A STUDENT’S ‘exquisite’ portrait has been snapped up by her celebrity subject.

Abby Skinner, right, a second-year illustration student at Arts University Bournemouth, won the chance to capture the likeness of iconic broadcaster Lord Melvyn Bragg after being shortlisted from 3,000 entries for a Sky TV talent search. The 20-year-old appeared on Sky Arts show Portrait Artist Of The Year – which gave hopefuls the chance to paint well-known sitters – in December after submitting a self-portrait earlier.

The finalists were invited to paint their allocated celebrity at the Wallace Collection in London’s West End where their work was scrutinised by judges.

Abby said she was honoured when Lord Bragg chose to take her portrait home and one judge, Kate Bryan, head of contemporary art at the Fine Art Society, called the piece ‘exquisite’.

“It was an enjoyable and challenging experience,” added Abby, who has had her sights set on becoming a professional artist since the age of 14.

“It was interesting to get feedback from the professional judges and I was thrilled with Kate Bryan’s praise.

“A lot of people have seen me on TV and I have been getting more commissions since.

“I was so pleased when Lord Bragg decided to take my portrait home with him as his favourite – it is a real honour.”

Although she has not progressed to the next stage of the competition, the undergraduate said the experience has been a boost and she is now exhibiting a selection of her work in London’s Darren Baker gallery.

For more information about Abby’s work, visit abbyskinner. com.