FAQ - Live Wedding Painting
Got questions about Live Wedding Painting ??
I’ve compiled a list of Frequently Asked Questions about Live Wedding Painting . These are questions that I get asked when I speak to potential clients , guests at events etc. Its a great way for guests to interact with me at events and get really excited and involved in the process to see the finished piece of art at the end of the day .
What is Live Wedding Painting ? What does a Live Wedding / Event Painter do ?
Live Painting is the art of capturing a milestone event at a special event on canvas with paints. An artist is hired to be on site to paint live in front of the attendees. On the day of the event, the artist basically sets up a make shift studio at a wedding / gala etc to paint a desired moment on site .
What kind of events can you paint live at ?
As a live event artist, I have painted at wedding ceremonies, receptions, engagements, milestone birthdays and corporate parties. It is immensely desired at weddings to commemorate the special occasion.
If it is an important event in your life, and you'd like it captured through the lens of an artist , live painting is a beautiful way to have a cherished memory and your guests will absolutely love it.
Live Painting of Wedding Reception , Sugarhouse Casino , Philadelphia
What kind of paints do you use ? What medium do you use ?
I work with high quality acrylic paints on canvas. I like the fluidity and ease of acrylic paints and its fast drying nature. It works really well at events . Sometimes, I work with watercolors , pens and acrylic paints on a sheet of paper , if the client requests it.
What kind of event / moment looks good on a painting ? Do you recommend the wedding ceremony or reception ?
Often, couples ask me if I prefer to paint one or the other .This is very personal choice. I usually will have them think about what is more meaningful to them . Sometimes, its decision based on decor and outfits . Sometimes, it's purely , the fact that someone wants a beautiful painting that focuses on the highlight of the event.
It doesn’t have to be a part of the cermony or reception . It could simply be a quiet moment between the couple . I think the FIrst look between the couple is something that would make for a beautiful painting.
Live Painting at Indian Wedding Ceremony, Baltimore Marriott Waterfront, Maryland
Can I request who I'd like painted on my wedding painting ? How many people can you paint in a wedding painting ?
Yes, absolutely ! Depending on what package + canvas size you decide to go with , I recommend no more than 10-15 people on a painting. It helps to keep the focus on the couple .
We can talk about your requirements for your wedding painting. I have painted reception / party scenes on large canvases , which have more than 15 people on it. That's predominantly because I have more area on a large canvas to paint on and I can still focus on the couple . The rest of the folks faces are not detailed as the couple.
What are your requirements for the wedding day ? What do you need to paint live at a wedding ?
I require a space no more than 6 x 6 with a table , chair and access to a power source. Having me placed in the vicinity of the ceremony / reception and /or at a spot where people can see the painting in progress is a wonderful way for me to interact with your guests , works well .
I coordinate with your wedding planner about logistics about arrival, set up and any other requirements .
Live Painting at Wedding Ceremony, The Bellevue Conference & Event Center , Chantilly, Virginia
How much time do you need to set up ? When will you arrive to set up and paint ? How long will you paint at the event ?
I arrive about 2-3 hours before the event begins to set up and start painting the background/ backdrop / landscape , if its an outdoor setting . This sets up the tone for the painting. As a live painter, I paint through through the wedding or any event . If I am painting live at a wedding ceremony/ reception I am painting 6-8 hours , sometimes more.
How long does it take to finish a painting ?
It varies from canvas to canvas , wedding to wedding and the complexities of the paintings, number of people in it, etc. I've finished paintings on site as big as 30 x 40 canvases and given it to the couple at the end of the event. I've also worked on site at weddings and taken the canvas back to my studio to finish it up.
If I take the painting back with me , I usually will have it ready for local pick up / shipping in 2-4 weeks .
November and December weddings may work differently . Due to the volume of projects + holiday orders coupled with holiday events for ( Live sketching / Live painting / Engraving ) ,during this time period, I am unable to work on finishing up wedding paintings.
If I don't finish up the painting at the venue, the painting will be ready after the holidays in January . This will be communicated to the couple / client ahead of time .
Where are you based ? Can you travel to paint live at my wedding ?
I am based in Virginia , couple of miles west of DC . I am available to paint live at local weddings in the DC, Maryland , Virginia , Delaware, Philadelphia and beyond. I am also available to travel to paint live at your wedding in the United States and internationally.
What is the furthest you have traveled to paint live at a wedding or an event ?
The furthest I have traveled to is The Nizuc at Cancun , Mexico to paint at a wedding reception. It was quite the learning experience . I truly enjoyed painting in Cancun and I hope to do it again sometime !
How much does it cost for a live wedding painting ?
Live wedding painting can run anywhere from $2K to $10K , It depends on a number of factors . Some of the factors are the experience of the artist, location and travel, the style of the artwork.
Investment for have me paint live at your wedding starts at $2500 for weddings in the DMV area.
Depending on the location in the United States, travel fees can vary from $500 to $1200. Please inquire for a more accurate quote .
I also recommend exploring live sketching at your wedding or reception. Live sketching of guests is a great way to add an artistic flair to your special day . You can get yourself sketched too :)
If you are someone who loves art, fashion , weddings all rolled up into one, and are looking for a live wedding painter , contact me ! I am based in Virginia and am available to travel to your wedding .
Let's discuss your event , your vision and make a beautiful memory on canvas .
