Monica studied Fine Art at Loughborough and graduated in 2021.
She starred in one of the eight pods in an episode filmed in Liverpool, which aired on 7 February.
Monica was selected for the heat in Liverpool, and she was situated along the waterfront.
Her usual style centres around the tangible quality of sunlight and how it interacts with architecture in Gibraltar and other Mediterranean towns.
Her setting for Landscape Artist of the Year was going to be a little different.
Practising in advance of the heat, Monica sketched and painted possible ideas that would help her in mastering the timings for the show – where artists have just four hours to complete their painting.
Working in a loose style in her practice pieces, Monica created two paintings to help her prepare and figure out timings.
Of course, it’s a totally different experience being outside with onlookers, cameras, and interviews taking place.
Whilst creating their work, contestants are interviewed by host Stephen Mangan, and are also paid visits to their pods by the judges: award-winning artist Tai Shan Schierenberg, independent curator Kathleen Soriano, and art historian Kate Bryan.
Our Fine Art graduate rose to the challenge.
Monica created a painting during the heat that impressed the three judges, who commented on how she found the right light, shadows and composition to capture the feeling of the day.
She was selected to go through to the semi-finals, which will air on Sky Arts on 21 February.
Good luck, Monica!
Find out more about Monica’s artwork on her website.