ONE of the county’s best-known TV stars has swapped his veterinary surgery for art lessons with the UK’s best-selling published artist in an upcoming episode of The Yorkshire Vet.

Viewers of this week’s edition of The Yorkshire Vet will see one of its stars, Julian Norton, challenged to learn to paint – and who better to teach him than the award-winning and Yorkshire-based artist Lucy Pittaway?

Of the many animal challenges that Julian has faced in ten years and over 200 episodes of the award-winning series, this was arguably his most daunting! A painting novice who hadn’t wielded a paintbrush since his school days, Julian was tasked with learning how to paint a sheep in Lucy’s instantly recognisable signature pastel style. Meanwhile, Lucy was challenged to paint Julian’s trusty canine companion, Jack Russell Emmy.

Filming took place at Lucy’s Richmondshire studio in Brompton-on-Swale, which is also home to her newly opened outlet store. Lucy, who has three times been named the country’s most popular published artist by the Fine Art Trade Guild, also has seven Lucy Pittaway galleries across the North-East, Yorkshire, and the Lake District.

The episode, which is set to air on Thursday May 8th at 8pm, sees Lucy share hints and tips on how to create one of her signature ‘Lucy Pittaway’ sheep with Julian before he heads off to create his own painting while Lucy works on hers. The pair then reconvene for a grand ‘reveal’ of both of their artworks.

Lucy’s original of Emmy, titled One Vet and His Dog, shows her set against a backdrop of Julian’s life in rural Yorkshire, with Julian in the background riding his mountain bike.

While viewers will have to tune in to see Julian’s creation, Lucy’s painting of Emmy – as well as being revealed exclusively on the show - has also been immortalised in prints, canvases, stationery, and homewares and takes pride of place on the cover of Julian’s new book which is set to be published on the same day the episode airs. The original painting also sits proudly in his veterinary practice.

Lucy said: “This was such a wonderful project to be involved with. I’ve known Julian for many years and to challenge him to learn to paint was a lot of fun. I’ve never taught anyone to paint using pastels in my studio apart from my children, so it was a new experience for me. Julian did a fantastic job creating a Lucy Pittaway-style sheep and I hope it is displayed with pride!

“It is such an honour to have my painting of Emmy on the cover of Julian’s new book. She was a wonderful subject to paint and the whole experience has been incredible from beginning to end.”
Speaking about the collaboration, Julian said: “Apart from some disasters at school, I’ve never done any painting. That was over 40 years ago and I’ve never painted or drawn anything since. I was pleasantly surprised by my creation and I became thoroughly absorbed by making it. There are a few bits I wish I had done better - maybe next time!

“I really did enjoy learning to paint, Lucy is a great teacher. I’ve bought an easel, and more pastels and some paper. As yet, I’m awaiting inspiration, but I’ve had an idea, inspired by something beautiful I’ve seen whilst out on my mountain bike. Watch this space!

“Lucy’s painting of Emmy is a thing of great beauty and I always smile when I see it. Emmy is getting old now and she’s not very well so it will ensure her memory lasts for ever.”

To see the One Vet and his Dog artwork or gift range ‘up close’, fans of Julian and Lucy can do so by visiting www.lucypittaway.co.uk or by visiting one of Lucy Pittaway's galleries after the programme has aired.