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Landscape artist of the Year
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Message
Posted
Well, thought I'd start a (possibly contentious) discussion going. What are everyone's views of the artists so far on this year's Landscape Artist of the Year? Have to say I'm seriously underwhelmed and think the wildcards are often far superior . Would love to see some of POL's top landscape artists of the year compete as I think their work is so good.
Posted
My friend mentioned this program to me, so I have watched the last two episodes. I am enjoying it. I have to say though, I thought the wild card this week did much better than the contestants. Maybe being under the pressure of the camera's, they have difficulty performing their best, especially when time limits are placed upon them. I am surprised not to see some of the artist's on here on there. Some of the landscapes on here are top quality.
Posted
I'm in total agreement with you both, they could have picked half a dozen wildcards that were better than the contestants. I know they are under pressure to get a painting done in 4 hours but I'm sure this is enough time. Also I think the judges talk a load of twaddle sometimes. It would be lovely to see some of our top artists competing.
Posted
Four hours is an eternity when painting plein air, far too long in fact taking into consideration the changing light/shadows etc. But most of them struggle with time on every episode.
I’ve just watched the last episode and frankly I’m also underwhelmed, particularly as some are professional artists, not that this means a dam thing of course.
We’ve had Haidee-jo on a few seasons ago, she produced an outstanding painting but didn’t win the heat!
That just about sums up this mediocre art programme.
Posted
I've been watching it but not inspired by the subjects so far - I prefer my landscapes to be wilder, but I suspect practicalities come into that - too many people to go anywhere wilder. I must admit I prefer the Portrait programme though will continue to watch it. I certainly don't envy anybody taking part, I would hate to be watched by all those people and tv cameras! There have been some interesting choices of artists to take part - this week's winner was technically very good but was more "fantasy" than landscape to me, and a couple in recent weeks have submitted what I would call "urban sketch" type images rather than what I would call landscapes. Might be an idea to have an additional judge who is a landscape specialist - rather than mainly a portraitist.
Posted
I agree with most of the comments above. I’ve watched this programme for some years and always enjoyed it, though would like to see more of the painting and less of the chat. Is it my imagination or have they reduced the number of pod contestants this year? Didn’t there used to be 8-9 rather than the current six? I also agree that some of the wild cards have looked superior, but they do have the big advantage of being able to chose their own view, and not to be interviewed at each possibility. I think Margaret’s idea of having an additional judge who is an experienced landscape artist is excellent. I also think that the longer the programme has gone on, the more they seem to be looking for something more bizarre, in style or media!
However I will certainly still watch it as it’s the nearest I can get at present to watching other people paint, and it always makes me want to get outdoors and paint. Hopefully better weather is not far away.
Posted
Like all of you I’m finding it hard to see where the judges are coming from when they choose the winner. More time looking at paintings would make the program better . I would like a program where we look at the wildcards paint and their work.
Tessa I think is correct when saying that view is chosen for those participating. I sometimes spend time a West Wycombe as it is cover by the Rangers I work with, in the program from there the view choice was not the best in my opinion. Within the grounds there are far better choices including the house itself. West Wycombe hill with a church and mausoleum on the top and the hell fire caves underneath, not to mention the beautiful old village. Yes less chatter and waffle would be a big help, and why haven’t they included a landscape painter as a judge. I know artists should be able to paint most subjects but when they are been judged that’s a different matter, and I think skill in interpreting the painting and painters abilities.
Posted
I agree with all you've said, Tessa. Yes, I think there were more contestants in previous series. Also, the wildcards have no pressure at all, they haven't set themselves up to lose. Pure pleasure for them, social chit chat and choice of angle etc. Of the presenters, Tai V S is certainly worth listening to and Stephen Mangan is funny - remember Frank Skinner? He was always a laugh. Despite being surprised at the choice of some of the contestants, I still look forward to seeing the programme and certainly will continue watching. Oh, and just to illustrate how different we all are re opinions, I really liked last week's surreal winning painting.