What is Live Wedding Painting?
It is a performance really. A fine artist arrives at your event with a canvas and easel and goes about the task of painting a picture of the scene including the people. They can paint the couple in a memorable pose, or include the whole wedding party. If it’s a corporate event, they can paint the crowd, or the honorable guests. The content of your art is limited only by your imagination. Do you want to be painted inside the space shuttle, or on stage with your favorite band? How about adding your departed loved ones to the painting? Maybe you want a character artist to draw all your guests? Or what you never thought of was a comedian, or a celebrity impersonator? LWP&Co. recruits the talent of many different artists, and we hope we can connect you here to up and coming talent!
How much does a wedding painter cost?
Prices for live painters in the United States vary, with the average cost ranging from $1,500 to $3,000. However, experienced and professional live painters may charge as much as $10,000. The availability of performers varies depending on the location you are looking at. Some areas may have several competent performers, which could make the pricing more competitive. In contrast, some areas may require a travel premium to get someone to the event. You may want to budget more for a live painter whose work you admire. If you are considering hiring someone new to the industry, it is essential to review references or a portfolio of their previous work. Just because someone is a good painter in a studio doesn't guarantee they can pull off a live performance. At LWP&Co., we administer a timed paint test to our artists before adding them to our list of approved vendors.
What about the artist’s style?
It's crucial to understand that live painters work quickly and typically use an impressionistic style. The beauty lies in the way they magically create a stunning representation of your day before your eyes and those of your guests. It's not like sitting for hours in a studio for a portrait that looks like a photograph. If you want to hire an artist, make sure you like their previous work. Do not expect an artist who specializes in one medium, such as watercolor, to be skilled in another medium, such as oils. Doing so may lead to disappointment.
What should you expect from a live artist?
It is essential for your painter or performer to arrive early and be thoroughly prepared for your event. They must dress appropriately and behave professionally throughout the event. Before the event, it is necessary for them to have contacted the venue or planner to discuss your preferences for the setting and pose. Live performers should be paid in full before they begin their performance. If you plan on tipping your other vendors, such as the DJ or caterer, it is customary to tip your artist as well. If the artist is performing for the whole day, they will take periodic breaks. If you are offering a meal for your vendors, your artist should be included. It is essential to inform your artist if you plan to have a presentation of your art with guests and photographers so that they can coordinate with your DJ or Event Planner. However, if you prefer to enjoy the performance without a formal presentation, then you should let the artist know.
After the Event
Artists often like to refine their art after a live event, and sometimes, due to time constraints, they may not be able to include all the details they want in the painting. In such cases, they take the painting home and work from photos to add more detail to individual guests and décor. It's recommended that you inquire about the expected timeframe and method of delivery for your artwork. Additionally, obtain a copyright release letter from the artist so that you can use the artwork for reprints or mementos like coffee mugs and ornaments.
Finishing and Framing Your Painting
If you're planning to display your art, it's best to frame it unless you've purchased a gallery wrap canvas. Artists generally don't include a frame with their paintings, so you have a wide variety of styles to choose from to match your preference. Often, artists will apply a glossy or matte clear seal coat to the finished painting if it's available in their studio. While some artists may make minor changes upon request, any additional details or people added later that weren't part of the original agreement will likely come at an extra cost.
What about Wedding Guest Portraits or a Caricature Artist?
The latest trend in live performance art at weddings is to have mini portraits created as gifts for the guests. These small artworks are sketched and colored quickly by the artist from a photo. Some art styles are as simple as a few lines for a faceless body and a splash of color and can be done in a few minutes. Others have more intricate details and take a little longer. An artist, working at a breakneck pace, with an assistant taking guest pictures and info, can produce anywhere from 4 to 10 little portraits an hour, depending on their style of work. It's challenging work for the artist, and just two hours at the hectic pace can be exhausting. Once the guests see what's being made, they will want to get their hands on the cute little free art. However, not everyone will get a portrait that day. Our artists charge at least $150 an hour, with a two-hour minimum, plus booking and material fees. We offer the additional service of finishing and shipping portraits to the guests who missed out, for a small fee per painting.