THE search is on for the Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year.

This week, filming took place at Inveraray Castle where three Scottish finalists showcased their top talents.

Allan Dewar Martin and Peter Nardini – both of whom graduated from Glasgow School of Art – and Clark Nicol, who studied at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art in Dundee, will feature in the fourth series of the popular show.

This year sees a new co-presenter alongside Joan Bakewell – actor and art-lover Stephen Mangan, who replaces Frank Skinner.

Joan and Stephen are hugely excited to see what this year will bring.

Joan said: "It’s always fascinating to watch the artists grow and evolve their style throughout the programme and witness the incredible creativity in their interpretations of beautiful British landscapes – and to witness the debate amongst both the judges and viewers over which artist they believe to be the most worthy winner.”

The judges are artist Tai Shan Schierenberg and independent curators Kate Bryan and Kathleen Soriano. The show not only highlights the tremendous artistic talent from every corner of Britain and Ireland, but also how the beautiful British countryside has inspired past and present generations of artists.

Almost 1,600 entries were received for the 2018 competition, giving the judges the difficult task of whittling them down to 48 artists.

The first two heats took place at Fountain’s Abbey and Sudley Royal in Yorkshire; third and fourth took place at Viking Bay, Broadstairs; and the fifth and sixth heats took place at Inveraray Castle in Scotland.

According to series producer Danielle Graham, Inveraray Castle was a fantastic location to shoot at.

She said: "The fairytale turrets of the Duke of Argyll’s home have been compelling visitors to journey to this remote part of the country for centuries, so we just had to come and see what the fuss was about – and we weren’t disappointed.

"The opportunity to paint the view of this historic castle, framed by the beautiful rose gardens, and overlooked by the Dun na Cuaiche folly in the distance, was too good to pass up. Plus the view of a glassy Loch Fyne reflecting the sky, surrounded by rugged mountains, gives a feeling of being on the frontier and in a truly wild place.

"Collectively it’s something that heats artists have never experienced in Landscape Artist before, so we just had to come."

The show is produced by London and Glasgow-based independent production company Storyvault Films. It is set to air on Sky Arts this autumn.