Behind the Scenes on Landscape Artist of the Year: What It’s Really Like

Six weeks ago, I got a phone call from Storyvault Films to say I’d been selected as a main pod contestant for Landscape Artist of the Year 2026. I just about dropped my paintbrush.

Fast forward to last week, and I found myself up before dawn, nervously packing my panels, paints and snacks into the car, and heading off to the filming location — nerves jangling, brushes clinking in my backpack.

A few hours later, there I was: standing on a ship on the Thames (yes, a proper ship!), easel up, oil paints at the ready, painting the hazy London skyline under the gaze of cameras, cranes and curious spectators. It still doesn’t feel real.

Being chosen as a main pod artist was equal parts dream and challenge. From the moment the cameras started rolling to watching the judges sweep past with their signature poise and intrigue, it was one of the most surreal, exhilarating (and sweaty!) days of my painting life.

🎤 I had the absolute joy of meeting the brilliant judging panel — Tai Shan Schierenberg, Kathleen Soriano, and Eva Langret — plus the ever-charming Stephen Mangan, who is just as warm and witty in person as you’d hope.

While I can’t share my final painting (or how it all ended!) until the show airs next year, I can say this: the experience stretched me in all the best ways. I left with paint-streaked hands, aching legs… and the biggest grin.

🎬 “It’s four hours on paper — but between cameras, interviews, and cutaways, you’ll feel every minute fly past. Be ready to think on your feet.”


For the Art Nerds: What I Used

Huge thanks to the wonderful team at Storyvault Films and everyone at Sky Arts and Artist of the Year for making the whole experience so joyful. It’s something I’ll never forget — and I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of it.

The episode will air in 2026, so I’ll be keeping things under wraps until then. Hence the blacked out artwork!
But I’ll be sharing more behind-the-scenes snippets, thoughts and sketches over on Instagram and YouTube.

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📷 @amandamulquineyart
🌐 www.amandamulquineybirbeck.com

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If you’ve ever thought about applying, I say go for it. It might just be the most intense — and unforgettable — painting day of your life.

#LAOTY2026 #LandscapeArtistOfTheYear #MainPodArtist #BehindTheScenes #SkyArts #OilPainter #PleinAirPainting #ContemporaryArt #WomenWhoPaint #BoldBrush #ArtistLife

Amanda Mulquiney-Birbeck