Portrait Artist of The Year, produced by Storyvault Films that premiered in 2013, is an irresistible showcase of creativity, talent, technical prowess, and celebration of art. This unique television reality show provides a breathtaking platform for artists where they can unfurl their imaginations and deploy their artistry to create remarkable portraits.

The main premise of the show revolves around a competition that involves a range of portrait artists from all across the United Kingdom. This competition is not only open to experienced professional artists but also invites amateur artists who possess an undeniable passion for capturing the human essence on canvas. The premise and concept of the show resonate in its title itself, 'Portrait Artist of The Year,' setting the ground for intense competition to find the best portrait artist in the UK.

Each episode of the program is intriguing as well as inspiring, featuring artists with diverse backgrounds and varying styles of painting and sketching. The artists are given the task to create a portrait of a specific celebrity or public figure, who sits to pose for them. This coveted selection of sitters, including but not limited to actors, authors, politicians, musicians, and athletes, constitutes what is unquestionably a significant perk of participating in the competition. The sitter serves both as a muse and a critic, regularly expressing their impressions of the artwork.

The artists, armed with their brush or pencil, are given a limited timeframe in which they need to sketch or paint their unique interpretation of the sitter onto a canvas. The juxtaposition here of the chaos of creation and the calm, patient waiting of the models, creates an incredibly compelling program.

To add an extra layer of credibility and analytical depth to the show, judging is done by an esteemed panel of judges. The expert and art-savvy panel consisting of art historians, curators, and artists judge the final works, often delving into enlightening discussions about the specifics of each portrait. The judges take into account the creativity, technical skill, originality, and depth of each artwork before determining the winning piece.

Not only does the show focus on the canvas and the final manifestation of the artist's talent, but it also dives deep into capturing the behind-the-scenes process that the audience rarely gets to see. It attempts to get inside the artists' head, highlighting their unique styles, techniques, thought processes, and philosophies behind their work. This insightful journey, from their initial sketching to the final strokes of their brush, adds an element of raw and realistic flair to the program.

The structure of the competition has a progressive contour where winners of initial heats progress to semi-finals, and subsequent winners eventually compete for the final showdown. This progression builds a sense of anticipation and excitement within the viewers as they form bonds and allegiances with their favored artists as the series progresses.

Portrait Artist of the Year, while rooted in competition, is ultimately a celebration of portrait artistry in all its forms. It sheds light on the complexity and effort required to capture a living being's essence on a canvas and encourages art-loving audiences to appreciate and understand the patience, skill, and creativity required in creating a masterpiece.

Moreover, the show is not just about art; it’s about artists, their stories, dreams, struggles, and triumphs that all culminate into their art. It humanizes them, making the audience realise that every stroke of the brush or pencil comes from the artist's emotional, intellectual, and spiritual well. The show is a testament to the power of portrait painting and human connections, making it a must-watch for art enthusiasts.

In conclusion, Portrait Artist of the Year is a captivating and candid exploration of art, that weaves a compelling narrative around a traditional art form in a modern setting. Providing an innovative contest to find the most gifted portrait artist of the year, the show, with its vibrant blend of talent and critique, encourages a deeper appreciation and understanding of portrait painting.