Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2023.
Since I began working part time as an artist at the end of 2021, my main goals have been to paint my own work (as well as commissions) and to earn enough money through painting to continue working part time.
It can be really hard to sell your art if you're not widely 'known', so I decided to apply to be a contestant on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year.
I wanted to paint something specifically for the competition, so I did. . . and I entered. . . and in all honesty I didn't give it much thought after that - assuming that I wouldn't get through!
After I got the call from the producer at Storyvault Films to say that I'd been chosen, it took a while to sink it. It was all a bit surreal.
The nerves built up over the weeks, but it was a great feeling knowing that the judges had chosen my painting - a real confidence boost - and that helped me find the courage to get through the day!
The weather was beautiful and the grandstand started to fill up. Before I knew it, it was time to begin painting. I could barely hold the paintbrush let alone think clearly but I gave it my best shot!
You can see how I got on by watching the 2nd episode of Sky Landscape Artist of the Year 2023 (Series 8) on Sky Arts/Freeview Channel 11 on Wednesday 18th January at 8pm.