Live Event Painting

Based in Columbus, Ohio

What is Live Event Painting?

If you have never heard of Live Event Painting or Live Wedding Painting before, it may be a bit hard to imagine at first. It is a unique entertainment and gift option for people to add that special touch to their big day.

An artist is hired to paint a scene or subject during the event, and your guests get the unforgettable experience of watching the painting process throughout the event. They can interact with the artist and take photos with the painting, as well as learn a few painting tips themselves. It is a true joy to experience fine art in this unconventional way, and is guaranteed to be a highlight of the evening!

The most popular event for Live Painters is weddings, but any big party or event can benefit from having a Live Painter. For example, a big anniversary or birthday party can have a painter capture the scene and include multiple people, decor, the food, the band, etc. in a way that a photographer may not be able to. Perhaps it’s a company event and the artist is painting a portrait of the company’s founder for a big milestone, or painting a large cityscape with the brand new headquarters that is being unveiled.

Here are some ideas of occasions that could have a Live Event Painter:

  • Wedding

  • Birthday

  • Anniversary

  • Bar/Bat Mitzvah

  • Quinceañera

  • Baby Shower

  • Holiday Party

  • Music Festival or Concert

  • Fashion Show

  • Gala or Ball

  • Business Event

  • Fundraiser

  • Church Conference

  • Memorial Service

The Live Painting Process.

To start the process, you can fill out the Live Event Painting inquiry form and let me know some details about your event. I will be in touch with my Live Painting Guide, and you can choose which package and options you want. We can discuss any questions you may have, and then a signed contract and deposit will book your date if it’s available.

About a month before your event we will have a phone call consultation to go over all the details. If it is a surprise for the bride and groom (or guest of honor), we will need a plan of how to keep the surprise until the moment you want it revealed. If you want to add any elements that won’t be present at the event, I will need photo references at this time. For example, a bride and groom may want to add their pet or grandparents into the painting if they are unable to attend or have passed away.

On the day of your event, I will show up 2-3 hours early to setup, get reference photos, and begin sketching in the background. I will take numerous reference photos throughout the event as needed, and we can even stage photos to make sure we get the perfect pose for the painting. Guests will be able to watch me paint during the event and are invited to take photos as the painting unfolds. A total of up to 6-7 hours of Live Painting time is included in every package, so there will be plenty of opportunity for guests to get a good look at the process.

Towards the end of the event, the bride and groom (or guest of honor) is invited to do a painting reveal! This is an exciting moment, as they are often very busy and haven’t gotten a chance to see the painting yet. You will want the photographer present, and I will be recording the moment as well.

After your event, I will take the painting home for final touches in the studio. This can be anywhere from 4-16+ hours of additional work on your painting, depending on how big the canvas is and how much detail I was able to get done during the event. Once finished, I will coordinate any additional items you may have ordered. This could be custom framing, prints, note cards, etc. Once everything is ready, I will either hand deliver the artwork to you (Columbus, Ohio area only), or carefully package and ship it to you. This timeline can be anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months after the event.

Live Painting Packages.

All packages include high-quality, professional artist paints, supplies, and materials, preparation and planning time, 5-7 hours of on-site live event painting, additional studio hours to complete the painting as needed, a digital image of the painting to share on social media, and local hand-delivery. Additional costs may include travel and accommodations beyond 40 miles of Gahanna, Ohio, highly detailed guest portraits, packaging and shipping for distance clients, and any optional add-ons that you may like.

Silver Package • 11”x14” canvas • $1500+

Gold Package • 16”x20” canvas • $1800+

Platinum Package • 18”x24” canvas • $2100+

Ruby Package • 22”x28” canvas • $2300+

Sapphire Package • 24”x30” canvas • $2500+

Emerald Package • 24”x36” canvas • $2700+

Diamond Package • 30”x40” canvas • $3000+

Frequently Asked Questions.

Where are you located, and do you travel?
I live on the east side of Columbus, Ohio and I currently will travel within 2-3 hours of Columbus, which is basically the entire state of Ohio and some border towns in surrounding states. I may consider traveling farther (within the United States) when my husband has the availability to travel with me and we can get an overnight babysitter (please fill out an inquiry or email me to check!). Travel beyond 40 miles of my home is .50 per mile round trip, and overnight accommodations may be needed on a case-by-case basis.

Can you include my loved one that has passed away in the painting?
Yes! As long as you have a reference photo that I can use (emailed ahead of time), then I can include almost anyone or anything.

What type of paint and canvas do you use?
I use high-quality, professional acrylic paints and mediums. The painting will get 2-3 layers of protective varnish once it is complete. All canvases are gallery-wrapped, meaning there are no exposed staples on the sides and it is ready to hang on the wall without framing if desired.

Is there anything special you need at the venue?
I will need access to electricity for my easel light, especially if the event is at night or has mood lighting in the room. If they have a small table and chair available, that would be great also. And a vendor meal is greatly appreciated!

How far out are you booking?
As of Summer 2023, I am booking through the end of 2024. I will open up 2025 booking in Spring 2024, and will start with inquiries I have already received at that point. If I receive more than 1 request for the same day, I will have to decide between them based on location and other events and family obligations around that time frame. Please fill out an inquiry as soon as possible when you know your date!

What if you are unavailable for my event? Can I still get a painting done?
Yes! If I am unavailable or your wedding has already passed, you can order a Custom Painting Commission instead. This is where I create a painting for you based on photos. The turnaround time can vary throughout the year, and may be limited at times. Please email with any questions!

What is your cancellation policy?
If for any reason you need to cancel my services or your event, any payments you have made beyond the initial deposit is refundable. You may use the deposit towards re-booking the event or towards a commissioned painting. If for any reason I need to cancel, then 100% of your money is refunded including the deposit. Full cancellation and postponement policy is in my contract for you to review before booking.

How do I care for my painting once I receive it?
All paintings will be varnished to help prevent minor scratches to the paint. If needed, you can use a microfiber cloth for dusting, or a lightly damp towel. Avoid any chemical cleaners and direct sunlight for extended periods of time. If your painting is on wood, I would not advise having it in a high humidity environment, such as a bathroom. When moving or storing the painting, put tissue paper and cardboard over the canvas and then wrap in bubble wrap or a thick cloth to prevent damage. If the canvas gets a small dent in it, you can lightly spray the back with water, rub it in, and let it dry. This will re-tighten the canvas fabric.

Next Steps.

If you haven’t already done so, please check out my painting gallery and/or my Instagram page to see examples of my painting style. Every artist has a different style, and I want you to know what to expect. If you like what you see and want to book me for your wedding or event, please fill out my inquiry form!

Thanks so much, and I look forward to painting for you!