Sky Arts Landscape Artist Of The Year 2024 Finalist Denise Fisk on an her experience on the show, from the CassArts Blog.

 What was the experience like?

I entered 'Landscape Artist of the Year' because I am a huge fan of the programme and thought that the possibility of being involved as a wildcard would be great fun. However,to my surprise, I was invited to be one of the featured artists. 

It would be a lie to say it wasn't nerve-wracking but I was determined to rise above that and enjoy the privilege and experience of being a contestant in one of the pods. One of my favourite moments was the first time I saw my pod for the day. 

The style of my submission painting lent itself to producing a landscape in the allotted 4 hours. In order to not feel out of my depth on the day, I had practised my ideas and processes in depth before the competition day.

I was amazed at the huge amount of production staff involved in making the programme; everyone was so welcoming and encouraging.

The day was very long and I have never been interviewed and photographed so much in my life (!) but I loved meeting the judges, Kate, Tai & Kathleen and presenter Stephen Mangan, all of which added to the fun of the day.

Half-way through, I saw the quality of the other artists - they were so impressive that I relaxed knowing that I couldn't possibly compete. I was therefore shocked when my name was called initially as one of the final three and then as winner of the heat. 

How do you decide where to invent colour and where to replicate it

A feeling of warmth glows through my paintings when I begin with a red, textured background. It is a way of connecting with my passion for our natural, organic Earth. I am however conscious and respectful of good observation. I hope to use what I observe whilst avoiding any harshness.  This also helps to knit the painting together, reinforcing the dynamic composition and  colour contrasts. The resulting painting is comfortable to read but dramatic on the eye.

How do you convey mood through your application of paint?

Always conscious of the atmosphere I am trying to convey, mark-making is used for texture. Contrasts in colour & tone are used to create a dynamic narrative inspired by the elements in nature.

Tell us about the materials you use & what colours would we find on your pallet? 

I use 'Michael Harding' oil paints, mostly Burnt Umber, Burnt Sienna, Yellow Ochre, Ultramarine Blue, Alizarin Crimson, Cadmium Red, Lemon Yellow and Titanium White. I use 'Rosemary & Co.' brushes and prefer painting on cradled board or gessoed canvas. I use 'Zest-It' thinner for the beginning of a painting.

Photographs by Rebekah Lowri Llewelyn

PRINTS FOR SALE - as seen on Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year S9