My experience as a Wildcard on Landscape Artist of the Year
In June 2025, I competed as a ‘Wildcard’ in Sky Arts’ Landscape Artist of the Year (LAOTY) Series 11, which airs in February 2026. Before I applied, I had a million questions on the process, so I have written this blog post to help any artists thinking of applying. First off, let me tell you about my day. Knowing people dislike long text online, I’ve summarised it in a timeline and frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Ready to start
My oil paints and pochade box set up in St James’s Park, London. The perfect en plein air painting location.
Competing as a Wildcard on Artist of the Year
Timeline
5.30am
My alarm went off which felt horrible. Although when I got on the train at Hitchin, I soon realised how beneficial it is travelling into London at that time with lots of kit as the trains were almost empty.
6.30am
When I arrived at St James’s Park, I was greeted by friendly artists. Many artists had guests with them, whether that be their partner or a relative. I went on my own which suited me as I get quite lost in my work when I’m painting and find it hard to chat while painting.
7am
The friendly production crew registered us for the day and stamped our canvases so we had proof that we’d completed the piece on the day. We were told that we’d be painting in exactly the spot where registration took place. After registration, there was more than enough time to scope out the area and find a ‘perfect’ view.
8-8.45am
Us wildcards were filmed walking onto the set - look natural! After doing this brief filming we were told to find a painting spot. I quickly walked to the patch of grass I had mentally earmarked earlier.
There wasn’t much competition for spots and I found that every artist naturally drifted to somewhere right for them. Interestingly enough, we were very well spread out which I found surprising as I imagined that everyone would want my spot - which gave me a view of the golden gates of Buckingham Palace framed by the Union Jack flag and the trees of St James’s Park.
After this we had plenty of time to set up which I was pleased about. I had more than enough time to put oil paint onto my palette and organise my paint brushes.
8.45am
The competition started. And there was excitement in the air with the film crew setting up and the social media manager making conversation with people.
8.45am - 2.15pm
We had to complete the painting within these hours, which I found is more than enough time. It allowed for quick walk around the park to stretch the legs and time to chat with fellow artists. I tend to find fellow artists lovely people and wasn’t short of someone to ask to mind my stuff while I took a painting break (so not to worry if you don’t have a friend or family member with you on the day).
During this time the presenter of Artist of the Year, Stephen Mangan walked around making polite chat with wildcard contestants. He could have sheltered from the hot summer sun in the production tent but wanted to touch base with contestants, which I thought was lovely.
Lots of artists were approached by the film crew and social media crew to film short segments for TV. I wasn’t picked which I put down to a combination of wearing sunglasses and looking aloof (I promise I do have a fun personality once you get to know me better!)
So top tip: if you want to get filmed - look approachable, wear your best clothes, bring an eccentric family member or cute dog. You get the gist!
2.15pm
The painting was over and it was time to pack up. The winner was also announced which happened to be next to me which was very exciting! On exiting the park, wildcards were encouraged to take a ‘Wildcard’ T-Shirt home. My T-Shirt has now become my go-to painting T-Shirt.
Wildcard of the Year Frequently Asked Questions
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No, not initially. You apply to be on the Landscape Artist of the Year (hopefully as a main contestant). If you don’t get selected as a main contestant, then you have the option to apply to be a wildcard.
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Ideally, yes. As if you’re a main contestant and you progress in the competition there are quite a few dates throughout summer that you need to be free on. I only committed to summer plans that I knew I could change. So don’t book a summer holiday if you plan to apply for Artist of the Year!
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When you’re invited to apply as a ‘wildcard’ you can select which venue best suits you. Note, that the locations I was offered were limited (I think it was London and one other location). I picked London as it’s very easy for me to get to by train. So generally speaking, yes you can. However I cannot comment on the ‘normal’ process as this is my first time competing as a ‘wildcard’ and the process probably changes every year.
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Yes. I picked a date which worked for me from a list of four or so dates. Note, the process for main contestants is different and I don’t think you can pick dates or venues.
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Yes, even if that is just for a few minutes as an artist ‘in the background’. I didn’t get a personal filming segment but I was filmed walking in the crowd of wildcards across the bridge in St James’s Park.
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No. I didn’t but it’s nice to know the option is there if you need help carrying your easel and paints.
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You can make it as sociable as you want to. I chatted to a few artists on arrival but once the competition started, I stayed put in my spot and focused on my work. It’s not a traditional exam environment so you can go around and check out other artist’s work and chat during the competition time.
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Not official ones, but you can take breaks as and when you want to. The other artists are super friendly - you’ll definitely find someone that will watch your stuff while you go to the coffee kiosk.
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No, there wasn’t but I didn’t find this a problem as we were in a huge park which had accessible toilets.
Thank you for reading
I hope this blog is helpful and if you have any questions, then email me.
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