….only in brief glimpses, but I was there!
Now it’s being broadcast, we’re allowed to reveal that we (I) took part in one of the heats of Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year. After not being chosen to be one of the pod people, I was invited to be a wild card on one of the heats -I chose Knaresborough as its only half an hour from home -but with hindsight, I should have picked Paddy’s Hole near Middlesbrough. The views at Knaresborough are very pretty and well known, but they’ve been done to death by hundreds of artists, whereas the semi industrial landscape in the North east is definitely more my cup of tea. Oh well….the whole day was an absolutely fascinating experience though…great to spend the day in the company of other artists, professional or otherwise, and to see first hand how a TV show is filmed…so many people in the crew,so much gear, and they all had a hearty (three course, catered lunch) unlike my humble sarnies.
Fascinating also to watch the other wild cards, some of whom obviously set out to catch the camera’s eye, with massive canvasses, elaborate painting set ups and distinctive clothing..I will say no more.
Eagle eyed viewers may have spotted my now infamous massage by the fragrant Kathleen Soriano, who thought I was in artistic torment,when in reality, I had thrown my first piece on the floor in disgust at having overworked it, trying to make the drawing last the 4 hours, when I’d finished it in 90 minutes, then spent another 45 ruining it.
The highlight of the day for me was when Tai Schan Schierenberg watched me working for a few minutes, and commented ‘you obviously know what you’re doing’, patted my shoulder and carried on…he also returned to say he liked how I had left part of the drawing unpainted,’
letting the watercolour breathe’ his words.
Here are a few pics from the day, including my 2 drawings, and screen grabs of my TV career.
