Going Wild in Llanberis

My experience as a wildcard artist on Landscape Artist of the year. 

To be a wildcard you must first apply to be a pod artist. You need to fill in an application form with a photo of yourself and photos of at least two pieces of your best work.

I received a reply saying although I was not successful I could apply to be a wild card.

You are offered 6 dates for heats and dates for semi and final. You must be able to make all three dates and confirm that. You are only able to apply to be a wildcard on one of the heats.

I chose the second Llanberis day, heat 4, because it was the nearest of the days I could manage to get to.

You are then required to do a fastest finger first reply at midday on a Saturday.

On the evening I received the notice that I was in, I very quickly booked accommodation as 50 other people would be receiving notifications at the same time and of course accommodation would already be filling with the crew.

I booked a Band B for two nights in the middle of Llanberis. It became a mini-break for my husband and I. Llanberis was central to two of the 100 greatest bike climbs and of course at the foot of Snowdon. Plenty for my fit husband to tackle as I was painting.

We arrived late afternoon and checked in. As we were unpacking we looked out of the window and saw across the lake a big crowd of people. Realising it was heat 3 being filmed we set off to see what was going on. 

As we walked round we passed a few wild card painters who had just finished painting and were returning to their cars.  

We arrived just as Stephen Mangan was saying, "Artists, you have 5 minutes left"

We were able to see all of the Pod artists at work and we decided to stay for the judging.

It was fascinating seeing how the show is put together. 

We both agreed with the judges and loved the work of winner, Clare Rose.

We spoke to the editor, who pointed out they quarry and told me that was what would be painting the following day.

We also spoke to Stephen Mangan and Kate Bryant. She told me to get an early night as it would be a 7am start in the morning.

We stood right next to the judges, hoping we'd get on the TV and we were thrilled that we did.

There was a couple also in our B and B, the husband was a wildcard too.

It was an early start. Awake at 5.30am. Wild cards had to sign in. So at 7am we walked down the street with everything I needed for the day. We were close enough to leave the car at the B and B and not have to pay the £10 parking fee. As we walked along the street other people appeared, popping out of other accommodation. Carrying chairs and pulling trolleys, we could tell just where they were going. We chatted to a guy who told us he was a reserve so if any of the pod artists didn't show up he would get a pod. 

I signed in and had two pieces of paper stamped. This was to make sure that no one brought one of those I made earlier to the competition. A paper band was also placed on my wrist so I could be identified as a wildcard. 

Once all wildcards were registered we were filmed walking in twice. Once I was at the front of the queue and the second time at the back. 

James then left to get his breakfast at the B and B. I had to make do with my breakfast bar and cherries bought the previous evening in the Spar. 

I settled down in a spot with chair at the front. I wish now I'd picked a more central spot in the middle of the 50 rather than at the edge. I'd have probably had more opportunity to speak to more artists.

The Pods were in front of the wildcards looking up at the quarry we had to paint. The quarry was in shadow for most of the morning. Predominantly a view of grey and green it wasn't very inspiring. 

When we were finally told we could start painting I was quite excited. There were quite a few locals walking round and chatting to the wildcard artists. 

I was lucky enough to have a chat to Stephen Mangan. I didn't manage to talk to Tai but Kate Bryant looked at my work and said " ooh interesting" which my Mum used to say if she wanted to be nice but didn't like it. Kathleen Soriano asked me if I'd had a nice day and was I pleased with the painting I had done. 

I wasn't filmed talking about my work but I did have a lovely day talking to other artists especially those I am now following on instagram, Alison Wake, a textile artist and Rachael Merrison, who was painting beside me. 

Even more exciting was to see Sarah Stoker in a Pod. I had met Sarah at Art in the Pen and we both used to sell our art in Cherrydidi in Keswick. 

James arrived mid afternoon after tackling a couple of hills on his bike. 

There were breaks for meals and there were three portaloos in the field. Thank goodness it was a fine day. It would have been miserable in the rain. I did have Nanette Madan's tent with me in case but luckily I didn't need it. 

I think I slightly overworked my painting and had it completed well before the four hours were up.

I had a lot of positive comments about my picture as I had also included the National Slate Museum at the bottom, from a photo I had snapped the day before. I rather liked to splash of red from the windows on my otherwise grey and green painting.

The wild card winner was selected and we all applauded, though my favourite of the day was Rachael's, who was painting beside me. An experienced painter with an enviable plein air kit.

The wild cards packed up. We took the bike and bags back to the B and B and then returned to witness the judging. It was another fascinating session.  

As we waited for each round of judging, England had started their football match against Slovenia. We were peeping over Stephen Mangan's shoulder to watch it on his phone. 

We both agreed with the judges decision and liked all three of the finalists and were very pleased to see Sarah chosen as the winner. Now I am excited to see how she gets on in the next round.  

The judges were happy to pose with me for a photo and I was delighted.

Once everything was wound up James and I went across to a sports bar for burger and chips. 

It was an early night for us, with all that fresh air.

Next morning it was misty but James was determined to climb Snowdon. I chose to go for a train ride and then visit the slate museum which I decided to paint.  

All in all a super few days for us both. I can thoroughly recommend that other artists should have a go. And I can thoroughly recommend a short break in Llanberis.