Paint Your Transformation (The Outstanding Artist - S3 E5)

In this episode of The Outstanding Artist, the remaining artists are given game-changing news about the structure of the contest. They are then challenged to create a painting that captures transformation and to draw inspiration from the sea. Watch as the artists discover the great joy and struggles that come from painting on the beach.
Check out the artists here (listed alphabetically):
Anna Bostrom - www.annabostro...
Bri Fitzpatrick - brianalfitzpat...
Eva Bratopoulou - www.evabratopo...
Jessi Dahlquist - jessidoll.com/
Katrina Koltes - katrinakoltes....
Melissa Burghardt - www.melissabur...
Naomi Jayne - naomijayneart....
Nicolette Van den Hadelkamp - nicolettefinea...
Ritika Aurora - ritikaaurorafi...
Tarana Labuche - labuche.art/
Tanya Aubut - www.tanyaaubut...
Tanya Johnston - tanyajohnstona...
Zybrena Porter - www.zybrena.com/
Connect with the judges:
Dimitra Milan - www.dimitramil...
Elli Milan - www.ellimilan.com
John Milan - www.djfreezyj.com
Discover your passion for art and develop your skills with us. If you like this video make sure to subscribe to our channel for more content.
Your art career starts here. Check out the Mastery Program where you'll learn how to paint, draw and create like a master, then market and sell your artwork like a pro. It's where you'll turn your passion into a profession. Click here to learn more: bit.ly/4awAT04
Catch all seasons of the inspiring Light Movement podcast where professional artists discuss topics designed to elevate your art to another level with this exciting art podcast. • The Light Movement Pod...
Watch artists create art from start to finish in our brand new series Start to Finish: • Start to Finish
Whether you want to dive into art history, discuss current artist topics, or create beautiful art yourself, Milan Art Institute is the community you’ve been looking for.
Learn and connect with us!

[@janettemaley2101]

It sure would help if when the judging is being presented that their paintings would show on the screen for each of the girls it reminds us audience of the work that each artist completed for that challenge. Thanks

[@yhoshuagutierrez8390]

I wish they did this show with diverse artists styles. All the artists paint the same style.

[@susanjane4784]

I agree but I think that is out of the pressure of the competition -- comparing apples to apples. At the same time, it is obvious that anyone who steps out of this sameness takes a huge risk of going out or getting slammed.

[@twangel46]

I agree

[@anjilala]

Its been said before, and I see it in the comments again - please connect the person with their painting. We dont get to see the final paintings. Its easy to edit the contestants painting into their story when talking about or to them. It's really important. It's so disappointing not seeing the finished works and not being about to connect an artist to her painting.

[@lindatannock]

I agree. It's a painting competition! We want to see more of the finished work alongside each artist!

[@justhami6672]

The male judge is so soft spoken and very experienced in giving advice. I like the teaching and guides he gave.

[@katherinedenning1138]

I've loved watching these shows. Thanks so much. I love how everyone supports each other and are so beautiful. With so many reality tv shows around now and the competition is fierce and people being so rude and disrespectful. I'm loving the support and even the judging being so positive evening during eliminations. Thanks so much all of you xx

[@livefreeordie1776]

Im an artist I paint everyday Im no master but..... I have to say I feel you are creating an echo chamber. all your students paint the same thing. all of the paintings I have seen could be from the same artist at different stages of skill. You are all awesome artists but you are all in the same rut. The same safe space. I would really love to see one of you really push your talents over the edge. Paint some struggle some pain something outside the box. As much as you talk about emotions and empathy and finding your own voice. Struggle is every artist greatest tool. If i was on that beach and everyone was painting unicorns and butterflies I would be painting leviathan drowning them just to keep me original.

[@3lue5tar]

That is exactly my thoughts too! I am in the program and I am painting skulls and eldritch kind of beings. I’m into the beautiful paintings but I like to add that touch of weird and strange.

[@Ingrid_clare]

But that is because they are Mastery program students you can’t go on the show without doing their classes. So this is the techniques they have taught them to paint in a similar style. They probably need to make the terms more clear for viewers who are not enrolled in their art school. I don’t think the extreme heat is necessary as none of the previous shows had this element. Like having to wear tights, in a small room, in the heat in the previous episodes . I know a few girls got sick from it.

[@janinafisher101]

@@Ingrid_clare As someone who is in the Mastery program myself, I have NOT felt that I am taught to paint in a similar style. In fact the emphasis is on finding your own unique style. That said, I think a lot of younger women are drawn to the styles painted by Dimitra and Elli, and that is perhaps why they enroll, or why their paintings in their early experience look similar. I am willing to bet that as they progress in their lives as artists, their work will evolve - as we all do as humans.

[@livefreeordie1776]

@@janinafisher101 I'm not in the program I wanna do it just to hone some different chops and get outside my own box. They are awesome artists I'm not putting them down just from the outside looking in it's what I see.

[@LeoliCat]

​@@Ingrid_clare they want to be careful putting people in these dangerous conditions unless they want a law suit on their hands. Disgraceful that these women were put in conditions where they became unwell while the Milans no doubt were enjoying some luxury. Heat stroke can be fatal.

[@kristastanescu1616]

It seems that all the artists are presenting the same exact style. Are they all graduates of the Milan school? It’s too bad that a school can’t help each artist develop their own voice.

[@allisonjames2923]

Yup. They’re all graduates of the same school. One of the judges at the start says that they know all of their styles super well, so I’m guessing they all did the mentoring option rather than just the self-guided learning (I looked up the course last night lol)

[@justice2255]

Katrina is the most talented artist. I love her work. Amazing! She should be so proud of every work she created in this contest. Im going to go to her website and look at her other pieces. Just outstanding.

[@katrinakoltes]

What a sweet comment that made my day, thank you!

[@justice2255]

When you bring them forward at the end, they should be holding their finished piece. I cannot remember what they did by the time you get there.

[@allisonjames2923]

I’d still love to see them spend a week doing classes with guest artists & trying radically different styles, techniques & mediums to help extend them as artists. Then they can do a series of challenges over 1-2 days. It would probably counteract the frequent criticism in the comments of the artists’ styles all seeming quite similar & very within their comfort zones & existing styles. It would also prevent the series from becoming “ho hum - it’s another fantasy painting”.

[@janettemaley2101]

Yes I find they all have a similar taste and look. Wondered if this was intentional. I thought that I was missing something in my own art or I needed to get with program. I wouldn’t want to paint what they paint. It feels elementary they all came from the same school. There has to be more in these girls .

[@bettyford9336]

Yeah I agree with you ! It's all Abstract backgrounds with realistic faces or animals. But, maybe that is what sells ! Personally, I don't like anything abstract. That's just me. If they do portraits maybe a younger or older face. Sick of the Model look ! It gets boring.

[@janinafisher101]

What is interesting is to hear the artists going through their personal challenges and victories - something all of us experience in life, whether we are artists or not. It is not just about painting, but about HOW we respond to what we are experiencing in life, and what that does to us as a person... do we collapse in the face of disappointment or disaster, or do we dig deep into ourselves to find a strength we didn't know we had? I find something interesting in all their paintings, and in this challenge what they chose to paint - and even how they chose to express that - said something about each of their journeys. I think that beyond the superficial value of this series is the opportunity for each of us watching to think about our own responses in life. I like that they brought back the eliminated artists - it gives us hope that we all have a second chance at redemption.

[@tiffanyshiels]

Amazing. Artists well chosen too.

[@naimanamaste]

such a beautiful adventure for all artists participating, I think it is very inspiring to watch.

[@Catsandcamera]

unique and open ended, I really hope we don't see 8 portraits of young women at the end! Fingers crossed! I love landscape and ocean scenes

[@mamitaartista]

This is a very beautiful, interesting and inspiring project. Thank you for the opportunity to observe the transformation and overcoming of truly talented artists. All the participants in the project are so inspiring. All the words of mentors and artists give such a big boost. It's so sincere, so personal and touching. Thank you very much. From Russia with love.

[@britbrat4559]

I named my son Chance. he's 8 years old, and his sister is 11 years old. He was my second chance to get my life on track because i had my daughter at a time when I was battling addiction. I grew up side by side with my first born.. but with my second child, I was able to be the nurturer and provider every child needs.. I have guilt that is eating me alive. If it wasn't for my son I would never have entered into treatment for fear I'd lose both children...by the grace of God they are safe and healthy.

[@LoveHope-mi4lx]

What an amazing group of ladies

[@jillnolan6718]

This was my favorite episode yet! I do hate that they are so uncomfortable. I could handle the pressure but not the sun. Maybe some umbrellas? I loved John’s comments with each of them. And I loved so many of the pieces. So glad for this episode! I’ve been looking forward to it.

[@anitasmith7764]

I don’t feel he should be telling them what HE thinks the mood of their painting should be, the way he did w Nicolette. They say do what you feel but then the judge will come back and say “I FEEL…” blah blah blah. Ya know? I’ve seen ALOTTT of these shows and they generally don’t try to tell you the mood or anything like that. Generally just critiques like time management, / etc. the judges should stay back and let them work. Not make them doubt themselves. Any artist can want to see something else in someone’s piece. So if each judge came over to say what THEY want to see, then it’s no longer the artists work. They were nudged in a direction they didn’t plan to go.

[@margaretpinsent6388]

'We'd always planned this from the beginning'. Hmm why don't I believe it?!? Man, is this getting complicated. I'd like to see more of the artwork, please!

[@anitasmith7764]

Ya I agree. And I can’t understand how it’s fair? Why not just keep them all in and then whoever won the most rounds? If you get knocked out you should be out. They’re ALL amazing Artists regardless. I hope they don’t let these judgemental artists get in their heads.

[@CappPeterson]

I don’t understand how so many different artists can all paint alike. Like I have stated before it’s like the same person is doing all the paintings.

[@Tore1972Wisdom]

Again Katrina´s painting was my favorite. She has so much spiritual light, vibration and story in here paintings.

[@katrinakoltes]

Thank you so much for your kind words 🙏

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

For me all are shockingly amazing...but if only one iwould go with portrait and pearl ...also half face underwater

[@spktme]

I'm right there with all the other viewers who feel these artist's paintings are all too similar, and that they could be painted by the same person at different stages of skill. I feel like the judging has the same problem too. They are all much too alike and since every contestant was once a student at the judges "institute" (as they call it) they all tend to paint in the same style and like the judges. Unfortunately the judges are judging them based on what they like and how they paint instead of being as unbiased as possible. This is a breeding ground for an echo chamber instead of rewarding creativity and painting to your own tune or going against the grain. They are being subconsciously brainwashed to paint just like their teachers/judges. 😂 You know it's a problem when all the winner has to do to win was not paint another portrait. 😂 I feel like most people can appreciate art and what went into it even if they don't really like it personally or it has a completely different style than their own. They can get a feel and judge it based on the work and what it invokes or invites the viewer to feel or the skill and if it was innovative etc. That feels lacking in this show. I don't know if it's from being their teachers but yes the sameness is getting old fast. Great concept just needs more diversity in both conception and the judge. And please judges stop judging them based on your style and what you'd have done. It's okay to be different and that should be encouraged not discouraged. And as lots of others said please edit the videos to include flashes of each canvas when talking about them and at each result show so we can see each get judged. Thank you!

[@nostalgic-one]

I don't see what was the point of painting in front of the ocean if no one painted what was in front of them or at least take it as a consideration. They could've done what they did in any other place, indoors. It would've been a real challenge if they had to paint what was in front of them and have the freedom to add their touch. It's such a beautiful view.

[@LIFESaWONDER]

Paint what see in your style.😊

[@lindatannock]

Exactly! Sitting there was pointless

[@lor5850]

I appreciate showcasing the paintings and process more! I loved that it was beach themed and done at the beach and see them having fun and the random paint spash blooper. I understand the concentration is not on the eliminated participants but i honestly would have appreciated see them more in the episode, transitioning between them and also seeing their process even if they are on their own.

[@lor5850]

Or idk maybe an individual short at the end about the redemption challengers

[@janinafisher101]

I agree. I would have preferred giving up a little time with the remaining artists to see what the eliminated artists were doing.

[@sunshinejenny777]

It is GREAT to see this Episode!!! I am so excited. Thank you. Thank you. Well done!

[@allisonjames2923]

25:20 Sabrina’s face is sublime here - I don’t know if it’s because it’s transparent or her rendering, but I think the shape & details of it are so beautiful. And I think it’s very clearly a transformation between styles, colours & detail so I think the judges’ critique was off the mark there

[@leeanntripple5792]

This season is becoming more like Survivor Artist. These challenges done in the blazing sun, and for hours overnight in claustrophobic spaces, and with inadequate rest time to recover between challenges, does not test an artist's talent or growth. It's interesting, but really just tests who's young and resilient physically.

[@lindatroy2123]

I have a big problem with the women being in the sun for so many hours! Its totally unnecessary! Melanoma and other skin cancers are no joke! As a redhead myself, I was protected from the sun most of the time but still easily got sunburnt occasionally. I am 68 and I have had skin cancers removed leaving scars. Other members of my family have also had skin cancer. So irresponsible to subject these ladies to potential harm for a competition! They won't realise the damage thats been done for years

[@janjohnson6602]

Zebrena is an incredible artist and has a great perspective on things. All these woman ARE very special and unique, and with discipline they can allow their voice shine through. Each one is very talented. Katrina, Bri, Anna, Eva, Melissa, Natalia, Jessi, hope I did not miss anyone

[@janjohnson6602]

Oops, nicholette

[@janjohnson6602]

Amazing work

[@allisonjames2923]

??? What??? When did Tarana go? I’m confused

[@lor5850]

I appreciate the introduction and talk about eva

[@barbi111]

Katherin's painting is sooooo awesome!

[@kymberlygaleti8557]

The judges critique is pissing me off...art isn't supposed to always be apportioned and the paint thick. That's what makes paintings unique and most beautiful. I think all the girls did a fabulous job but i would like to see more of a diverse instead of portraits, butterflies and flowers. This challenge would have been really cool to see one of the girls do a mermaid.

[@anitasmith7764]

Why eliminate people if not to truly narrow it down to one? Not really fair at all to those who made it thru all the rounds.

[@vaneta6937]

As a viewer, I loved Nicolette’s piece, not so much the human figure but the rest of the design. The background is really beautiful. Sad to see her the bottom one, there were others I felt more deserving of being on the very bottom.

[@armstronghawkins9183]

Okay, how bout this: Instead of "Turn in your overalls, it's time to go", how bout "Well, Nicolette, the paint is dry. Time to say goodBYE!" Seriously, I got a MILLION of 'em.

[@margaretpinsent6388]

What on earth will he/they do with her overalls? It seems mean to not let her take them home...

[@spickspan5718]

I don't think it's fair for the eliminated to come back into the competition...it devalues the artists who are remaining imo.

[@janinafisher101]

But when THEY (remaining artists) are eliminated too, it gives THEM another chance as well. We all deserve second chances. Sometimes, as one of them said, you get eliminated just because you had one bad day. So there are different angles we can look at this from.

[@allisonjames2923]

It is interesting how nice this group is - they’re all lovely people. Especially Bri - she’s such a positive, kind, sweet soul. Maybe I’ve seen too many “reality” shows where they’ve deliberately chosen 🤬 for drama, so it just seems unusual to see nice normal people. But I have noticed that on the art based shows they do often tend to be kinder, more supportive, nicer people as a whole.

[@vonniejohnson2966]

I’m watching season 3 and still am waiting for the finale of season 2???? I want to know who won!!! I love this show but I agree with the rest of the commenters, would like to see something other than spray paint and abstract art.

[@scrappygirl--danayates3075]

I don't think the redemption challenge is fair. The ones who didn't get eliminated all busted their buts for each round while the others don't have any pressure for the remaining rounds but they get to redeem themselves. That's not right. They should only be able to get a second place finish at most.

[@nadezhdatimofeeva1117]

Why we don’t see a clear slide of their work done, while elimination, and after words. I don’t see what paintings got out, what paintings had a good critique. Show it, while judges discussing it. Should have been the main point to this show no?

[@graceful-shakti9019]

At the end of the day, it is STILL. a competition, and there will be a winner, which means there will be not winners. This is such a tricky thing. Tarana was brave to speak up and take responsibility. That took courage and humility. We all do unfortunate things out of fear from time to time, and she was able to face that fear and bring a higher energy to her heart and that will only benefit her as a person and an artist.

[@ellimilan3004]

I think you mean Eva.

[@graceful-shakti9019]

@@ellimilan3004 Im sorry, how did I get that messed up. Anyway, it was brave.

[@allisonjames2923]

It was Eva that self-sabotaged, so I’m not sure how Tarana got eliminated. One minute they’re talking about Eva then Tarana is eliminated. I was confused by that

[@JaneofArc]

Melissa, if you ever see this, I have the same issue at times getting my ideas to transcend to the canvas. I will have the concept and need to flesh it out, but when it gets a littke fuzzy, I will catch myself saying, it's too complex, just like you. I recently was reminded of a tip by another artist. If you just approach it with loose and scribbly gesture drawing at first, it's like a brain dump. So your brain can process the next piece, and as you can flesh out the rest of your concept, the muddy areas will get clearer, once you start getting the feeling out on to something tangible. It's a quick way to feel out if you want to take it further and invest more time into it before you give up on it and settle for something that was your second choice. Anyways, I think you're awesome, and I related to what you said I thought maybe someone else could benefit too. ❤

[@susanjane4784]

There are good reasons for inviting so much personal reflection and drama into this show, at the same time I believe this is eclipsing the art itself. With each episode, I have to decide if there will be some constructive critique or not. So far it usually ends with a judge saying "I like" or "We like". How about something about movement, temperature, form, dynamics, etc.? Paintings usually work (or don't) based on fundamentals. Subjective judging is weak compared to constructive objective analysis. I fear that the survivor of this show will have mastered speed painting instead of demonstrating skill.

[@lucindafrance3788]

he just said he wanted her painting to “smile”! lol

[@Vanessa-ie8bu]

Im learning so much from this show. ❤️

[@marielynch2858]

Honestly do not rate the judges at all......their critiques are pathetic. No originality in the paintings either!

[@richardnolan3903]

They're not looking for originality. They're looking for clones of their own style.

[@leahdarosa]

why do they take their overalls from them at the end? kinda hurts my heart

[@milanartapp]

They all got their overalls in the end. It was only symbolic🤗

[@anitasmith7764]

They keep giving them these challenges about “you” and then they’re mad they’re doing portraits?

[@supportpatriarchyordietrying]

season 3 = Dutch season?

[@allisonjames2923]

32:10 I hope she brings colour & light into the shell or the pearl. It’s funny - I looked up Eva’s site at the start of this episode & she has a very similar painting of a pearl in an oyster shell although set against a galaxy style background. And for hers I was thinking the pearl would have been awesome as the Earth. At the end - Melissa’s was a beautiful painting, but the pearl/shell was not as vibrant as I hoped. To make the pearl really luminous with lots of delicate colours would have made it stand out more

[@jadedjhypsi]

Dulcius ex Asperis..... Sweeter after difficulty =)

[@dannylionsmom]

Who am I: “needs thicker paint”

[@azmgbbb]

This show is amazingly uninspiring and extremely depressing. I have no idea why. But it’s just not enjoyable. And I love art!

[@septarian3337]

I'm curious if Tarana left for personal reasons or if she just didn't like where she stood in the competition. She literally said she had the most creative painting in the Greek god challenge and was confused how Elli didn't mention her. Then she said she wasn't connected to the group energy in the next challenge. I think she thought she was better than everyone else and when that wasn't immediately getting recognized like she thought it would, she left. Could be wrong but it seemed like she thought she was above everyone and everything.

[@hxthead]

hanna is dope!!!!

[@susanbrown-sj3vq]

By the way I would look quite ridiculous in denim bib shorts. Struth! Must be making a fortune from these U Tube videos. Power to your elbow!!! Some of these girls can paint pretty faces!!!

[@NoyanShahid]

Yay

[@AlanaJ_888]

I don’t think forcing artists to get heat stroke in the sun for hours is a humane competition challenge be idea. I also think yes critiques are how we grow but I think applying an elimination style reality competition to real developing artists is psychologically good for the artists to go through being eliminated in front of everyone and seeing peers get chosen as the winners, this can be psychologicallly damaging to the artist on a personal level and even affect the development of their art. Why couldn’t it have been a non elimination challenge where you just get to see each artist paint the challenge and the critiques, with cool artist interviews? lol the dude was out there for like ten minutes crying about his feet burning and then gave the girls painting sun stroke for four hours! That’s some crazy bull.

[@AlanaJ_888]

Isn’t psychologically good*

[@justice2255]

End of January or February are better months for this completion. It is simply too hot in Florida end of December.

[@allisonjames2923]

Errrrr you know they’re in Greece right? 🤔

[@janjohnson6602]

They are in Greece, not Florida

[@LIFESaWONDER]

What? Jessie's painting has contrast, pops off the canvas while others look flat. Head shake.

[@twangel46]

Green and brown exist

[@evelinam.5835]

ITS SO SAD Eva riuned herself. I think for the honesty she had to had this chance.

[@anitasmith7764]

They ABSOLUTELY SHOULD NOT TELL THESE ARTISTS HOW TO PAINT! It’s the MOST RIDICULOUS THING IVE EVER SEEN ON A PAINTING SHOW. The male judge telling her to give her painting a “lighter mood”! What if she isn’t feeling a lighter mood!? These judges are horrible. Sorry. They are. They tell you to do WHATEVER YOU WANT and then come tell you how to change it? Who’s in charge of this show and why are these judges allowed to tell them what they personally feel? It defeats the purpose.

[@susanbrown-sj3vq]

No matter what they are asked to paint. Majority paint female form. One trick ponies😮

[@alexcastelli5537]

watching the art social videos, I love your professional art programming, thank you so much! And I love this quirky family-run American/Mediterranean enterprise! But I am a bit put off by this absurd reality show!! what I don't understand, first and foremost, is why the challenges take place in the blazing sun, with no shade and no protection. Has nobody heard of skin cancer? Also, I don't understand why all the contestants are young females who all paint images of dreaming unconscious women...are there no male artists? even Jake, who is normally lovely, parades around his harem of young female contestants like some sort of art despot, counting down like he is running a moon launch, confiscating ridiculous aprons as he expells the crying losers...! I love the idea of an art challenge reality show, but the artists should be FREE INDIVIDUALS, and the format way less gimmiky...

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

I love the male judges comments.sorry dont know his name

[@elenaraymond5600]

John Milan, his art is cool, check him out

[@MariaFedak-bd9si]

what is the Instagram of the girl who left last episode, please?

[@paulalantink]

Tarana? Is Tarana Labuche. Nicolette is Nicelette von den Hadelkamp. Both Dutch.

[@ellimilan3004]

Eva Bratopoulou is the one who left last episode.

[@MichelHubert-ff8kq]

Ils ont

[@tomjones9519]

these are all okay. they are painted by the same person? uuuhh. I really don't know what to say.

[@TheKunstlich]

As a feminist I wonder: why are there only women on the show?

[@lor5850]

Chapter 1 explains why. I believe one of the reasons was how women artists are a minority in the art world so this season they decided to give them a chance and exposure. Tbh they also make less money while living and face struggles. It wasnt until recently women artists were included in many museums and there is still a lot of discrimination in the art world. So for me its refreshing to see them given a chance.

[@jdmosaics]

Yes …I agree… it should be more balanced as we are in the 21St Century! Two wrongs don’t make a right, if they are doing it for the reasons they say. We all should be inclusive of all LGBTQ, Men, Woman or what ever pronouns they want to live by. Sadly these people are turning art into a Sport!! … which I can not stand, the competitiveness of it all and then the cheating it can cause….This is why I hate competitive sport. Sport is the opiate of our society and the competitive nature and the huge money involved, attracts a lot of shady people who are untrustworthy getting involved. In my opinion this is a bad path that this Company is leading Artistic endeavours down. Pitting Artists against Artists in a real time situation is just unnecessary. Sure have a Competition to help people grow and learn from their peers, but this stressful painting at speed is ridiculous. Also why put people under physical and emotional stress in a field that is meant to be creative and healing? Sad so sad.

[@lisapelino6618]

I think I read that there weren't any men who submitted an application to participate this time.

[@LIFESaWONDER]

Because women are more inclined to talk about themselves and feelings.

[@susanbrown-sj3vq]

Where are the male artists, the elderly artist. The straight talking Yorkshire artists who are not so wrapped up with themselves. They must have a tissue box continually close by. Sorry😢

[@susanbrown-sj3vq]

Please ask them to paint something without female form. Watch them struggle!!!!!

[@artlady7481]

Art is not tge same for everyone! Dont like the judges comments