Portrait Artist of the Year with Ian McKellen | S02 E08 | All Documentary 

This series has made me pick up my brushes again last year during the pandemic. So glad to watch this season on this channel the past few weeks.

I am going to eat my previous words. I couldn't understand why they kept Laura on but her painting of the opera singer was phenomenal! I was blown away. I liked all the paintings this week, but Christian has the edge in that he presents a more finished work in 4 hours than the others, but given time they are all extremely capable and gifted artists. I'm glad I got to see what Laura could do given time.

You can’t imagine how finding out the new episodes every week make me feel! It makes my day and entire week.

McKellen is top notch. That commitment...

I love Sir Ian Mckellen .. such a laid back person 😇

It was a three-way tie in my mind... All of the artists did stunning work!

Simply brilliant! Any of the three would have been a worthy winner.

These three were probably my favorite grouping. There was no clear winner, everyone deserving…they were all so talented and creative. I would have been happy with anyone…they all deserved to win, but like the judges…Christian was my favorite…he got his “hook” in me from his submission.

I liked the watercolor portraits. Watercolors are so delicate and beautiful.

I've been a professional artist and curator for decades, to this day I still whence when I hear spectators attempting to talk about artists' works in a gallery. Listening to gallery visitors' obnoxious comments reminds me why I often leave the gallery area for my shows to get away from the trifling comments. Why is the final prize only $10,000? This should have easily been $25,000. There should always be a 2nd and 3rd prize even if significantly smaller. It should have been $25,000, $10,000 and $5,000 plus whatever other perks.

Laura’s painting of the singer is STUNNING. It almost looks like a photograph. Seriously impressed.

i admire the work of all 3 of these artists.

The portrait of the opera singer was stunning.

Watercolor is the most difficult medium and this artist mastered it. She deserved to be the winner.

I like the watercolor portrait of Sir Ian and it captures this sadness in his eyes and really carried out the emotions

Christians commission painting almost had me tears every time I seen it. I would love to view that portrait in person.

Without any spoilers, let's just say I was blown away every time I saw this artist's work--the recognition factor required of portraiture combined with the gorgeous manipulation of paint itself is electrifying. I quite agreed with the judges' final decision, as much as I liked the work by the others. There was no way to choose badly, except by having to leave two out.

though I understand the necessity of taking a photo and working from it; that's Ian McKellen in front of you. Soak that moment up yknow? Anyways, incredible artists nonetheless. Fantastic work.

Christian’s parents were so proud. They’re all fantastic artists. My favorite final was the opera singer, stunning.

The best "competition" show so far, mostly free of the hyper-drama and ratcheting tension, destructive alike to the artists and to the viewer. While there's no doubt a great deal of interior tension for the artists (what a weird concept, isn't it, to make what is usually a solitary pursuit into a spectacle) this series seems to avoid the noisy circus tricks that make losers out of singularly gifted and accomplished people. I've stopped watching those altogether.

I think they got the winner right, but all the artists did a tremendous job. Anyone could have won.

All the last 3 artists were great. It would have been shard for me to choose.

To me watercolorist is the real talented artist when compere to others drawing techniques .

One of the best programs i have ever seen

Perfect winner 🎉 👏🏽❤

I think all three artists were wonderful, so I would have been happy with any one of them winning. But Christian is a phenomenal artist, and his likenesses are so spot-on! He also seems very genuine and humble. There are no losers here, because I'm sure that even the runners-up got lots and lots of commissions from this and probably made plenty of money!

When Cecily said she didn't want to look at her portrait ...because she is old...I cried. I feel the same way...but I am glad she looked at it and we cant help how we age. It is as much a part of life as is going through puberty...And what a wonderful painting..Annya's best I think. And Laura...wow has she not come a looooong way from painting animals. Just watching her in this series has been amazing. That portrait is almost like a photograph. The softness of the skin. You just want to touch the painting. 💛And of course Christian...whom everyone said it is easy for him...I think that was a point against him and it shouldn't have been. He was more advanced as an artist. But he deserved all the accolades. When he added the little hand in the boxers hand...well that was brilliant.

The judges got it right. In this session the winner is the only one that gave life to Ian's eyes.

Bravo Mr. Hook. To me, there were three winners. - Eli

Of all the episodes I’ve watched this is my favorite. I’ve watched it several times.

Congratulations to Christian! All his paintings are unified in his personal style which I believe is quite recognizable. Even though he was not a judge I believe Ian's decision in choosing Laura's painting says alot and I believe she should have been the winner because her commissioned portrait shows she can paint in a very realistic style in the manner of famous portrait artists as John Singer Sargent and the painting of Ian was excellent in showing the unique style which is hers alone.

Beautiful art !

I looooooooooooove Sir Ian.

After seeing all of Mr Hooks works I know he is great!

Love this episode and all of the folks in it.

(SPOILERS) Amazing to see Christian Win, he seems like such a nice guy and he's incredible both technicly and artisticly! Extra special to see his family so proud of him in the end!

They picked the right one! And he is such a nice man!

This was amazing!!! I hope you will start a new season next Sunday!!😄🤞🤞🤞🙏

Have to agree with the judges; Christian Hook is not afraid to attack the paintings with bold brush strokes and colours, while the others seem to be too afraid ... they hold back. When I paint myself, I hold nothing back ... I attack the canvas.

The best work is the watercolor

Laura's opera singer commission was spot on. Cheers.

This episods with Christian are the best! Christian is my favorite!

Wow that hand is huge!!!

Christian is a fabulous artist! Very gifted.

Christian came through on this day, and his portrait skills are impeccable. That said, I find his slashing and dobing a bit contrived. Aine comes up tops in later years and shows how wonderful an artist she is. Laura painted Dame Kiri exactly as it should be for the commission. They're all superb. But, we should be conscious we are not seeing the actual works, only a digital reproduction.

What a season finale! It was amazing, thank you so much for the opportunity

All of your paintings of all of the artists here are all amazing! Keep painting your dreams!

guys, this is keeping in mind the contestants would have been intimidated AF to be painting in front of these established celebrities who've had all sorts of fan-portraits and paintings. and, a considerable fraction of the artist fraternity ALREADY has the imposter syndrome to some extent. keeping that and the level of talent in this POOL OF THREE, they're all stunning.

My favorite show it’s so endlessly thrilling

I Totally Agreed on the decision of the Judges ! Hooooray to Christian Hook ! I Love his Works and Style !!! ❤️

3 Amazing Artists 🙂

IMO the Princess Diana painting is seriously lacking.

Thrilling to see the process of different artists. It's especially instructive for those who might not know how crude the earliest stages of any original art (music, painting, writing) and how much happens before the real piece is even started.

I have to say the older lady judge is one I find I would like to tune out. She has such silly comments, like assuming something the artist thought when painting. I find I would like her and the other judges to like many different styles. It is just frustrating that you can predict what they choose just because it doesn’t fit their preconceived ideas!

Aine is the most artist of the artists.

I love all of them I’m really glad I don’t have to choose the final picture. Thank goodness the final portrait of the singer was better than the two little practice pictures. The final portrait showed the beauty of her perfectly.

So 2 of them make the guy sit still for 4 hours then paint solely off of a photo?

Christians picture of Ian was my favourite, Laura's was my least. Laura did an amazing picture of the opera singer. Loved the one of Cis.

Bravo! Thank you! Congratulations to all three of them!

This was the best one I’ve seen so far of this show. I couldn’t possibly chose between these 3. Impossible.

I love this show but I get so frustrated by the moderators interrupting the process and pulling them from the work! Guess it’s because I really don’t like to be bothered during the creative process…..

Such amazing talent 🙌🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙌🏼

Sir Ian McKellen is one of my absolute favorite actors. He seems to be a genuinely kind person and he exudes a sense of caring and sincerity. I hope that's not just an act (I doubt it is). His friendship with Sir Patrick Stewart is always a joy to watch. The portraits are so wonderful. As an aspiring portrait artist, I'm jealous of the opportunity.

I adore The National Portrait Gallery. On a trip to London I visited 2 or 3 times. I also love the V & A Museum. The textiles are incredible.

Cicely Berry passed on in 2018. :(

No Brainer winner... although they're all excellent.

Ian McKellen is an awesome pic. He's a perfect pick. How inspiration...

I like Christian as much as the next person, but his "style" seems a bit gimmicky

The "Vicious" sitcom was probably his best and most memorable work.

Hook has a sort of gimmick that he uses in all of this paintings. It's not that it doesn't "work", per se, but the redundant use of it wears thin to my eye.

They are all great!!! Anyone could've won and they'd deserve it.

Why didn’t they introduce him as Sir Ian McKellen?

A deserving winner among such strong contenders.

53:08 split second poke hahaha

I would have given my portrait to Ian regardless. Big fan of him.

I loved the Jane Fonda portrait

Surprised so many contestants use grids. I thought this was more of a novice technique. Obviously works well to copy what one sees but almost seems to take away from the energy of creation IMO.

The judges looked for ability to paint but also to capture the essence of the sitter. Laura’s portrait of Dame Kiri and Ian McKellen was too disparate. One was hyper-realistic and the other I felt, was over painted and a bit dark. I did not see the spirit of McKellen in it. Aine’s has great dexterity with watercoor. I have never seen anyone with such a mastery of that medium and wield it with the confidence she had. Sometimes, with watercolor, one goes with the flow because it can be difficult to control. That she painted portraits with it is highly commendable. Her portrait commission was excellent. It captured exactly what it was that made the sitter interesting. One would look at it and feel “this person really enjoyed life”. However, she did struggle with Ian and it showed. I don’t think it was because she couldn't paint him. I think she lost her way at some point and tried to find it again, but never quite got there. Christian has a mastery that is mesmerizing. Capturing the likeness is easier for him, but he imbues his work with such dynamism, you eyes are just drawn to it and keep returning. I felt after the first hour that he would be the winner. Christian sees so much that other artists miss and he puts it in his composition. But then he boldly takes it 10 levels higher with his mastery of color, composition, implied texture, and a directness that dares you to ignore it. I wish the man lived in the US. I’d beg him for painting classes. The judges were on point.

Can someone please make a video of the beautiful Dame Joan Bakewell saying the words "year" and "hour" over and over again, slowly, for about an hour. She's got a lovely voice.

Excellent choice! Congratulations 🎉

54:39 You shall not pass!! Joke hehe he actually liked it!

The irritating chit-chat has to waste at least 30 minutes

Ian is a very considerate man. An inconsiderate man will move

Excelente la producción de sus proyectos con los artistas. Deberian tener la opción de traducir al español. Gracias. Santiago, RD.

Absolutely amazing artworks. ☺️❤️❤️❤️

Love all these incredible artists! It would definitely be hard to choose the winner if I were a judge. Nonethless, Christian uniquely displays a power umph with his work. He's also fast, polished, and nails his subject matter like it's fresh air to him. CONGRATS. Well deserved win!!

A very compelling season!

The guy said he didn't want a sports pic I thought?

Very moved by this program! Excellent!

Aine's work see's into the soul of her subjects. She has an uncanny ability to see past the surface with great empathy and pathos. I loved watching her process. It may not be full of hyper realist glitz or the latest catchy techniques that modern artists so love to pursue but it's as real as it gets in capturing the essence of a person. Her style is a still deep pond of classical artistry working in a very demanding medium. She coaxes her subject out of the colours and paper. Now a days you have to reach ever higher to stand out in the crowd with all the latest tech wizardry. It's more graphic than high art in my opinion. I wish she had won.

i think this is the best english show for the year

For the final portrait, for the museum, I would like to be Sir Ian McKellen, not Cunningham! Sorry!

I voted for Hook too. All were g8 painters. It's so difficult to choose one. My held my breadth too.

I could not have made that decision. Each had their own strengths and brilliant talents. I would be proud to own any of these paintings. You should all be proud!

They chose the illustrator. The artists lose as usual. The judges should think---"can my nephew do this in photoshop?"

sorry, but only 10 000 pound prize money? that is for all the work and pressure not enough

Oh just wow...loved it...

Wow and wow, delightful what else can be said.

I loved every single one finalist!!!!!

It should-have-been Derek Jacobi!