Live Wedding Painting
Knoxville · East Tennessee · Nashville
By the end of the night, you'll see yourselves together on the easel
Afterward it comes back to the studio with me for finishing touches and framing, and it's on your wall about three weeks later.
How the day works
I arrive a few hours before the reception and find your photographer during first looks. That's where I get my reference, while you're both put together and standing still for thirty seconds.
Then I block in the venue and the background before guests arrive, since that's the part I can paint without anyone standing in front of it. The figures go in through the ceremony and the reception.
Guests will watch. Most people have never seen a painting built from the ground up, and it holds attention better than you'd expect.
What I need from your venue
Close to nothing. About six feet of floor space somewhere with a view of what I'm painting. An outlet is nice, but I can bring my own power. No shade, no table.
If your ceremony is outdoors and the weather turns, I need to be under cover. That's the only hard requirement, and it's worth picking that spot before the day rather than during it.
What you get
- Medium Oil on canvas.
- Sizes From 16x20 up. If you have a wall in mind, measure it first and we'll size the painting to it.
- Framing Custom framing, included. We choose it together before the wedding, so the frame is ready when the painting is.
- Delivery Three weeks after your wedding date.
- Who's in it The two of you, plus any guests, pets, or people who couldn't be there. Send photographs ahead of time.
- Your turn The couple and any kids who want one are welcome to put a few strokes in before I pack up.
Pricing
Custom framing included. Canvas size, the number of people in the painting, and how much of the venue goes into the background move it from there. You get a number before you book, not after.
A second option
Live guest portraits
Instead of one painting of the two of you, I paint your guests: quick, minimal watercolor portraits, usually one couple to a painting, for them to take home.
Over a five-hour reception that usually comes to 40 to 60 portraits. Afterward I paint an 8x10 watercolor of the two of you in the studio, and that one's included.
- MediumPencil and watercolor.
- Paper5x7 or 7x10, archival and acid-free.
- TimeFive hours of live painting at your reception.
- CountUsually 40 to 60 portraits.
- Each oneGoes home in a protective sleeve.
- For youAn 8x10 watercolor portrait of the two of you, included.
Five hours of live guest portraits, plus the 8x10 of the two of you.
Where I work
Knoxville and East Tennessee. I also travel to Nashville at no additional cost.
I can take two weddings in a weekend if one is Saturday and one is Sunday. Book at least four months out.
From recent weddings
Questions
When do we see the painting?
By the end of the night, on the easel. Afterward it comes back to the studio with me for finishing touches and framing, and it's on your wall about three weeks later.
How much does a live wedding painter cost?
Mine start at $1,500, and that includes custom framing. Canvas size, the number of people in the painting, and how much of the venue goes into the background move it from there. You get a quote before you book. Live guest portraits start at $800.
Is framing included?
Yes. Custom framing is included in the price. We choose the frame together before the wedding, so it's ready when the painting is.
How long until we get the painting?
About three weeks from your wedding date. That covers the finishing touches and your custom frame.
What do you need from our venue?
About six feet of floor space with a view of what I'm painting. An outlet is helpful but I can bring my own power. No shade, no table.
What happens if it rains?
I need to be under cover. Oil and canvas don't tolerate rain, so if your ceremony is outdoors it's worth deciding where that covered spot would be before the day rather than during it.
Can you include people who aren't at the wedding?
Yes. Guests who couldn't travel, and people who have passed. Send me photographs ahead of time and I'll work them into the composition.
Can we paint on it?
Yes. The couple, and any kids who want a turn, are welcome to add a few strokes before I pack up.
How far in advance should we book?
At least four months out. I can take two weddings in a weekend if one is Saturday and one is Sunday.
How many guests can you paint?
Usually 40 to 60 over a five-hour reception. Most portraits are one couple, and some are one person.
What's the difference between live painting and guest portraits?
Live painting is one oil painting of the two of you, painted during the wedding and framed. Guest portraits are small watercolors of your guests that they take home, plus an 8x10 watercolor of the two of you.
Do you travel to Nashville?
Yes, at no additional cost. I work throughout Knoxville, East Tennessee, and Nashville.
Check your date
Send me your date and venue and I'll tell you whether I'm open. If you already know the size you want, say so and I'll quote it. Or call (865) 898-1616.