Student in the running for Portrait Artist of the Year

Ecology and Conservation student El Barrett explains how their passion for art complements their professional study

Student in the running for Portrait Artist of the Year

Ecology and Conservation student El Barrett explains how their passion for art complements their professional study

13 November 2025

A University of Plymouth student has been selected to appear in the televised competition, Portrait Artist of the Year.

El Barrett, from Surrey, applied for the Sky Arts show after years of pursuing their passion in both arts and science, and was chosen as one of just 72 people out of thousands of entries to compete in the televised heats.

Notwithstanding a potential clash with a residential field course to Spain, El was supported by their lecturers to take on the opportunity, and eventually managed to balance the competition around their study commitments, and captaining the University’s Orienteering Society.

Anyone can apply by submitting a self-portrait so I was totally stunned to be chosen among the last 72.

It was an amazing experience to meet the other artists and learn about how TV works behind the scenes, as well as getting my work in front of lots of different people.

El Barrett, who was selected to appear on Portrait Artist of the Year

When art and science combine

After achieving A Levels in German, French, Biology and Art, El wanted to follow a career in conservation but wasn’t sure if only studying one science at A Level might put them at a disadvantage.

A visit to the University of Plymouth for an open day, and a conversation with Programme leader Dr James Buckley , was enough to show El that they would be able to apply and flourish in their studies.

Come to an open day

Visit us at our next open day on 15 November

I’ve met so many fantastic people here and studying conservation biology in an area surrounded by moors and sea is amazing.

I'm also a volunteer for Devon Wildlife Trust at Wembury Marine Centre, where I came to do my year 12 work experience, which was another great motivator to study here.

I’ve been able to bring all may passions to University, and find that my drawings actually help me remember things. I might have to learn about the anatomy or structure of something, which I can do through putting pencil to paper.

I feel like my art is helping to make me into a better scientist, and I feel creativity will help me make real changes in climate action and conservation.

When the filming dates for Portrait Artist of the Year clashed with a field trip, my lecturer Mick fully supported me to pursue the art opportunity and enthusiasm from the whole University of Plymouth community has been overwhelming.

El Barrett

As well as ensuring we offer an outstanding taught Ecology and Conservation course, we want to make sure we support our students to pursue their passions and take every opportunity to develop their personal and scientific skills.

It’s been fantastic to see El featured in this competition and we’re all incredibly proud.

Dr Mick Hanley
Associate Professor in Plant-Animal Interactions

A world of opportunity

In addition to their academic studies, El has been in touch with the University’s in-house entrepreneurship team The Cube to help capitalise on their Instagram following (@elbarrettart) and build a website for their artwork https://elbarrettart.co.uk/

They are also attending the weekly Languages Café to keep up their French and German, with a bid to one day working abroad.

Conservation is a worldwide issue, so to have the ability to work abroad opens up lots of different opportunities.

I’m very grateful to have been able to pursue everything I’ve done so far, and can’t wait to see what’s next.

More information

Watch El in Portrait Artist of the Year (from 19 November)

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