Right, let's talk about Portrait Artist of the Year. You know, that show you probably stream online? I’ve got some thoughts. And maybe, just maybe, they’re a tad controversial.
The Thrill of the Stream
First off, the ease of watching it online is a godsend. Remember when you actually had to be home, in front of a TV, at a specific time? Shudder.
Now, you can binge-watch contestants crafting masterpieces whenever you want. Need some artistic inspiration while you eat your toast? Boom, Portrait Artist of the Year is there. Thanks, internet!
But that brings me to my first unpopular opinion. Are some of these portraits... actually *good*? I mean, objectively good? Or are we all just swept up in the dramatic music and the artists' fraught expressions?
Judging the Judges (Judgementally)
Let's face it. The judges are part of the entertainment. They’re there to provide insightful critiques and dramatic close-ups of furrowed brows. But are they always right?
Sometimes I find myself screaming at the screen. "That one has SO much more personality!" or "Clearly, *that* likeness is spot on!"
I'm sure Tai Shan Schierenberg, Kate Bryan, and Kathleen Soriano are lovely people. They probably know more about art than I do. But still. My armchair expertise feels valid, okay?
The Celebrity Sitters...
Ah, the celebrity sitters. They range from charming to... well, let's just say less charming.
Sometimes they're genuinely engaged. Other times, they look like they'd rather be getting a root canal. The contrast is part of the fun, I suppose.
Don't you feel slightly awkward watching Adrian Chiles pretend to be interested in someone painting his earlobe? I do.
My Hot Take on "Likeness"
Here's where things get truly dicey. What is a good likeness, anyway?
Is it pure photographic realism? Or is it capturing the essence of a person? I'd argue for the latter.
Give me a slightly wonky, expressive portrait over a perfect, soulless rendering any day. Some of the most technically brilliant portraits leave me cold.
The Real Winner? We Are.
Ultimately, Portrait Artist of the Year is addictive viewing. It's like watching paint dry, but in the most fascinating way possible.
It sparks conversations about art, skill, and subjective beauty. It gives us something to argue about with our friends.
And let's be honest, it makes us feel a little bit cultured while we're lounging on the sofa, watching it online. So thank you, streaming services! Thank you, artists! And thank you, slightly bewildered celebrity sitters. You're all doing a great job... mostly.
I love watching the show. But I think I could do better.
Jokes! Unless...
