It really feels as though art lovers are spoiled for choice at the moment with lots of amazing programmes to watch. Following the popularity of Grayson's Art Club, The Great Pottery Throwdown, Sky Portrait Artist of the Year and Sky Landscape Artist of the Year, Channel 5 has decided to bring back Watercolour Challenge.
Watercolour Challenge last appeared on Channel 4 in November 2001 – so it's been absent from our screens for 20 years! The original programme was launched in 1998 and ran for four seasons.
The new series showcases the work of talented amateur artists and shows off some of the incredible landscapes we have in the UK. The show's revival reflects the growing popularity of watercolour painting in the UK – many people have rediscovered their creativity over the past couple of years.
As each challenge is judged by a professional artist, you're bound to pick up lots of tips for your own paintings along the way – and you'll get to enjoy some of the UK's greatest views.
Read on to find about more about the new series of the Watercolour Challenge…
Want to try your hand at watercolour painting? We've put together some handy guides to help you get started. Check our watercolour painting for beginners guide, stock up on the best watercolour paints, explore our watercolor painting ideas, explore some easy watercolor leaves tutorials and learn how to paint easy watercolor flowers.
If you've got the hang of painting landscapes, try our watercolor portrait tutorial.
Photography ©Two Four TV and Channel 5
Watercolour Challenge 2022: everything you need to know
When is Watercolour Challenge on TV?
Watercolour Challenge will be aired every weekday at 4pm in the UK.
What channel is Watercolour Challenge on?
Watercolour Challenge is on Channel 5 in the UK. You can also catch up on past episodes on the My5 player.
How many episodes of Watercolour Challenge will there be?
This series will have 20 episodes.
Where is Watercolour Challenge filmed?
Each week the show will set in a different location around the UK. They've found some stunning locations for this series including Peasholm Park in Scarborough and the Vale of Glamorgan in Wales. The series begins in Devon, with the artists visiting Plymouth's Royal William Yard, Meadfoot Beach, Dartington Hall, Plymouth Sound and High Cross House.
In week two, the series moves on to Yorkshire. The show will visit Scarborough Bay, Goathland Railway Station, Castle Howard, Peasholm Park and The Temple of the Four Winds.
In upcoming weeks, Watercolour Challenge will also head to Wales and Cornwall for more spectacular outdoor painting sessions.
Who presents Watercolour Challenge?
The new series of Watercolour Challenge is presented by Fern Britton. Fern Britton is an author and TV presenter who is best known for hosting shows such as Ready Steady Cook and This Morning on ITV. She also appeared as a contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2012. In recent years, she's been more focused on her writing producing several novels and short stories.
What to expect from Watercolour Challenge 2022
Each week four artists will be challenged to paint some of Britain's finest views against the clock – with just three hours to complete their paintings in each location. They're encouraged by Fern Britton, who is both a presenter and a judge, and guided by a professional artist acting as both a mentor and a judge.
You'll watch the progress of four artists throughout each week. When the show moves on to a new location, four new artists will be introduced. The contestants are all amateurs from a variety of different backgrounds, from retirees to working parents. The contestants are expected to paint in all weathers – which can prove challenging!
The works created by the amateur artists are truly impressive and overall the show is very relaxing to watch, even if you're not an artist yourself.
The judges offer the contestants practical tips and advice to help them improve their paintings, so you're bound to pick up some pointers if you're an aspiring watercolour painter.
The first series takes in Cornwall, Devon, Yorkshire and South West Wales, which all offer spectacular views to paint.
Who judges Watercolour Challenge?
Unlike other TV painting competitions, Watercolour Challenge doesn't have the same judges in every episode. Watercolour Challenge is judged by a different professional artist each week, who will provide lots of tips and support as the contestants go brush to brush.
For example, in week one the contestants are joined by artist Lisa Takahashi. Lisa is a Bristol-based artist who is known for her linocut prints and watercolour landscape paintings. When the competition moves to Yorkshire, the competition will be judged by artist and former army veteran Ady Wright, who has lots of tips to share with the painters.
