PA
ABC iview · Running
Portrait Artist of the Year
2025
Last aired: S2 E8, Episode 8 · 2026-08-16
For the first time, amateur and professional artists go head-to-head in Portrait Artist of the Year, competing for the ultimate prize: a life-changing commission to hang in the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra.
In each episode, nine artists, from emerging talents to established professionals, have just four hours to create a portrait of a well-known celebrity. Their work is then judged by three esteemed Australian art experts: Director of the National Portrait Gallery of Australia, Bree Pickering; award winning, multi-disciplinary artist, Abdul Abdullah; and Associate Professor of Art History at the Australian National University (ANU), Robert Wellington.
Both Miranda and Luke share a passion for portraiture and know that every great painting tells a story. Together, they guide viewers through the creativity, surprises and magic that unfold with every brushstroke.
Season 2
E1
Episode 1
2026-08-16 · 50 min
Nine artists, both amateur and professional, create portraits of celebrity sitters Matt Preston, Dannii Minogue and John Safran. Each with their own unique style, work under a time limit to earn a spot in the semi-finals.
E2
Episode 2
2026-08-16 · 49 min
Nine artists go head-to-head, creating portraits of celebrity sitters, Kate Langbroek, Katherine Bennell-Pegg and Troy Cassar-Daley. In just four hours, these talented artists will turn a blank canvas into a stellar work of art.
E3
Episode 3
2026-08-16 · 49 min
Nine Australian artists showcase their creativity and skill in a race against the clock. They have four hours to create portraits of celebrity sitters Carrie Bickmore, Marc Fennell and Ellie Cole. Only one artist will make it through to the semi-final.
E4
Episode 4
2026-08-16 · 49 min
Nine artists compete in Portrait Artist of the Year, creating portraits of Casey Donovan, Lisa McCune and Dave Hughes. Using a range of techniques and mediums in just four hours, they showcase their creativity and skill.
E5
Episode 5
2026-08-16 · 48 min
Nine artists compete for a spot in the semi-final, painting portraits of Young Australian of the Year Nedd Brockmann, The Piano's Andrea Lam and comedian Josh Thomas. Emotion overwhelms one of the sitters as their portraits are revealed.
E6
Episode 6
2026-08-16 · 48 min
Nine artists showcase their skills, creating portraits of musician Baker Boy, designer Jenny Kee and Kath & Kim's Peter Rowsthorn. Which artist will earn the coveted final spot in the semi-final?
E7
Episode 7
2026-08-16 · 46 min
The pressure is on as the top six artists compete head-to-head in the semi-final. They'll be painting their own unique renditions of ARIA award winning singer Marcia Hines. Who will make the top three and progress to the final?
E8
Episode 8
2026-08-16 · 49 min
The Grand Final is here! Three incredible artists step up to their easels and battle it out, painting Australian rock music icon Kirk Pengilly. They're competing to win a life-changing commission and the title of Australia's Portrait Artist of the Year.
TV listings and show data from TVmaze.
Miranda Tapsell
Host
Luke McGregor
Host