Irish artist Gareth Reid has been crowned the 'Portrait Artist of the Decade'.
The Belfast artist took home the prize on a special 10th anniversary edition of Sky Arts’ Portrait Artist of the Year.
The show reunited previous winners to compete for the title - challenging them create a portrait of renowned British actress Judi Dench.
Gareth Reid, who now lives in Glasgow, emerged as the winner with an impressive charcoal drawing of the Oscar-winning actress.
His drawing will be featured in an upcoming exhibition at the UK's National Portrait Gallery in London.
Judi Dench inspects Gareth Reid's portrait of her as part of the 'Portrait Artist of the Decade' competition in May 2023. Image: Sky ArtsReid said it was an experience he will never forget.
"We filmed the episode back in May so it has been a strange situation not being able to share the news with anyone," he said.
"Since then, I've had ample time to process it all, but it still feels completely surreal to be awarded Portrait Artist of the Decade.
"I was utterly shocked when my name was read out, I expected nothing so I feel extremely fortunate and honoured to have been chosen.
"Winning the first time was already extraordinary, but this is way beyond that.
"Having my daughters there with me and working under pressure alongside such a great group of talented artists on the day was an experience that I’ll never forget," he added.
Reid won the Sky Portrait Artist of the Year back in 2017, surpassing 54 competitors.
Gareth Reid's portrait of TV host Graham Norton, which hangs in the National Gallery of Ireland. Image: Gareth ReidAs the winner, he was commissioned to capture the likeness of Irish TV host Graham Norton.
That painting has entered the permanent collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.
New paintings by Reid will be featured as part of a group exhibition in La Roche House in Belfast.
He will also have a new work in Sotheby’s London sale of Irish Art, which previews at the RHA Gallery Dublin in November.
