On 20th February, Danny Howes appeared in episode 6 of Sky Arts' high-profile art competition, Portrait Artist of the Year.  Competing against eight other artists, Danny won the heat and now goes forward to the semi-final.

â%u20AC%u2039Danny's task was to produce a portrait of British actor Sope Dirisu, in just four hours.  The three professional judges had no hesitation in selecting Danny as semi-finalist.  Comparing Danny's technique to that of Cezanne, the judges commented on the almost abstract nature of Danny's confident brushwork, and the range of colours that he observed in Sope's face.  As one of the judges put it, it was 'a beautiful piece of painting'.

â%u20AC%u2039Clilck HERE to view a time-lapse film of Danny painting his stunning portrait of Sope Dirisu.

â%u20AC%u2039Click HERE to read an interview with Danny in which he talks about the experience of taking part in the competition, and about his approach to painting.

â%u20AC%u2039Click HERE to see a catalogue of selected works by Danny Howes.

â%u20AC%u2039The semi-final will be broadcast on Tuesday 13th March at 8pm on Sky Arts.