The School, original upcycled vintage painting

"They make a fuss about Hogsmeade, but I assure you, Harry, it's not all it's cracked up to be. All right, the sweetshop's rather good, and Zonko's Joke Shop's frankly dangerous, and yes, the Shrieking Shack's always worth a visit, but really, Harry, apart from that, you're not missing anything."
--  Percy Weasley

This warm, glowy scene had a magical feel to it… and it reminded me of visiting Universal Studios this past summer with my kids, seeing the massive recreation of Hogwarts atop the rocky outcrop. We rode the rides till closing time, and during my very last go on the Flight of the Hippogriff, as we reached the top before the drop I snapped a photo of the beautifully glowing sunset-lit castle. I used those photos for this version of the school, a nod to a very happy summer memory. 

I liked picturing as well, that Hogsmeade Village would be nestled in the forest… and if someone were approaching they would see them both from this viewpoint. (I wonder who would approach from this angle, who do you think?) 

The original vintage painting was rescued from a thrift store… it was in pretty good condition, very clean. Just has fallen victim to being an example of mass produced artwork, where you’ve probably seen dozens with this exact same formula (palette knife trees, smooth water, rugged mountain in the distance.) It’s always a pleasure adding in some subtle changes, to give this dime-a-dozen artwork a unique story and help it feel special again. 

"The School"

altered art by Heather Castles
61 x 76 cm (24 x 30 inch) print on canvas
75 x 90 cm (35.5 x 29.5 inch) vintage frame

Frame : Vintage wood frame in very good condition, ready to display on the wall.