2017 _verified_ | Portrait Artist Of The Year

His winning portrait of the 2017 series was a revelation. Painting the actor and presenter, he eschewed bright, flattering colors in favor of a moody, low-key palette. The eyes, however, burned with startling clarity. Judge Tai Shan Schierenberg noted, "Most artists paint the surface of a person. Gareth has painted the weather inside them."

To understand the magnitude of the 2017 title, one must first appreciate the pressure the contestants face. Portrait Artist of the Year does not coddle its competitors. The premise is deceptively simple: a group of artists, ranging from self-taught hobbyists to seasoned professionals, are tasked with painting a sitter from life. portrait artist of the year 2017