A rising star from one of Scotland’s most prestigious schools is set to showcase her talents on national television tonight.
Ruby Mitcham, an 18-year-old student at Gordonstoun, has been selected to appear on the new series of Portrait Artist of the Year, the Sky Arts competition hosted by actor and comedian Stephen Mangan.
Ruby, who only began oil painting at the age of 15, has already made an impact on the UK art scene. Last year, she became the youngest ever artist to exhibit at the Society of Scottish Artists Annual Exhibition in Edinburgh — a show that has previously featured works by the likes of Raeburn, Picasso and Munch.
Now, she joins a select group of emerging artists competing in the 12th series of the popular programme, which returns to screens on Wednesday night.
Among the celebrity sitters this season are Dame Mary Berry, Succession star Brian Cox, Bridgerton actress Adjoa Andoh, former Boyzone singer Shane Lynch, and astronaut Tim Peake.
Ruby at her easel(Image: Gordonstoun)
Ruby’s journey to the show began while she was on a school exchange in Canada. Despite being thousands of miles from home, she managed to create and ship a submission back to the UK — impressing producers enough to earn a coveted spot on the show.
Filming took place at London’s Battersea Arts Centre, where Ruby painted her assigned sitter — to be revealed in episode five — live in front of cameras and a studio audience.
Reflecting on the experience, Ruby said: “The first look at the set was incredible. It looks the same as it does on TV but with lots of cameras and people. Everyone was really nice, and it was bizarre seeing the judges for the first time, who were all very kind and friendly.
“It was exciting to meet the other eight artists in my heat and although it was a competition, it didn’t feel like that in the slightest. I really enjoyed painting the sitter and was pleased with the challenge of a short time for a painting.
“I typically don’t like it when people see my paintings mid-process, and I ended up painting slightly differently to how I would have if I had been alone.”
She added: “But the audience was really supportive, and I had a good chat with some of the people watching. The day was one I’ll never forget.”
A self-portrait by Ruby(Image: Gordonstoun)
Ruby is currently in her final year of a two-year senior Art and Music scholarship at Gordonstoun.
Her recent accolades include being shortlisted for the Scottish Portrait Awards at just 16, and a nomination for Young Fine Artist. She has also exhibited twice at the Royal Scottish Academy, most recently in its Annual Open Exhibition of Art and Architecture.
Ruby has also been selected to exhibit at the prestigious XV Florence Biennale — a major international platform for contemporary art.
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Wendi Van-Hoof, Head of Art at Gordonstoun, praised Ruby’s achievement: “Ruby’s appearance on such a prestigious TV show is a worthy recognition of her burgeoning talent. She is a joy to teach and the sky’s the limit for Ruby.
“Her grasp of portraiture is akin to someone much older and I’m looking forward to seeing how she develops not only her technical skills but her creative insight in her final year at Gordonstoun.”
Ruby’s mother, Joanna, added: “While finding her footing in the art world, Ruby is also getting on with everyday life at school, revising, auditioning for the school musical and enjoying being with her friends.
“Ruby really enjoyed the time she spent on set on Portrait Artist of the Year. She knew that it would be a challenge trying to produce work under the time pressure and camera scrutiny, but she loved the support from the audience and was excited to take part in the competition.”
Among her most recent commissions is a portrait of BBC Radio 4’s Ron Brown, the voice of the Shipping Forecast, to mark 100 years of its broadcast on the BBC.
Portrait Artist of the Year airs tonight on Sky Arts.