​Every year, the Order of the Alamo votes on a "Fiesta Court" of about 24-26 young women, including a Queen and a Princess chosen from the previous year's court. Each court has a unique theme that is carefully selected, and each young woman within that court is assigned a beautiful idea or concept that fits into the overall theme. For example, during my year, the court's theme was "Nature's Tapestry," and I was given the title "Duchess of Winged Grace" - so my theme was birds and Autobahn (other themes included: fire, snow, waterfalls, vines, Texas wildflowers, art inspired by nature, crops, animals, butterflies, gemstones, etc).

When I take on a duchess portrait, I am inspired by the sheer artistry and imagination behind every single, carefully thought out detail on her dress, train, and crown. To me, every piece of jewelry, every symbol on her train, and every meticulously hand sown rhinestone should be represented and celebrated. Using a base work of acrylic paint, I slowly add on layers of metallic paint and dots to show luxurious textures and intricate beading. On the areas with rhinestones, I use fine, color-specific glitter to capture the memorizing shine and glamour. I finish the portraits with a one-of-a-kind background that the customer and I choose together.

Any duchess can have a photograph taken of her dress, but having a painting, that celebrates and captures the beauty of her theme, is truly a unique and lasting keepsake of her time during Fiesta. If you would like to know more about my process or order your own Duchess Portrait, please contact me at victoriachampionart@hotmail.com

Watercolor Portraits

Testimonials 

"Victoria, 
I loved working with you during Fiesta 2016...you created something for us that is timeless and unique that everybody loves each time they see it.  Anyone can take a picture of a duchess, but only someone with a special talent and understanding of Fiesta can create what you did for our duchess!"
                          -Robin
"My wife and I commissioned a "crown portrait" as a gift for the Fiesta duchess whom we sponsored.  The painting was exquisite.  Victoria's attention to detail captured the complexity of the Missoni design (the theme that year was couture designers), and her canvass gemstones seemed to dance in the painted light.  We were wowed, and our duchess was ecstatic.  Thank you, Victoria!"  -Z. Brown
     " I am obsessed with Victoria Champion’s art. As the proud owner of several of her pieces, it is my honor to write a reccomendation for her. Victoria is so talented and her Instagram videos of her painting progressions are mesmerizing.  I could watch them for hours.  She is extremely professional to work with and has such a charming disposition, you instantly feel like she is your best friend.  I can not compliment her work enough.  You will not be disappointed in anything she creates for you, to the contrary, you will absolutely become obsessed as I am.
     The first piece she created for me was of my daughter in her wedding gown.  We did not have a photo of her in the dress so Victoria had the challenge of painting her in the dress based solely on a photo of her and a separate photo of the dress.  It was perfect.  
     My second piece was a golden lab with a floral crown which I have in my mudroom next to my lab’s dog treats. It just makes me so happy every time I walk in. 
     One of my best friends bought a donkey from Victoria as a Christmas gift for me.  This adorable donkey is hanging in my fun Mexican themed guest bathroom at our ranch.  LOVE IT!!!
     And lastly, Victoria painted my daughter Allie in her duchess of Transcendent Traditions gown. She was a duchess in the Order of the Alamo’s coronation during Fiesta.  When I say she nailed it, I am not exaggerating. Not only is the dress painted to perfection, she captured my daughter perfectly.  I have attached an actual photo so you can see just how talented she is. " 
                  - Lori Donnell      San Antonio, Texas