Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of event can you paint live?
I paint live at: weddings, corporate events, fundraisers and parties. For weddings, I am usually requested to paint ceremony or reception: couples decide which event they want painted!
Should I commission a Ceremony painting or a Reception painting?
This is a personal choice: I am happy to paint either! For either ceremony painting or reception painting: focus is on the couple, venue/ background and some of the ceremony/ reception elements. I paint in few guests if the time permits.
What mediums do you paint in?
I offer the choice of Oil (on linen canvas) or Watercolor (on paper).
Should I commission an Oil painting or Watercolor painting?
This is a personal choice: I am happy to paint in either medium (I love both!). Oil painting: framed without a mat & glass, takes few days to dry and is richer in colors. Watercolor painting: framed with a mat & glass, dries on location and is subtler in colors.
Will there be details on the faces?
I do paint the details on couple’s faces to the extent possible. Unlike studio portrait commissions, exact likeness and fine details on the faces are not possible in live painting. Also, facial details on the wedding party and guests are not be possible.
How long does it take to finish the painting?
The total time depends on the type of event, painting medium and size of the painting. Normally, 5-6 hours or even longer (although I also paint in very short time frames when needed). I start before the main event. I paint in the background first. I take reference photos and paint through the main event. I finish painting before the end of the event unless the size is larger than 18×24 or if the event is of the shorter duration. In the later case, I will finish painting in the studio and deliver at a later date when finished.
What is unique about your particular service?
- I am an award-winning full-time visual artist
- My live paintings are truly “live”: started and usually finished at the event!
- I employ all the elements of fine art: composition, tonal design, drawing, and color scheme
- I use artist-quality archival materials
- I have minimal needs when painting on location and just need space to setup my easel. I carry everything that I need
- I am always seeking ways to get better. I study alla prima masters and I am always sketching and painting from life
- I am unobtrusive and am happy to chat with event guests to answer curious questions. But, I do not create a spectacle that will take away from the event
I offer basic framing at additional cost (usually black and antique gold floater frame) for oil paintings on location. A frame will protect wet oil painting in transit and while it dries (usually a week or two). Most couples leave the frame as-is. However, couple can always frame on their own later as they will have more options. I currently do not offer framing of watercolors. However, watercolors dry as soon as finished and hence are easier to transport.
What are your prices?
Pricing is based on location and size of the painting.
Do you travel?
I am based in Raleigh, NC and will travel to almost any destination.
How do I book you for my wedding?
Please fill out my contact us form and I will connect with you within 48 hours of receipt. Please mention your venue/ location as well!
