Inverness artist’s brush with TV fame on Landscape Artist of the Year
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
AN Inverness artist will be featured in a TV show highlighting the art of landscape painting this week.
Kay Austin, who lives in Gollanfield, travelled to Newcastle to take part in the current series of Landscape Artist of the Year.
Each week eight artists use paints, pencils, brushes or pen and ink to showcase their artistic flair by reproducing a scene in only four hours.
Ms Austin, who has been drawing and sketching since childhood, said she was very surprised to be featured on the show and added: “I only took up painting four years ago after a reduction in my working hours due to illness.
“I prefer oils as they are so vibrant and forgiving, although I have dabbled with watercolours and acrylics, and I enjoy painting rural landscapes and farm animals – I’m spoilt for choice for dramatic and stunning Highland landscapes. I’m self trained and definitely an amateur.”
She said she had applied to the show four times and had been offered a wildcard entry on each occasion. This type of entry is offered to unsuccessful applicants as a back up in case of emergencies – but this was the first time she had featured on the show.
“I felt completely out of my comfort zone, painting on a wobbling windy bridge that felt more like being on the bow of a boat rather than the quiet comfort of my home, where I usually work,” she said.
“I wanted to paint the view of the river, and the Millennium Bridge offered an amazing scene which, despite my determination not to be so exposed to the ferocious winds and the fact the bridge would be raised at midday so we would have to decamp, I couldn’t resist.
“It wasn’t an easy day, and I completely ran out of time, but I think life’s about challenging yourself and getting out of your comfort zone. I definitely would do it the same way again.”
The episode is due to be broadcast on Sky Arts on November 12.
