Balmoral Castle in Watercolour: A Unique Perspective (Original)

Balmoral Castle Watercolour

Balmoral Castle has many styles and details found in local castles. Capturing these in watercolour was an attractive challenge.

I drew and inked the many intricacies that make up the overall design. The stonework has faces, corners, and ingoes that required different shades of washes to create depth and height. The light grey granite has a brown tinge that I added without changing the original colour.

I started drawing from the south-west corner to highlight the west and south sides of the castle. This created a depth of field and a feeling of age by using darker colours.

The climbing plants were built up in varying colours to give character to the painting.

Overall, the painting captures the inspiration of the original structure.

Some History for Balmoral Castle

Balmoral Castle is a royal residence in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, that has been owned by the British royal family since 1852. It is located on the right bank of the River Dee, near the village of Crathie, and surrounded by beautiful scenery. The castle is open to the public from April to July every year, and you can visit the gardens, exhibitions, gift shop and cafe.

The castle was built in the Scottish Baronial style, which is known for its turrets, towers and ornate details. The castle is made of granite, which gives it a sturdy and imposing appearance. The architect was William Smith of Aberdeen, who worked with Prince Albert, the husband of Queen Victoria, to design the castle according to their preferences. They wanted to create a comfortable and cosy home that reflected their love for Scotland and its culture.

The castle has a rich history and many stories to tell. It was here that Queen Victoria and Prince Albert spent many happy summers with their children and grandchildren, enjoying the fresh air, the wildlife and the Highland Games. It was also here that Queen Elizabeth II, who died there on 8 September 2022, spent her last days. The castle has witnessed many changes and events over the years, but it has always remained a place of peace and tranquillity for the royal family.