LAOTY Semi Final 2026 – The Heat Winners

Published on March 30, 2026

This is about all the Heat Winners who will be participating in the Semi Finals of Series 11 of Landscape Artist of the Year 2026, to be broadcast on Wednesday. This context simplifies the review of the Semi Finals and adds an exciting challenge for viewers to predict the Finalists.

The focus for the semi-finals is The Ouse Valley Viaduct in West Sussex, a structure that evokes the grandeur of a mountain in Ireland.

Who’s Who in the LAOTY Semi Finals 2026

Below is a summary of the pod artists competing in the Semi Finals:

– All the heat winners along with their profiles.
– A showcase of their submissions and heat paintings.

Who do you think will make it to the Final of Landscape Artist of the Year 2026? Take a moment to see if you can deduce who might advance to the Finals.

Heat 1: Derwent Water, Lake District

Kim Day was the winner of the first heat. Many consider her a frontrunner for the Final. However, her ability to creatively capture the seemingly mundane structure of the large brick viaduct will play a crucial role in her success.

Kim Day lives on the Isle of Purbeck in Dorset and is a freelance concept artist for the film and television industry. With a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts painting and a Master’s from the NFTS and Royal College of Art in Design for Film, she employs a mix of mediums including acrylics, charcoals, and pastels on high-quality papers to achieve depth in her artwork.

Her approach involves starting with broad tonal shapes, followed that suggest intricacies, a technique praised . Tai commended her brilliant artwork, while Eva appreciated the harmonious color palettes and noted the effective use of purple and pink undertones in her pieces.

Judges were particularly impressed ’s vibrant use of colors and her ability to fill the frame without losing the essence of her subject, creating pieces that resonate with a sense of place while still reflecting her unique perspective.

Submission and Heat Artwork

Her artwork has been described as possessing a “delicious sense of colour” and effectively capturing the majesty of the landscapes she portrays. Given the quality of her work and feedback from judges, Kim is a strong candidate for the Final.

My previous review of the first episode provides further insights into her artistry. Additionally, her Instagram hints may offer clues about her decision-making in her upcoming Semi Final entries.

Episode 2: St James Park, London

In the second episode, Nigel Glaze emerged victorious, creating a striking representation of Buckingham Palace and the Victoria Memorial across the tranquil lake of St James Park.

As anticipation builds for the upcoming Semi Finals, viewers watch closely to see which artists will emerge victorious and secure their place in the Finale of Landscape Artist of the Year 2026.

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