Live Wedding Painting: Timeless Art or a Passing Trend?
Scott and Ashley’s finished oil painting out front of The Providence Cotton Mill
Guest reactions make me emotional EVERY time.
Live wedding painting has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, adding a unique and artistic touch to special occasions. But is this trend here to stay, or is it just a fleeting fad? I may be extremely biased, but let's explore the pros and cons of live wedding painting to determine if it's a timeless art form or a passing trend.
Pros of Live Wedding Painting
Personalized Keepsake: A live wedding painting captures the unique atmosphere and special moments of your day, creating a personalized and timeless keepsake that can literally be passed down for generations to come! This is an heirloom piece that was created on scene at your wedding, how could it get more cool than that?
Interactive Experience: Having an artist paint throughout your event adds a captivating and interactive element, engaging guests and creating a memorable experience. From the moment cocktail hour begins through waiting for dinner and needing a break from the dance floor, I hear guests talking about the painting and its transformation all night long and am consistently told by my couples that it was all their guests could talk about.
Unique Artistic Touch: Live painting offers a unique and artistic perspective on your wedding, creating a one-of-a-kind piece of art that is completely unique to you.
Showstopper Piece: A large-scale live painting can serve as a stunning focal point in your home, adding a touch of elegance and sophistication that forever reminds you of your best day.
Cons of Live Wedding Painting
Cost: There’s no denying it, weddings are not cheap and a live wedding painting is not exception. A lot goes into creating these heirloom keepsakes and hiring a professional live wedding painter can be a significant investment, depending on the artist's experience and the size of the painting.
Time Constraints: Depending on the complexity of the scene and the number of guests, the artist may need to work quickly to capture all the important moments. They may need a few minutes with the bride and groom to get the right reference photo.
Artistic Style: While live painting can be a beautiful addition to your wedding, it's important to choose an artist whose style aligns with your vision and preferences. If you prefer photorealism, you don’t want to go with an artist that has a more painterly style. I personally paint in an impressionistic style inspired by the masters such as Manet and Monet and prefer to focus on capturing the feeling.
Is Live Wedding Painting a Timeless Trend?
While live wedding painting has gained popularity in recent years, it's unlikely to be a passing trend. The unique benefits it offers, such as personalization, artistic expression, and a captivating experience, make it a desirable addition to many weddings. As long as artists continue to adapt and innovate, live wedding painting will likely remain a popular choice for couples seeking a truly memorable and artistic celebration. Maybe it is wishful thinking, but I sure hope that live wedding painting is here to stay! I can’t imagine any other career now that I have found this one.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to hire a live wedding painter depends on your personal preferences and priorities. If you value a personalized keepsake, a unique and interactive experience, and a beautiful piece of art to showcase your wedding, then live wedding painting may be the perfect choice for you.
