Downton Abby, Highclere Castle painting for A Downton Affaire

As you read this, I'm in CA at Kim Caldwell's latest party, A Downton Affaire.

Once again, I was honored to be asked to paint the banner used as a photo backdrop for the event.

My first one, was this whimsical Tiffanys themed one.

And last year,this giant mural was done for the Snow White themed party.

There was a castle involved in last year's painting, but it was very faint, way, way far away, and made up in my own mind.

This year's castle was a whole different story.  It was a famous English manor that fans of the show all know and love. My painting had to be accurate. That just about killed me.  I had to measure, do fractions (well, I had my husband do fractions for me) and use a level to get it right.  

There was a little bit of leeway, since it was set in the distance. But still, this castle was the focal point of the whole painting, so I couldn't have it too faded and far away.  There was a lot of angst, turmoil, tears, cussing, and nearly giving up. 

Straight lines and architectural things aren't in my comfort zone. 

I did fudge some details, since it was in the distance, I hoped that I got the impression of the Downton home close enough without being perfect.  Far from perfect. 

I studied photos of Highclere Castle online and used artistic  license to change the angle of the castle from this view point.  

This is the view of the estate that I liked, which I think is the back.

And this is the view of the building that I liked. The front, I think.  My painting is a mix of both, with flower gardens thrown in.

Throughout season 4 of the show, I studied the sets.  And even took photos of the TV with my phone. It was funny to be looking through pictures on my phone and come across pictures of Mrs. Crawley or the Duchess, like they were friends whose pictures I'd taken.

Then, before starting on the 9×10' banner, I painted a sample on paper. 

Even with the sample painting propped up in the garage as I worked on the mural, I had to feel it out and make changes as I went along. 

When working on a landscape like this, here is my plan:

First- sky, next mountains in the distance, far off treeline, and then I painted the grass that is the major part of it all.

That involved two ladders and going back and forth a hundred times  to get it all blended. After a smooth blended background, I took chalk and drew in the trees, and roughed in the the flower beds.

Next, I painted the castle, where I stalled out and got stuck working for almost two days.  As I mentioned, it wasn't my strong point.

After that came the flowers, from furthest to closest.

Then, the trees, leaves, and some highlights and details, like a butterfly and nest. Fingers crossed that it all hangs straight and looks good at the event.  Hopefully, I'll have plenty of pictures of happy friends in front of it, to show you when I get back.  

I'm also meeting Sugarwings and my husband in CA, for a few days at Disney.  I've become quite the Disney addict in the last few years. And while being in LA for the art event, it seems like such a waste to not stop in to visit Micky and his pals!  I'll be having my birthday lunch at Ariel's grotto, with my own little princess by my side. 

See you when I get back!