Edinburgh artist sees boom in commissions following Portrait Artist of the Year appearance

Talented local Edinburgh artist Joe Capps has seen a significant surge in commissions following his recent appearance on the prestigious Sky Arts competition, Portrait Artist of the Year.

Joe, whose distinctive style captured the attention of viewers nationwide, participated in Series 12 of the hit show, where he was tasked with painting the acclaimed singer and songwriter Jacob Collier.

Competing in the high pressure environment of the studio in front of a live audience, Joe produced a striking portrait of Collier within the four hour time limit. While he did not progress to the final rounds, the response from the judges and the public alike has been overwhelmingly positive. Since the episode aired, Joe has seen a record number of enquiries, leaving the artist inundated with new commissions.

Joe commented: “The response to the show has been incredible. Participating in Portrait Artist of the Year was such an intense but rewarding experience.

“Painting someone as creative as Jacob Collier in just four hours was a massive challenge, but the feedback I’ve received from the public since then has been really heart warming.

“I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve received, and I’m looking forward to an incredibly exciting 2026.”

Joe’s rise in the art world is particularly notable given his background. A self taught artist, his formal art education ended after school. However, his career has been defined by a dedicated period of stylistic refinement. This journey led to his 2019 debut solo show, Atlas, in Kendal, and a 2021 showcase for Around The House Productions.

The momentum continued into 2025; alongside his television appearance, Joe’s piece Artemis was long-listed for the prestigious Jackson’s Art Prize. He is currently in the process of devising his second solo exhibition, further cementing his reputation as a rising talent in the contemporary Scottish art scene.

As his profile continues to grow, Joe remains committed to his commission work. He offers a diverse range of bespoke services, including personal portraits, celebrity studies, wedding portraits, and pet portraits.

For more information on Joe’s work, to view his portfolio, or to enquire about future commission availability, visit: https://www.joecappsart.com/.