Live Wedding Painting FAQs

I paint with high quality water-based acrylic paint on pre-stretched canvas or linen. The paint is non-toxic and extremely quick drying, allowing for easy cleanup and transport of the painting after an event.

Of course! Your painting will reflect your vision, and include exactly you want, under 15 people. We will discuss this list ahead of time, and you will assign someone (usually your wedding planner or a family member) to point out your chosen guests to me during the reception. I bring the painting back to my studio after the wedding to do some finishing touches, and if someone was left out, they can be added in during that time. 

My setup is minimal and usually does not require assistance from event staff. I supply my own portable easel. Your site only needs to arrange for a small painting area in advance of my arrival, which need not take up more than approximately 4′ X 6′, indoors or outdoors. The site also needs to have a nearby power outlet for my lamp, a water source, and a place to dump paint water such as a wash sink. Also, I will need to set up in a spot that gives me a good view of the scene I will be painting. 

Once we confirm that I am available for your date, we will schedule an initial introductory meeting, either via phone call or email. Then I will create a custom proposal for you based on the information gathered during our first meeting. You will be given a few options, and once you choose your proposal, I will send you a contract and invoice for a retainer of $1000USD. A signed contract and completed retainer payment will secure your date on my calendar. 

Your date will be secured on my calendar when I receive the signed contract and deposit payment.

Though arriving 2 hours in advance is ideal, I only need about 20 minutes to get everything set up to start painting. I have been able to produce finished-looking paintings over the course of a 3-hour reception with less than an hour to set up before the event. For local weddings, I will bring the painting back to my studio to complete. For destination or out-of-state weddings, I might require an additional day to complete the painting before heading back to New Orleans.

Since ceremonies are so short and captivate 100 percent of your guests’ attention, it is ideal for me to arrive as early as possible so I can paint the background before the ceremony. I usually paint as much as I can during the ceremony itself but also take photos for reference. Following the ceremony, I like to stay for the reception and finish your painting by working from my photos so that guests are able to watch the ceremony painting’s progress while they’re enjoying the party! If I cannot stay for the reception, then I will finish the painting in my studio based on my photos.

Please note: I cannot (or have not yet been allowed to) live paint during church ceremonies / full mass services. If you wish to have any part of the church ceremony captured on canvas, I will happily do so - I would paint at the reception, working from reference photographs taken during the service.

I am based in New Orleans, La, and travel throughout the country and internationally. Travel costs will be included in your proposal and will include compensation for airfare or mileage, hotel accommodations 2+ hours from my studio in New Orleans, and a rental car if necessary. I charge a travel stipend of $1000, which is compensatory of time spent traveling, meals, gas for the rental car, and other expenses which arise in the process of traveling. This stipend is not required for weddings located at a driving distance of less than 4 hours from my home studio. If it is required that I ship the painting back to the studio to complete, then shipping + handling and insurance will also be added to you proposal.

Local events (within New Orleans city limits) do not require travel compensation. 

Sorry I missed it! I would be happy to create a customized painting for you based on professional photographs from your event. This allows me the flexibility to work at my own pace, without the pressure of performing and completing it in limited time. Professional photographs also provide a clearer image of the bride and groom than can be experienced at the event, which is a look some clients prefer. You may choose a size and style that fits your budget. 

Depending on size and detail of your painting, I will either finished the painting the night of the wedding and leave it with you that night, or will bring the painting back to my studio for touchups. Depending on the time of year, and number of hours spent on touch-ups in the studio, your live painting will be made available for pickup within 6-8 weeks of the wedding date. During busier times of year, like the month before Christmas, your painting may take a bit longer to finish. You will be informed when your painting is finished, and it can be picked up locally or shipped directly to your front door. If I travel out of state to your wedding, I typically stay in your area an extra day or two to complete the painting, and then arrange a pick up before my flight back.

I offer extras such as additional paintings, custom framing, canvas replicas and more. I am proud to support our active military, first responders like police and firemen, and nurses by offering an exclusive discount to any of the above. Please mention your job title in your inquiry, and please prepare to provide a valid ID.