Custom Artwork - For a Lifetime
LIVE WEDDING PAINTING
Capture the magic of your wedding day through Custom Artwork, created on-site at your event!
Live Painting brings elegance, entertainment, and an authentically beautiful experience to your wedding day. As a Live Wedding Painter my goal is to work closely with you to create a timeless work of art that showcases your love story.
Unlike a photograph which freezes a moment in time, a painting is a living, lasting artifact that has the ability to communicate something much deeper. As a live painter I love to infuse elements of the day which might not be readily captured in a single photograph, such as a loving exchange between the two of you on a sunlit hillside, or a moment from your ceremony superimposed upon a secret location from your venue. I also enjoy incorporating subtle symbols or other elements from your day or your lives together, upon your request.
Why live Painting?
Choosing your Artist & Moment
Why it matters who you hire
It is extremely important that in choosing a Live Painter, that you choose an artist whose style, expertise, and overall vibe resonates with you. While Live Painting is certainly a fun and entertaining element for your day, it is so much more. By commissioning a Live Painter you are commissioning a custom artwork for your home. I have been an art educator for 15 years at the K-12 to college level, am an award-winning fine artist, and am in my 4th year of Live Painting. I take my work seriously, and strive to provide a fun and engaging experience for you and your guests, while producing a high-quality work of art that will be treasured by you and your loved ones for years to come.
My Approach to Live Painting
I am first and foremost a portrait artist. The focus of the painting will always be the two of you. While setting is essential in capturing the mood and the space that you have so carefully curated for your day, the majority of my time and energy will be dedicated to capturing your likeness and the connection I perceive between the two of you in the moment you have selected for the artwork. Additionally, I do not incorporate your guests, wedding party, or whole-aisle scenes. So from this standpoint, I encourage couples to think beyond the obvious and consider not just what they want to see in their wedding photos (your photographer has you covered), but what actually will convey the deep connection and love you have for one another, in the setting that says something about who you are as people.
What to Expect
Arrival and Background:
I will generally arrive on-site 2-3 hours before the ceremony in order to begin painting in the background. Ideally I prefer to paint the background from life rather than a photo, so I will set up in front of the selected scene. If the background happens to be your ceremony site, I will move my easel to your reception space before the ceremony begins.
Capturing a Reference:
In order to make the most of my time Live Painting, as well as to capture the best possible reference for your painting, I require a staged photoshoot either before or after your ceremony. I will then meet with the two of you briefly to capture the shot (note: the photoshoot will not take more than 5 minutes, and does not have to be in the same location as your selected setting). Once we have agreed upon the perfect reference image, the fun begins!
During Your Reception:
I begin painting in the two of you. Your guests (and you two) are encouraged to stop in, chat with me, and may even be invited to apply a few brushstrokes throughout the evening!
End of the Night:
At the end of the night, your painting will be about 75% complete. The composition will be well established, and you will get a good sense of what it will look like when complete. If you are interested, we can arrange a formal “reveal” for you and your guests.
Studio Touchups:
At the end of the evening, I take the work home to complete in the studio. While I do all that I can to complete your artwork as quickly as possible, during my busy season (May - October) please expect a turn around time of up to 10 weeks.
What’s Included
A detailed portrait of the couple, featuring your desired setting or backdrop.
The painting will be created using professional grade pigments on stretched canvas (Acrylic) or mounted board (Oil). Note: I am in the process of transitioning from Acrylics to Oils. 2026 couples may choose, but all 2027 weddings will be Oil Paintings.
Consultation(s) with the couple over phone or zoom.
1-3 hours of painting before guests arrive (depending upon chosen medium).
Mini Photo shoot to capture the best possible reference for your painting (Required). Options include during a first look, or immediately following the ceremony.
3-5 hours of live painting during the reception.
10-30 hours of studio touchups (dependent upon package size).
Varnished and ready for hanging or framing.
Artwork is completed within 10 weeks of event (oil paintings require an additional 4 weeks for drying and varnishing).
Delivery available for local couples. Insured shipping included for out of area couples.
I carry full Liability Insurance.
2026 Prices
Pricing is all-inclusive and includes all fees associated with travel to and from the event (mileage plus artist accommodations for up to two nights). Four package/size options available (See drop-down menu).
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Bronze: 16” x 20” x 1.5” - $1500
Silver: 18” x 24” x 1.5” - $1900
Gold: 20” x 24” x 1” - $2300
Platinum: 24” x 30” x 1” - $3100
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Bronze: 16” x 20” x 1.5”- $2100
Silver: 18” x 24” x 1.5” - $2500
Gold: 20” x 24” x 1” - $2900
Platinum: 24” x 30” x 1” - $3700
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Bronze: 16” x 20” x 1.5” - $2700
Silver: 18” x 24” x 1.5” - $3100
Gold: 20” x 24” x 1” - $3500
Platinum: 24” x 30” x 1” - $4300
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Starting rates (Bronze: 16” x 20”)
Tahoe/Sierra - $2900
Domestic - Fights Included:
So. California/No. Oregon - $3400
Beyond California (Domestic) - $3600
International:
$2800 plus International Flight and accommodations for two nights
2027 Prices
Pricing includes all fees associated with travel to and from the event (mileage plus artist accommodations for up to two nights). Three package/size options available (See drop-down menu). Painting is created in professional grade Oil pigments on mounted board for an exquisite, museum-quality work of art.
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Intimate: 18” x 24” x 1.5” - $2000
Signature: 20” x 24” x 1.5” - $2400
Legacy: 24” x 30” x 1.5” - $3600
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Intimate: 18” x 24” x 1.5” - $2500
Signature: 20” x 24” x 1.5” - $2900
Legacy: 24” x 30” x 1.5” - $4100
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Intimate: 18” x 24” x 1.5” - $2800
Signature: 20” x 24” x 1.5” - $3200
Legacy: 24” x 30” x 1.5” - $4400
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Tahoe/Sierra:
Intimate: 18” x 24” x 1.5” - $2900
Signature: 20” x 24” x 1.5” - $3300
Legacy: 24” x 30” x 1.5” - $4500
So. California/No. Oregon/Seattle/Denver:
Intimate: 18” x 24” x 1.5” - $3500
Signature: 20” x 24” x 1.5” - $3900
Domestic (US):
Intimate: 18” x 24” x 1.5” - $3800
Signature: 20” x 24” x 1.5” - $4200
International:
Note: Client is responsible for covering International Flight and accommodations for the artist for three nights.
Intimate: 18” x 24” x 1.5” - $2900
Signature: 20” x 24” x 1.5” - $3300
Additional Details
A 30% deposit and a signed agreement are required to book your date. The remaining 70% will be required 2 weeks prior to your event.
The day of the event, I will require a vendor meal.
A 5’ x 5’ space at your event for me to paint in that is flat, and easily accessible for guest viewing. In door set-up if weather conditions are unfavorable.
I am based in Humboldt County, CA and am available for travel!
Testimonials
Portrait Commission from a Photo
The most frequent question I get asked at weddings is "would you be willing to paint from a photo of my wedding?” and the the answer is always “YES!” In fact, because portrait commissions from photos are painted in the studio, I am happy to create a portrait-based work of art for you from any occasion or moment. Pricing for portrait commissions vary based on the size of the canvas and complexity of the image. To give you an idea of what you might expect, my starting rate for a 16” x 20”wedding painting from a photo is $850. That said, I’m happy to work with you to discuss your vision and budget. Click the link below to inquire.
