Questions People Ask
LIVE PAINTING
WHAT IS LIVE WEDDING PAINTING?
Live wedding painting has exploded in popularity over the last few years, and judging from all the happy comments I get from couples and guests, I'm not at all surprised. Watching a painting slowly come to life over the course of a wedding celebration really is a cool thing. You don't just get a beautiful keepsake of your most special day, but also hours of entertainment for your guests while it's happening. I love when people watch me paint, ask me questions, and even make suggestions (although I don't always take them, lol). I consider it part of the fun, and part of my job, to interact happily with your friends and family as I work!
HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHAT MOMENT TO PAINT?
You and I will communicate beforehand about what specific moment from your wedding you'd like me to capture in your painting. Couples often choose the first kiss, their first dance, the recessional, the first look, or something different. I might offer guidance about what I think makes a good painting, but ultimately it's up to you. Take a look at my portfolio for some ideas.
WHAT HAPPENS ON THE WEDDING DAY?
I will arrive several hours before your ceremony to set up my easel, get comfortable, and start finding inspiration and ideas. If it fits into your plans I will usually ask you to pose for my reference photo ahead of time so I can get started on your painting. If not I can still get lots of work done painting the background and get your photo when the moment happens.
Normally my easel is set up at the reception site, which gives your guests a chance to watch my progress throughout the night. I'm very open to interaction and happy for people to watch me paint, ask me questions, etc. I consider this part of my job! I will often stay at weddings until the end of the night, or very near it, at which time I love to invite the couple over for a "reveal" moment. This is your chance to take a first look at your painting!
WILL OUR PAINTING BE FINISHED AT OUR WEDDING?
Usually not, but it will be very far along. Because it takes a lot to make me completely happy with a painting, I always reserve the right to take it home and spend time with it in my studio touching up the details with fresh eyes.
HOW DO WE GET OUR PAINTING ONCE IT'S DONE?
If you live near me (which is sometimes Austin and sometimes Boston) I might deliver it to you in person. But most often it will be carefully wrapped, boxed, and mailed to you.
WHAT DOES IT ALL COST?
To get a general sense of what it will cost to have me come and paint your wedding, you can browse my packages page. Or you can fill out the form here and I'll send you a quote that includes your painting, any extras, sales tax, and travel fees that may apply.
HOW DO I BOOK YOU FOR OUR DATE?
My calendar usually fills up quickly, especially in certain times of the year, so don't wait too long before going to my Book Your Date page and inquiring. I'll check my calendar and get back to you ASAP. Hopefully I'll have an opening on your day!
WHAT SIZE CANVASES DO YOU OFFER?
My Packages page will give you an idea of the canvas sizes I use most often. I've chosen these four sizes, after years of painting weddings, because I've found they provide a good scale for wedding compositions and enough space for details. Note that I sometimes use gallery wrapped stretched canvases and other times I use fine linen boards. I'll explain these options to you as we work out the plan together.
WILL YOU TRAVEL ANYWHERE TO DO A WEDDING?
Absolutely! We love to travel. We've done weddings in Puerto Rico, Arizona, Chicago, Oregon, New York, New Jersey, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, and Pennsylvania, just to name the ones I can think of right now. Most of the weddings we do are in Texas and New England, since these are our two home bases (depending on the time of year) but we will go anywhere! When you inquire about your date I will let you know if a travel fee would apply and how much that would be.
DO YOU PAINT OTHER EVENTS BESIDES WEDDINGS?
Yes! We have done paintings and/or guest portraits at charity gigs, holiday parties, tech conventions, anniversary celebrations, gallery openings, and bar mitzvahs! Anywhere happy people gather, we can be there painting them!
OUR WEDDING ALREADY HAPPENED, CAN I COMMISSION YOU TO PAINT US FROM A PHOTO?
For sure, I've done that many times, and the price is lower since I get to paint it in my cozy studio instead of traveling far away. Go to my Book Your Date page and fill out the form, and let's start the conversation!
WHAT QUESTION(S) DID I MISS?
Ask me anything here. I look forward to connecting with you!