Landscape Artist of the Year, the Sky Arts competition that sends painters to iconic outdoor locations across the UK, has built a loyal following since it first aired in 2015. The show blends the pressure of a timed painting challenge with the ever-changing British landscape, producing both compelling television and, in its most recent series, a noteworthy winner.
Series 11, which aired in 2026, crowned Kim Day as its champion. Day’s victory came with a £10,000 commission to paint Croagh Patrick for the National Gallery of Ireland. The result generated considerable attention among art enthusiasts and raised questions about what comes next for the programme.
This guide brings together verified facts about the current winner, the judging panel, the hosting line-up, past series, the application process, and the show’s format. Where information remains unconfirmed, that is noted clearly.
Who Won Landscape Artist of the Year 2026?
Kim Day won Landscape Artist of the Year in Series 11 (2026), defeating the other finalists in a competition that began with six heats, moved through a semi-final, and concluded with a live final. The prize included a £10,000 commission to create a landscape painting of Croagh Patrick for the National Gallery of Ireland. Sources from Cass Art and Making a Mark confirm Day’s victory.
Key Insights at a Glance
- Kim Day won the final of Series 11 in March 2026.
- Fearne Cotton was announced as co-host for the 2026 series, joining Stephen Mangan.
- Applications for Series 12 closed on 23 March 2026; details for Series 13 have not yet been announced.
- The show has run for 11 seasons since 2015, making it one of the longest-running art competition series on UK television.
Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Show Name | Landscape Artist of the Year |
| Channel | Sky Arts |
| First Aired | 2015 |
| Seasons | 11 (as of 2026) |
| Current Winner | Kim Day (2026) |
| Judges (Series 11) | Tai-Shan Schierenberg, Eva Langret |
| Host(s) | Stephen Mangan (2018–present); Fearne Cotton (from Series 12) |
| Prize | £10,000 and a commission to create a landscape artwork for a public collection |
Who Judges Landscape Artist of the Year?
The judging panel for Series 11 consisted of artist Tai-Shan Schierenberg and curator Eva Langret, according to Sky’s official page and the Cass Art interview. Schierenberg is a familiar face on the show, having served as a judge across multiple series alongside rotating panellists. Langret, who joined for the 2026 series, brought a curatorial perspective to the selection process.
Tai-Shan Schierenberg is a portrait and landscape painter whose work has been exhibited widely. Eva Langret is a curator and art historian. The panel has included other judges in previous seasons, such as Kathleen Soriano and Kate Bryan, though the line-up can vary from year to year.
Are the Judges the Same Every Season?
The judging panel has changed over the show’s run. Schierenberg has appeared regularly, but his fellow judges have shifted. For Series 11, Langret joined the panel. Earlier series featured Kathleen Soriano and Kate Bryan, among others. Sky has not yet confirmed the judging line-up for Series 12.
Who Hosts Landscape Artist of the Year?
Stephen Mangan has been the host of Landscape Artist of the Year since 2018. He took over from Frank Skinner, who presented the first three series. Baroness Joan Bakewell served as co-host until her final series in 2023, providing continuity and a knowledgeable presence on the show.
Will Fearne Cotton Co-Host in 2026?
Yes. Sky announced that Fearne Cotton will join Stephen Mangan as co-host from Series 12. This marks a significant change in the presenting line-up and signals an effort to refresh the programme’s dynamic.
How Has the Hosting Changed Over Time?
Frank Skinner hosted Series 1 through 3. Stephen Mangan took over from Series 4 and has remained the principal host since. Joan Bakewell served as co-host for many years, leaving after the 2023 series. Cotton’s arrival in 2026 introduces a new co-hosting format.
When is the Next Series of Landscape Artist of the Year?
Sky has not yet announced a premiere date for Series 12. Applications for Series 12 closed on 23 March 2026, as confirmed by both the official Sky Arts application page and the Cass Art report. Based on previous patterns, a new series typically airs in the first half of the year, but no official broadcast date has been set.
Sky’s application page asks artists to complete an online form, upload examples of their work, and submit a short video. The show selects ten artists to take on landscape challenges across the country. Updates on future application windows are posted on the official Sky Arts website.
What is the Format of Landscape Artist of the Year?
The competition brings together invited artists and wild-card entrants who paint a UK landscape within a set time limit. Judges select who advances through the rounds. Sky says the show is about artists responding to changing places, conditions, and moods.
How Does the Competition Work?
Each series begins with heats, followed by a semi-final and a final. One artist is eliminated per episode until three finalists remain. In Series 11, Episode 1 featured eight invited artists painting Derwentwater while 50 other artists competed for a wild-card spot, according to TV Guide.
What Types of Landscapes Do Artists Paint?
Locations vary widely. Series 11 included Derwentwater, St James’ Park, Dover Ferry Port, Skiddaw Mountain, HMS Wellington, and Dover Castle, as listed on the Sky Arts season page. The variety forces artists to adapt quickly to different environments and weather conditions.
How Has the Show Evolved Over Time?
- 2015: Series 1 premieres on Sky Arts, hosted by Frank Skinner.
- 2018: Stephen Mangan becomes host of the show, taking over from Skinner.
- 2023: Joan Bakewell steps down as co-host after her final series.
- 2025: Series 10 airs.
- 2026: Series 11 airs; Kim Day wins; Fearne Cotton is announced as co-host for Series 12.
- 2027 (expected): Series 12 likely to air, with Stephen Mangan and Fearne Cotton co-hosting.
What Do We Know and What Remains Unclear?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Kim Day won Series 11 (2026) of Landscape Artist of the Year. | Exact premiere date for Series 12 (2027) is not yet announced. |
| Stephen Mangan is the current host from 2018 onward. | Whether the judging panel will remain the same for future series. |
| Fearne Cotton will co-host starting in 2026. | Detailed eligibility criteria for future applications beyond the general form and video submission. |
| The show is produced by Sky Arts and airs on Sky and streaming services. | Full list of past winners across all series is not centrally available on the official site. |
What Is the Context Behind Landscape Artist of the Year?
Landscape Artist of the Year is a spinoff of the successful Portrait Artist of the Year format created by Sky Arts. It capitalises on the growing public interest in painting and outdoor creativity. The show’s format – moving artists to different iconic UK locations each week – adds a travelogue element that appeals to audiences beyond traditional art fans. The addition of Fearne Cotton as co-host in 2026 signals an effort to refresh the show’s dynamic and attract a younger demographic. The show continues to produce high engagement, with Series 11 generating buzz around Kim Day’s victory.
What Do the Official Sources Say?
“In March 2026, it was announced that Fearne Cotton will be joining him as a co-host from the next series.”
– Sky Arts (via sky.com)
“Kim Day wins Landscape Artist of Year 2026.”
– makingamark.blogspot.com
“We’ll select ten artists to take on landscape challenges across the country, returning week after week to create work in new locations.”
– Official Sky Arts application page
What’s Next for the Series?
Applications for Series 12 closed in March 2026. The next series is expected to air in 2027, likely with Stephen Mangan and Fearne Cotton as co-hosts. The judging panel for Series 12 has not been confirmed. Artists interested in future series should monitor the official Sky Arts website for application windows. For those curious about the sister competition, the Portrait Artist of the Year follows a similar format but focuses on portraiture. More broadly, Sky Arts art competitions have become a staple of the channel’s programming.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes are in each season?
Each season typically consists of 8–10 episodes: heats, a semi-final, and a final.
Where can I watch Landscape Artist of the Year?
The show airs on Sky Arts and is available on-demand via Sky Go, Now TV, and sometimes on YouTube after broadcast.
Can amateur artists apply?
Yes, the show accepts both amateur and professional painters. Selection is based on portfolio and interview.
What is the prize for winning?
The winner receives £10,000 and a commission to create a landscape painting for a public collection, such as a museum or gallery.
Is there a Portrait Artist of the Year?
Yes, Portrait Artist of the Year is the sister show, also on Sky Arts, focusing on portraiture. It has a similar format and rotating judges.
How do I apply to be on the show?
Visit the official Sky Arts website, complete the application form, upload examples of your work, and submit a short video.
Who won the most recent series?
Kim Day won Series 11 (2026) with a £10,000 commission to paint Croagh Patrick for the National Gallery of Ireland.
Are the judges the same every year?
No. While Tai-Shan Schierenberg has been a regular, the second judge has changed across series. Eva Langret judged Series 11.
When did the show first start?
Landscape Artist of the Year first aired on Sky Arts in 2015.
What is the difference between this and Portrait Artist of the Year?
Landscape Artist of the Year focuses on outdoor landscape painting, while Portrait Artist of the Year focuses on portraiture. Both follow a similar competition format.
Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and newsroom workflow.