Stunning new season of Portrait Artist of the Year starts this August on the ABC

Award winning series Portrait Artist of the Year returns on Sunday 16 August at 7.30pm on ABC TV, with all episodes available to stream on ABC iview.

Hosted by actor Miranda Tapsell and comedian Luke McGregor, this inspiring eight-part series will have audiences captivated from the first stroke as 54 talented artists go brush-to-brush capturing some of Australia's most recognisable personalities.

Working against the clock and in front of a live audience, competitors have just four hours to create a striking portrait before it is assessed by acclaimed art experts Abdul Abdullah, Bree Pickering and Robert Wellington.

Across six heats, artists ranging from emerging creatives to established professionals are challenged to paint one of three high-profile Australian sitters drawn from the worlds of music, comedy, television, food and lifestyle.

Stepping up to be immortalised on canvas are Matt Preston, Dannii Minogue, John Safran, Kate Langbroek, Katherine Bennell-Pegg, Troy Cassar-Daley, Carrie Bickmore, Marc Fennell, Ellie Cole, Casey Donovan, Lisa McCune, Dave Hughes, Nedd Brockmann, Andrea Lam, Josh Thomas, Baker Boy, Jenny Kee, Peter Rowsthorn, Marcia Hines and Kirk Pengilly.

Each emotional portrait reveal brings joy, tears and laughter as our sitters see themselves in a way they never have before.

The winning artist receives a career-defining commission to create a portrait of beloved Australian performer Justine Clarke to be hung on the walls of the National Portrait Gallery of Australia, cementing their place among Australia’s leading artists.

Winner of the 2025 AACTA Award for Best Entertainment Program, Portrait Artist of the Year showcases the transformative power of art to connect, challenge and inspire.

Stream season 1 of Portrait Artist of the Year on ABC iview now.

Production credits:
Portrait Artist of the Year  is produced by Endemol Shine Australia (ESA), part of media and entertainment group, Banijay Entertainment for ABC. Executive Producer: David McDonald. Series Producer: Danielle Vos. Post Executive Producer: Polly Anna Arde. Director: Jo Siddiqui. ABC Head of Arts, Music and Events: Kath Earle. ABC Commissioning Editor: Rachel Robinson.