Drawing Downton: Up Yours, Downstairs!

After a long hiatus, here are two new portraits in the Downton Abbey series!

In the height of my obsession, I discovered a hilarous and wonderful podcast, Up Yours, Downstairs, hosted by the charming Kelly and Tom. In their words, it's "Just like "Downton Abbey," but with more feelings and swears." Each week they recap an episode of the show with equal measures of love and loathing only the truest fans can dish out. Let's be honest: As much as there is to love about Downton, there's just as much to mock about it. (Poor Edith.) Tom and Kelly really do The Dowager proud. If you just can't get enough Downton, and you don't understand what everybody sees in Mr. Bates, I highly recommend giving the show a listen. 

Among the highlights of the podcast are the irreverent catchphrases Tom and Kelly fling upon the characters. As I was beginning this portrait series, I realized these monikers were very closely aligned to the the tone I was attempting to strike with the paintings. Some of these nicknames were too good not to illustrate. So, feeling inspired, I struck up a correspondence with the hosts and now our unborn children are betrothed. With their blessing, I'm working up several portraits directly related to some of my favorite phrases from the show.

So, here begins what I hope will be a productive collaboration. Give 'em a listen on iTunes, follow them on Twitter and check out their Tumblr, or Facebook pages. Tell them how much you love Lady Mary's hair.