Sky Arts 'Landscape Artist of the Year' coming to Plymouth Hoe

19th June 2019

The search is on for the Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year (LAOTY) 2019 with the second and third heats taking place on Plymouth Hoe on 19 and 20 June 2019.

Presented by actor and art lover Stephen Mangan alongside Joan Bakewell, the filming takes place over the Summer with each hour-long programme airing on Sky Arts and On Demand/NOW TV over ten weeks this Autumn. 

This is the fifth series of the show, which is produced by London and Glasgow-based independent production company Storyvault Films. “Landscapes” first aired three years ago following the enormous success of Sky’s Portrait Artist of the Year (PAOTY), also from Storyvault Films, that has captured public imagination since its launch in 2013.  

LAOTY boasts the titles of “best-performing, non-scripted series of all time” and second-biggest series ever for Sky Arts, with viewing figures growing over the course of the series.

Joan and Stephen are hugely excited to see what this year will bring and Stephen Mangan says: "Summer is here so that means I have the unbelievable pleasure of visiting some of the most beautiful and picturesque spots in the country and watching a bunch of talented artists produce works of art. It’s tough but somebody’s got to do it."

On choosing Plymouth Hoe, series editor at Storyvault Films Marina Fonseca confirms: "Setting our artists the challenge of depicting not one but two seascapes, Plymouth is the perfect spot, with its spectacular sea views and wealth of maritime history."

Joan Bakewell says: “It’s always fascinating to watch the artists grow and evolve their style throughout the programme and witness the incredible creativity in their interpretations of beautiful British landscapes – and to witness the debate amongst both the judges and viewers over which artist they believe to be the most-worthy winner.”

The judges are artist Tai Shan Schierenberg, art historian Kate Bryan and independent curator Kathleen Soriano.  The show not only highlights the tremendous artistic talent from every corner of Britain and Ireland, but also how the beautiful British countryside has inspired past and present generations of artists.  

Councillor Pete Smith, Deputy Leader of Plymouth City Council said: “We’re delighted to welcome the programme to Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City. Plymouth Hoe offers one of the most breathtaking views in the country, from the iconic Smeaton’s Tower to the beautiful blue of Plymouth Sound looking out across to Drake’s Island, Mountbatten and Mount Edgcumbe we hope this unique setting inspires the artists taking part.” 

Hundreds of entries were received for the 2019 competition, giving the judges the difficult task of whittling them down to 48 artists who are taking part in six heats over the summer.  

The first two heats are at Herstmonceux Castle in Hailsham, Nr Hastings; the 3rd and 4th will be in Plymouth; and the last two heats take place at HMS Calliope in Gateshead. Each heat is open to a further 50 “wildcard” artists who are invited to compete for a potential place in the semi-final which takes place at Cromarty, Nr Inverness in Scotland.

The winner of Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2019 will receive a life changing opportunity for any artist, a £10,000 prestigious commission for a British institution. This will be filmed in a dedicated hour-long programme which will chart the winning artist's journey of their commissioned work, and go out after the final show.