HAVE you, like me, been riveted to the Portrait Artist of the Year series on Sky TV?

Who would have believed that watching people paint is almost as enjoyable as doing the painting yourself? Yet, these regular searches for talented portraitists really are fascinating and highly entertaining.

Frank Skinner and Joan Bakewell are an unlikely but highly successful pair of presenters for this popular programme that brings a group of artists together to paint three different well-known sitters. The emerging portraits are just amazing to watch and the finished pictures a real treat. I can’t wait for the next series!