Artist reaches the final of tough TV competition

Viewers have been avidly following Kim Whitby’s progress on the Sky Arts show which sees the 47-year-old supply teacher and six other artists set challenges to depict National Trust landscapes across the country.

The final of Landscape Artist of the Year, hosted by Joan Bakewell, will be shown next Tuesday at 8pm.

But Kim, from Lee-on-the-Solent, has been sworn to secrecy about whether she was crowned the winner.

Kim, a mother-of-three, said: ‘It’s been very weird seeing myself on television.

‘I’ve had to keep it completely confidential and it’s been tough!

‘Whatever the outcome, I’m just very, very happy to have had the opportunity to show people my work.

‘Once we get to the final stage of the competition, where there are three very diverse artists, I don’t really feel like it’s a competition anymore.

‘It’s down to personal preference from the judges.’

Kim uses ink and water and paints only from real life.

She will be up against traditional oil painter Richard Allen and stencil and spray painter Gregor Henderson.

Each were sent to a different location to create their pieces for the final and afterwards sent to create their own interpretation of one final National Trust landscape.