I’ve painted many homes, but never before have I set up my easel before the Queen of American homes, the famous Biltmore House in Asheville, North Carolina — the nation’s largest and most regal residence.

Built between 1888 – 1896 for George W. Vanderbilt by the famed architect of European opulence, Robert M. Hunt, Biltmore House originally sat on a 125,000 acre estate (roughly 15% the size of the state of Rhode Island). Still owned by Vanderbilt heirs, the estate is visited by more than 1,000,000 dazzled tourists each year.

My challenge in painting Elegant Evening at Biltmore was not to convey the heroic scale of this fairy-tale castle, but to make it warmly personal. I utilized glittering lights to suggest a festive evening affair in progress. I invite you to climb aboard your elegant coach and join the celebration.