The Big Painting Challenge (2017)

Episode Overview

As the competition intensifies, the seven remaining amateur artists arrive at the renowned National Portrait Gallery in London, where they must tackle two portrait challenges to secure a spot in the semi-finals. Portraits are notoriously tricky; getting the human likeness just right is crucial, leaving little room for error. First, they must create a self-portrait that not only accurately reflects their appearance but also captures their personality and emotions. Unsurprisingly, fear is a common feeling, especially with the esteemed judge Daphne Todd OBE, a celebrated portrait artist, overseeing their work. Mentors Pascal and Diana offer support to help manage their anxiety. The stakes rise significantly with a daunting challenge: the artists have just five hours to paint a portrait of a celebrity. This task, which would typically take professional artists weeks or longer, puts them to the test. Pascal's team must depict the iconic Angela Rippon OBE, while Diana's artists are tasked with capturing the remarkable Baroness Floella Benjamin. The atmosphere in both studios