A TAUNTON artist is set to appear on Sky Arts’ Landscape Artist of the Year 2026, after watching and applying to be on the show for the past 10 years.
Katie Sims, 28, who worked for three years as a teacher at Kings College prior, will feature in one of the heats of the programme, which airs on Wednesday, January 28 at 8pm on Sky Arts (Freeview 36 & NOW TV) and to celebrate she will be holding a solo exhibition at Taunton Library Gallery.
In the show, Katie will be painting from one of the “iconic pods”, responding to the landscape of the White Cliffs of Dover.
Katie has said this experience marks a “major milestone,” adding: “This is a competition I’ve watched and applied for over the past 10 years, I started applying when I was 18.
“To finally be there on the day was incredibly exciting — and nerve-racking — but also a huge joy.”
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Katie has said that her work is “deeply rooted in the natural landscapes of the UK”, particularly its “rare and often overlooked” temperate rainforests.
Her submission piece, “Fallen Oak”, was inspired by Cabilla Woods on Bodmin Moor and explores themes of resilience, regeneration, and “the quiet strength of ancient woodland ecosystems.”
Residents may recognise the piece from Taunton Independent Market, where prints and cards have been available throughout 2025.
Katie said the Taunton Independent Market was her first exposure as an artist.
Katie said: “It’s about showing how these forests adapt and survive — and what we can learn from them,
“They play a vital role in carbon storage, biodiversity, flood prevention and wellbeing, yet many people don’t realise they exist here in the UK.”
According to her, however, the actual day of filming came with its challenges.
She said: “The weather behaved for the most part,
“Although there were ten minutes of panic when a light rain shower appeared — but otherwise it was a beautiful, sunny day.”
She also praised the production team for their kindness and support throughout the experience. Katie described meeting the judges — Tai-Shan Schierenberg, Kathleen Soriano and Eva Langret — as a highlight, alongside presenter Stephen Mangan, calling the experience “surreal and unforgettable”.
To celebrate her appearance on the show, Katie will be holding a solo exhibition titled ‘Forest Floor to Sky Arts’ at Taunton Library Gallery from 19–24 January.
According to Katie, the exhibition invites visitors to step into the “vibrant world of the UK’s temperate rainforests, exploring their beauty, power and the urgent need to protect the forests”.
Opening hours are: Mon–Tue: 9.30am–5.30pm Wed: 9.30am–7pm Thu–Fri: 9.30am–5.30pm Sat: 9.30am–5pm
Visitors will be able to view original artworks, browse prints and cards, and speak with the artist about her work and environmental mission.
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