Isabella Thornton
Here’s everything you need to know about the ABC TV Original art competition series Portrait Artist of the Year Australia Season 1 (2025) — from its official premiere date and streaming platform to the complete episode guide, hosts, judges, and celebrity sitters lineup. I’ve also included a step-by-step guide on how to watch it online from outside Australia, so you don’t miss a single masterpiece in this inspiring competition.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below, and I’ll get back to you right away to help you start streaming Portrait Artist of the Year Australia smoothly and without any hassle.
How can I watch Portrait Artist Of The Year Australia Series 1 outside Australia on ABC iView?
To watch Portrait Artist of the Year Australia Season 1 outside Australia, you’ll need to access ABC iview, the official streaming platform for the series. Since ABC iview is geo-restricted to Australian viewers, simply use a trusted VPN to connect to an Australian server and change your virtual location. Once connected, you can stream all eight episodes of this captivating art competition seamlessly and enjoy every brushstroke from anywhere in the world.
Portrait Artist of the Year Australia Season 1 About
Across eight episodes, Portrait Artist of the Year showcases nine talented artists each week, racing against time to paint a famous Australian personality. Their creations are judged by an esteemed panel — Bree Pickering, Abdul Abdullah, and Robert Wellington — who bring expertise in art, culture, and history to every critique. From bold brushstrokes to subtle details, the series reveals how every portrait captures more than a likeness — it tells a human story.
Guided by the charming hosts Miranda Tapsell and Luke McGregor, viewers witness the artists’ creativity, struggles, and emotional triumphs. The competition builds toward a heart-stirring finale where the winner earns a life-changing commission for the National Portrait Gallery in Canberra. Ultimately, the series is a heartfelt tribute to the enduring power of portraiture — art that connects people through empathy, identity, and imagination.
When does Portrait Artist of the Year Australia Season 1 premiere?
Portrait Artist of the Year premiered on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 8 p.m. on ABC TV. All episodes are available for streaming on ABC iview, and the winning artist’s final commissioned portrait will be exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery beginning December 22, 2025.
Hosts Judges and Sitters:
- Miranda Tapsell – Host. The award-winning actor from The Sapphires and Top End Wedding brings warmth, passion, and insight to the show.
- Luke McGregor – Host. The comedian and actor from Rosehaven adds humor and heartfelt curiosity, making each episode both entertaining and relatable.
- Bree Pickering – Judge. Director of the National Portrait Gallery of Australia, she offers sharp, insightful evaluations rooted in curatorial expertise.
- Abdul Abdullah – Judge. A renowned multi-disciplinary artist whose perspective on identity and culture enriches the judging panel.
- Robert Wellington – Judge. Associate Professor of Art History at the Australian National University, offering a deep scholarly understanding of art history.
- Featured Sitters – Ken Done, Maggie Beer, Tsehay Hawkins, Courtney Act, Margaret Pomeranz, Mark Coles Smith, Costa Georgiadis, Celia Pacquola, Talijah Blackman-Corowa, Rhys Nicholson, Adam Liaw, Myf Warhurst, Madison de Rozario, Amanda Keller, Matt Okine, Frank Finger, Chloe Hayden, Alex Lee, Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, and Denise Scott.
How many episodes does Portrait Artist of the Year Australia Season 1 have?
Season 1 consists of eight episodes, each running around 45–49 minutes, offering unique challenges and inspiring stories.
Episode Guide:
- Episode 1 – November 2, 2025
Nine artists create portraits of Ken Done, Maggie Beer, and Tsehay Hawkins, capturing their vibrant personalities through diverse techniques. - Episode 2 – November 9, 2025
Contestants paint Courtney Act, Mark Coles Smith, and Margaret Pomeranz, exploring individuality and creative flair. - Episode 3 – November 16, 2025
The competition features the youngest and oldest artists as they portray Costa Georgiadis, Celia Pacquola, and Talijah Blackman-Corowa. - Episode 4 – November 23, 2025
Artists from across the country paint Rhys Nicholson, Adam Liaw, and Myf Warhurst, blending humor and warmth on the canvas. - Episode 5 – November 30, 2025
Portraits of Madison de Rozario, Amanda Keller, and Matt Okine bring inspiration and emotion to this round of creativity. - Episode 6 – December 7, 2025
The final heat challenges artists to paint Frank Finger and his dog Annie, along with Chloe Hayden and Alex Lee, testing both precision and empathy. - Episode 7 – December 14, 2025
The semi-final raises the stakes as returning winners capture the essence of Dr Karl Kruszelnicki, combining intellect with artistry. - Episode 8 – December 21, 2025
The Grand Final sees Jenny Croom, Dean Rankine, and Jenna Pickering paint comedy legend Denise Scott, concluding the season with color, heart, and brilliance.
Where to Watch Portrait Artist of the Year AU Series 1 in Australia
As of November 2, 2025, Portrait Artist of the Year Australia Season 1 airs exclusively on ABC TV in Australia. All eight episodes are now available to stream for free on ABC iview, the official streaming platform of the ABC Network. Viewers across Australia can watch the full season online in HD quality anytime, enjoying every moment of this captivating art competition without a subscription.
Is Portrait Artist of the Year Australia available for free?
Yes, ABC iview is a free streaming service. You can watch all episodes without paying a subscription fee — simply sign up for an account and connect to an Australian VPN server if you’re outside Australia.
How to Sign Up for ABC iview:
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Visit the Website or App | Go to account.abc.net.au/signup | You can also open the ABC iview app on your device and select Create Account. |
| 2. Enter Your Details | Provide your email address, name, year of birth, and location. | Choose a secure password and make sure all information is correct before continuing. |
| 3. Accept Terms & Policies | Read and agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. | You must accept these before creating your account. |
| 4. Verify Your Email | Check your inbox for a verification email from ABC iview. | Click the verification link to activate your account. |
| 5. Log In to ABC iview | Return to iview.abc.net.au or the app. | Use your new credentials to sign in and start streaming your favorite ABC shows. |
Can I download Portrait Artist of the Year Australia for offline viewing?
No — you cannot download Portrait Artist of the Year Australia Season 1 (2025) for offline viewing via ABC iview. The platform currently supports streaming only; it does not offer a download or offline-mode option.
Portrait Artist of the Year Australia Trailer
ABC iview has released the trailer for Portrait Artist of the Year Australia.
FAQs
- Who are the hosts of the show?
The hosts are Miranda Tapsell (actor) and Luke McGregor (comedian). - Who are the judges on the show?
The judging panel includes Bree Pickering (Director of the National Portrait Gallery of Australia), Abdul Abdullah (multi-disciplinary artist), and Robert Wellington (Associate Professor of Art History, ANU). - What is the prize for the winner?
The winner receives a life-changing commission whose final portrait will hang in the National Portrait Gallery of Australia in Canberra. - How does the competition format work?
In each episode, nine artists (ranging from amateurs to professionals) have four hours to create a portrait of a well-known celebrity sitter. They are judged and one progresses toward the grand final. - Will the portraits produced on the show go on exhibition?
Yes — the winner’s final commissioned portrait will be displayed at the National Portrait Gallery from December 2025 onward.
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