We are thrilled to announce that Ben MacGregor has been crowned the winner of the tenth series of Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year. This prestigious accolade not only celebrates Ben's exceptional talent but also marks a significant milestone in his artistic journey—a journey that began, remarkably, with inspiration drawn directly from the very competition he has now won.
A Journey Inspired by Art
Ben's foray into landscape painting was sparked by his early viewings of Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year. Enthralled by the diverse interpretations and techniques showcased, he felt a compelling urge to explore this genre himself. Reflecting on his experience, Ben shared, "I started painting landscapes because of Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year... to have won gives me a deep sense of gratitude towards the show and everyone involved in making it.
The Road to Victory
The competition was rigorous, featuring six heats, a semi-final, and a gripping final held at the iconic Stonehenge. Throughout these stages, Ben's distinctive style—characterised by meticulous mark-making and a harmonious palette of blues, pinks, and greens—consistently captivated both judges and audiences. His semi-final piece, focusing on the textural elements of Portsmouth's jetty rather than the more obvious subject of HMS Warrior, showcased his ability to find beauty in overlooked scenes. Ben explained, "The ship didn’t interest me as a subject matter. For me, the real atmosphere was to be found in the grittiness of Portsmouth and the bits that would ordinarily be overlooked."
The Winning Commission
As part of his prize, Ben received a £10,000 commission to paint a landscape in the south of France for The Courtauld Gallery in London, following in the footsteps of Impressionist masters. This opportunity allowed him to immerse himself in the landscapes that inspired artists like Cézanne, Monet, and Van Gogh. Visiting Cézanne's studio was a particularly profound experience for Ben, who described it as "probably the most profound experience of the whole trip because the space was completely empty, so there wasn’t much to focus on other than the atmosphere and the huge metal framed window."
Ben MacGregor at Contemporary Six
We are delighted to share that Contemporary Six proudly represents Ben MacGregor’s works, and they are available for acquisition through our gallery. His paintings, such as "Snowdrop Forest I," "Vanillia," and "I also have Berneray," exemplify his unique approach to landscape art, blending traditional techniques with a contemporary sensibility. These pieces not only capture the essence of their subjects but also invite viewers to explore the textures and nuances that Ben so masterfully portrays.
Looking Ahead
Winning Landscape Artist of the Year is not just a culmination but a new beginning for Ben as he aspires to pursue a full-time career as an artist. Ben expressed, "I’m going to really try to push myself out there and keep developing this style that the show has been so instrumental in cultivating."
At Contemporary Six, we are excited to support Ben in this next chapter and look forward to showcasing more of his work in the future. His success serves as an inspiration to aspiring artists and a reminder of the transformative power of dedication and passion in the arts.
