Amateur artists sought to paint the nation
RTÉ One’s Painting the Nation is on the hunt for Ireland's budding artists to take part in a second series of the amateur painting competition.
Presented by Pauline McLynn, Painting the Nation sees a group of amateur painters travelling the country taking on challenges honing and perfecting their skills, as they compete for the title of Ireland’s best amateur painter.
If painting is your passion and you think you have what it takes - or you know someone who would be perfect for Painting the Nation - the show wants to hear from you. Applications are now open – check out rte.ie/audiences for more details. The closing date for entries is 19th June.
Pauline McLynn, whose CV boasts a BA in History of Art alongside her roles in Father Ted, Shameless and on stage at the Abbey Theatre, will once again be there to shepherd the artists through the highs and lows as they compete.
Pauline said: “I'm thrilled to be involved again this year, and looking forward to meeting another group of talented amateur painters. I would encourage amateur painters across the country to apply to take part as it is such an exciting opportunity. We had so much fun last summer painting our way around the nation, and sharing the paintings in the pop up gallery. This is an amazing opportunity for anyone who loves to paint and wants to be pushed to new heights.”
Last year saw seven amateur painters compete over five rounds with Cork woman Sinéad Lawless taking home the title.
Sinéad said: “Being on Painting the Nation was a complete whirlwind and had an extremely positive impact on my life. I got to meet some really great people and having the critiques from the judges helped me to learn and grow as an artist, and gave me a better understanding of art appreciation. Through it all, surrounded by my fellow artists, my confidence grew and the win has given me the confidence to pursue art wholeheartedly. I have since thrown myself into every opportunity and learning.”
In Painting the Nation, the selected artists will travel to locations throughout Ireland where they will take on painting and drawing challenges around iconic local history, culture, heritage and people.
The challenges set by professional artists, judges Una Sealy and Gabhann Dunne, see the painters having to compete against the clock to showcase their talents and impress the judges. Their work is then exhibited at a weekly roving pop-up gallery, and the judges will decide which painter will be named Painter of the Week, and who will make it to the next stage.