A south London artist said appearing on a Sky TV landscape painting contest was one of the most surreal experiences of his life.
Dan West, 24, from Teddington, took part in the fourth heat of Sky Arts’ Landscape Artist of the Year 2026, which will air on February 4.
Returning to the programme after previously competing as a wildcard at age 22, Mr West appeared this year as one of the main artists.
He said: “This was one of the most surreal experiences of my life and it is quite the memory to look back on. I’ve watched the show with my family for years and to have the opportunity to compete on it alongside a group of passionate and inspiring artists was amazing.
“I am very proud of the work that I created and whilst I can’t say I’m too excited to watch my interviews back, I am looking forward to celebrating with my family and friends when the episode airs.”
Filmed in June, his episode takes place in scenic Keswick in the Lake District. He had just four hours to create a landscape artwork for a chance to advance to the semi-finals, competing against six other artists under intense summer heat and the scrutiny of the judges.
Mr West was born in south west London and spent the first two years of his life in Balham before moving to Teddington. He attended Collis Primary School, Teddington School, Esher College, and later studied marketing at the University of Portsmouth.
Unlike many other contestants, Mr West did not pursue formal art education.
Instead, he honed his artistic skills independently, drawing inspiration from personal experiences, the storytelling of filmmaker Hiyao Miyazaki, and the music of artists like Bon Iver and Sam Fender.
His work primarily explores the relationship between people and their environments, conveyed through detailed pencil drawings developed over several years.
Now in its 11th season, Sky Arts’ Landscape Artist of the Year is hosted by actor and comedian Stephen Mangan, with judging by painter Tai-Shan Schierenberg, arts curator Kathleen Soriano, and Eva Langret, director of Frieze London.
Contestants are selected based on a landscape artwork completed in the previous five years. During the heats, they are given four hours to paint a new scene on location anywhere in the UK.
Six heat winners progress to the semi-finals, with three advancing to the final round, where one artist will ultimately be crowned the winner. Mr West’s episode will air on Sky Arts and Sky Showcase, which are available on Freeview.
Viewers must tune in to see whether his landscape impressed the judges enough to earn a place in the semi-finals.
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