The Portrait Artist of the Year 2024 (PAOTY 2024) has captured the attention of art enthusiasts, critics, and the general public alike. This year, the spotlight shines on Brogan Bertie, whose unique approach to portraiture, dedication to painting from life, and compelling personal journey culminated in his historic win. His commissioned portrait of Lorraine Kelly for the National Portrait Gallery of Scotland not only celebrated artistic skill but also marked a significant milestone as Brogan became the first trans winner of PAOTY.

The competition, renowned for discovering and promoting exceptional talent, challenges artists to balance technical mastery, emotional depth, and personal expression. In this article, we explore Brogan Bertie’s journey, the process behind his winning portrait, and the broader implications for portraiture and representation in contemporary art.

The Journey to Winning PAOTY 2024 Early Life

Brogan Bertie’s journey into portraiture began relatively recently. Having taken up painting only six months before participating in PAOTY 2024, Brogan’s rapid ascent highlights both his natural talent and his dedication. Initially, he painted friends from life, honing his ability to capture personality and emotion in real-time.

Influenced heavily by Lucian Freud, Brogan emphasizes painting from life rather than photographs, believing that direct observation brings energy and authenticity to a portrait. This approach, while challenging, reflects a deep respect for the tradition of portraiture and a desire to connect intimately with his subjects.

Transition and Identity

A significant element of Brogan’s story is his personal journey of transitioning. As he explained, art has always been a way to explore identity:

"When you decide you're going to transition, you have to engage with a level of aspiration—because you're not who you want to be right now… It's only after transitioning that I could see the sitter and almost not see their mask either."

This perspective profoundly influenced his ability to capture subjects’ essence, making his work deeply personal and emotionally resonant. Brogan’s win is a testament to the intersection of artistic skill, identity, and authenticity.

Preparing for the Commission

Winning PAOTY 2024 came with a £10,000 commission to paint Lorraine Kelly. While exciting, this opportunity also presented significant challenges. Brogan had limited experience with commissioned work, which typically requires managing time constraints, understanding client expectations, and balancing artistic vision with practical execution.

The judges’ selection of a relatively inexperienced artist sparked discussions about preparedness, but Brogan’s determination and rapid learning curve allowed him to navigate these pressures successfully.

Insights from Previous Winners

Preparation for a high-profile commission often benefits from guidance from previous PAOTY winners. While Brogan received advice from the show’s mentor, Tai, consulting with former winners could have provided more nuanced insights into photographic references, session planning, and technical considerations.

Nonetheless, Brogan’s method—combining initial sketches, observational studies, and photography—demonstrated his commitment to capturing Lorraine Kelly’s likeness authentically.

Painting Lorraine Kelly

Lorraine Kelly, the celebrated Scottish broadcaster, was chosen for the PAOTY 2024 commission to commemorate the 40th anniversary of her career. Kelly’s warm presence, public recognition, and dynamic persona made her an ideal subject. The portrait not only celebrated her professional achievements but also highlighted her as a cultural icon and, according to some sources, a gay icon.

Initial Studies and Sketches

Brogan began with charcoal sketches in Kelly’s television studio, capturing her gestures, posture, and expressions. While some critics questioned the choice of charcoal, Brogan’s approach focused on observing authentic reactions—a crucial skill in portraiture.

Capturing subtle expressions while Kelly was listening
Translating live movements into static sketches
Considering lighting and composition for the final oil painting

Sessions at Lorraine Kelly’s Home

Painting at the sitter’s home offered Brogan the advantage of a relaxed environment. Over two sessions, he:

Conducted a “getting to know you” study
Created a longer study in Kelly’s chosen attire, refining facial features, posture, and personality nuances

Brogan also documented the process with photographs, though critics noted that photographic techniques could have been optimized to better capture detail and color fidelity.

The Studio Process From Sketches to Oil Painting

In his studio, funded by the £10,000 prize, Brogan translated preliminary studies into the final oil painting. This stage involved:

Careful observation of photographic references
Adjusting proportions, composition, and lighting
Capturing the sitter’s essence while ensuring technical accuracy

Despite moments of anxiety and self-doubt, Brogan’s dedication allowed him to produce a portrait that balanced realism with emotional depth.

Technical Considerations

Key techniques included:

Oil on board for durability and texture
Emphasis on facial clarity while subtly integrating background elements
Avoiding distractions from props, costumes, and external objects

Critique of the Commission

Strengths

Emotional resonance and warmth in portraying Kelly
Attention to gesture, posture, and expressive qualities
Integration of Lorraine’s dog, Angus, adding a personal touch

Areas for Improvement

Some proportional inaccuracies (head size vs. body)
Limited detail in certain features due to reliance on photographs
Need for enhanced draughtsmanship skills, consistent with influences like Lucian Freud

The Big Reveal

The unveiling at the National Galleries of Scotland marked a pivotal moment. Lorraine Kelly’s reaction was emotional and positive, highlighting the portrait’s success in capturing her personality. Audience and social media feedback reflected appreciation for Brogan’s effort and potential, despite minor technical critiques.

Broader Impact

Brogan Bertie’s victory represents more than artistic skill—it symbolizes diversity, inclusion, and representation in the arts. As the first trans winner of PAOTY, Brogan’s story inspires aspiring artists to embrace identity and authenticity while pursuing excellence in portraiture.

Lessons for Aspiring Artists

Value preparation and observation in commissioned work
Practice both painting from life and photographs
Embrace emotional depth and individuality in portraiture
Seek mentorship and learn from past experiences in competitive settings

Conclusion

PAOTY 2024 showcased the remarkable journey of Brogan Bertie, whose dedication, talent, and authentic approach to portraiture resulted in a memorable commission of Lorraine Kelly. His win not only celebrates his artistic achievements but also marks a milestone in representation and inclusion.

The portrait artist of the year 2024 has set a standard for future competitions, proving that talent, passion, and authenticity are just as important as experience in the world of contemporary portraiture.