Live Event Painting

I am based in Dallas, Texas, but have traveled all over, painting wedding ceremonies, receptions, and other events. When I began painting ‘live events’ in 2011, I discovered that creating art on-site becomes a shared experience that elevates an already special celebration. 

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Live Event Painting offers a unique and beautiful way to capture special occasions. Having an artist at your event adds an elegance to your soirée that will leave your guests swooning. I still have many people at each event say they have never heard of this idea, and they LOVE it! You receive a beautiful contemporary impressionist oil painting to treasure for years to come, and your guests have the rare opportunity to watch a fine artist at work. 

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Europeans have documented important events in paintings for hundreds of years, including weddings. They call it ‘Wedding Portraiture’. Many European wedding portraits were painted on-site and finished in studios. Art historian Magda Michalska has compiled a handful of beautiful examples of early European wedding paintings here. Today, Americans can choose from a variety of live wedding painters, artistic styles, and price points; I recommend finding one that speaks to you.

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What is My Process?

Before a live event painting commission, I discuss with my client the 'scene' they would like painted, as well as key people they would like to include. I arrive at the event early to set up and begin blocking in architectural and design elements, including floral. As guests begin to arrive, I start adding in figures. I paint throughout the evening and take photographs as well, so I can capture a good likeness of the figures in my studio.

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I use oil paints rather than acrylic or watercolor. Aside from tempera and fresco, oil is the oldest and most traditional painting medium and allows for an exquisite, textured finish. Oil paintings take several days to dry and achieve the most stunning results when applied in layers. In my studio, the first layer from your event will dry, and I will add several additional layers and details before it is finished. The first layer painted at your event is beautiful, loose and painterly, covering the entire canvas, and could be a finished piece on its own.​

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I am always open to new ideas, so please don’t hesitate to talk with me about doing something different with your painting. It could be a beautiful impressionist painting of a floral installation, arrangement, or bouquet, or a still-life painting of an exquisite table setting at your reception.

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Live Event Painting Package

Starts at $2850 for 20"x 24" oil painting

For more pricing, please click here.

Please call or email to check availability. 
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Includes:

• Original oil painting on linen canvas

• Traditional 3/4" canvas depth for framing

• Gallery wrap 1.5" canvas depth at your request

• Pre-event meeting or phone consultation

• 5 hours of attendance and live painting at your event

• Studio time for additional layers, polishing, and finalization 

• Travel within the D/FW area

• Shipping and insurance are included if outside the D/FW area 

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I request a 50% deposit to book your date.  The balance is due one week before the event.

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I am located in Dallas, Texas however, depending on the date, I may be available to travel.  Travel expenses are additional to the package price.  

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Wedding Paintings from Photographs

If the date of your event has already passed, I can work from your photos. Click here for pricing. I'm happy to search through your photographer's link to help you find the photos that would make the best painting. Call or email me to discuss.