artist of the Year 2017 took place at the beautiful Winkworth Arboretum in Surrey. Set within its sweeping woodland and seasonal colour, I competed against two exceptionally talented artists in a closely fought final. Working on location under the pressure of the competition and the scrutiny of the judges, the day culminated in the selection of a winning painting — securing the overall title and the opportunity to undertake the prestigious commission.

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Winkworth Boathouse

33 x 48cm Oil on board SOLD

The Commision

Kilchurn Castle, Argyll & Bute, Scotland

‘Kilchurn Castle’

As part of the final stage, all three shortlisted artists were each sent to different locations across the UK to produce a commissioned piece. The challenge was to gather preliminary material on site — including drawings, painted studies, photographs and written notes — and then respond to this research back in the studio within a strict four-week time limit.

I was sent to Kilchurn Castle on Loch Awe in Scotland. Despite the relentless insects, it was a memorable and slightly surreal experience. The power, beauty, history and atmosphere of the location were overwhelming and ever-present. My aim was to capture at least a sense of this in the finished painting.

As with much of my process, I produced several versions following the visit, each exploring different responses to the place and the experience.

You can see some of these here.

Commission Stage

Kilchurn Castle

The Semi- Final

The Hop Farm, Enysford, Kent

Lavender Fields

My favourite painting made during the programme came from The Hop Farm, a beautiful location in Kent, with rolling hills and weather to match.

For me, perspective and contrast of colour are vital, and the view from the pods offered both in abundance. Judge Tai Shan Schierenberg himself remarked, “This view was almost made for you.”

As is typical of my process, I completed three paintings within the four-hour time limit, each exploring the scene from a slightly different angle and response.

Semi Final

Heat Stage

Semi Final

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The Heat Stage

Worms Head, Gower Penisular, South Wales

Worms Head

The first stage of my Landscape Artist of the Year journey took place on the Gower Peninsula in South Wales. We were met with typically Welsh conditions — driving rain and flat, grey light.

Fortunately, having spent five years living and painting further up the coast in Aberystwyth, I was well accustomed to working in challenging weather. In hindsight, this experience stood me in good stead.

I worked across four boards, completing two finished paintings. From these, I selected the composition I felt strongest about — a decision that proved to be the right one, earning me a place in the semi-final stage.