Hesketh Hubbard Bursary Recipient wins Sky Portrait Artist of the Year

Chloe Barnes is a London-based artist who creates figurative monotypes exploring identity and female experience. She uses the monoprinting process to 'print with paint', pushing against conventional ideas of perfection.

In October it was announced that Chloe was one of the 72 artists selected for this year's show. Over the course of several episodes she has battled the competition, with the judges loving her unique process and choice of medium. Over the course of the competition Chloe has painted Clara Amfo, Mary Berry and Brian Cox.

Due to the location and time constraints of the process, Chloe had to slightly adapt her approach from her usual printing. She said on her blog that: 

'For PAOTY, I knew I would not have access to a printing press, and I would have to alter my process for the heats. Over many years of painting my plates, especially during the Hesketh Hubbard life drawing sessions at the Mall Galleries, many people commented that the painted plates (sheets of aluminium) were a work of art in their own right. So, without access to a press, this was my pitch when applying to the competition - paint my plate like I would if I were making a monotype, and leave it as that, a painting on aluminium.'

Hesketh Hubbard is London's largest life drawing group, and a member society of the Federation of British Artists. Each year they offer three free year-long membership bursaries to young artists aged between 18 and 30.

Applicants are required to submit a portfolio and statement, with shortlisted artists taking part in an interview at the galleries. Chloe's self-portrait presented during the competition formed part of this application.

Membership to Hesketh Hubbard offers almost weekly life drawing classes throughout the year, an incredible opportunity to hone your portrait painting skills. Chloe said:

'My time with the Hesketh Hubbard Society made working with sitters integral to my process, while the Federation of British Artists has been a source of inspiration where tradition and innovation thrive — helping me prepare for my participation in Sky Portrait Artist of the Year 2025.'