Becoming a Live Wedding Painter Vancouver : My First Experience Since COVID

When I picked up my brushes to paint my very first live wedding since COVID, I wasn’t just stepping into a new service—I was stepping into a dream that had been paused for far too long.

Like many artists, I’d spent the past few years focused on building my studio practice, teaching, and growing my art business online. But the idea of live wedding painting never left my mind. There’s something magical about capturing a once-in-a-lifetime moment, right as it unfolds, surrounded by love, joy, and celebration.

Why Live Wedding Painting?

For me, painting isn’t just about creating a beautiful image—it’s about telling a story. And weddings are full of stories: the way two people look at each other during their vows, the laughter from family gathered close, the glow of evening light wrapping everything in warmth.

A live painting transforms those fleeting moments into a lasting heirloom. It’s not just a photo—it’s a piece of art infused with the energy of the day, the movement of the brushstrokes, and the emotion I feel while painting on-site.

Preparing for My First Post-COVID Wedding

Stepping back into live event painting after years of pandemic shutdowns was both thrilling and nerve-wracking. I prepared carefully:

• Supplies: I packed a full kit of paints, brushes, easel, and canvas—ready for both speed and detail.

• Timeline: A live event usually allows about 6–7 hours to get the painting to a polished stage, with final touches added later in the studio.

• Style: I drew inspiration from Spanish impressionist Joaquín Sorolla, whose luminous style captures light and atmosphere in breathtaking ways.

  

  
  

  The Big Day

  The wedding was filled with energy, music, and a gorgeous outdoor setting. I set up my easel in a spot where I could see both the couple and the scene. Guests stopped by to peek at the progress, many of them fascinated to see the painting come to life brushstroke by brushstroke.

  There’s a special connection that happens when guests watch an artist at work—it becomes part of the entertainment, part of the memory-making. People often came back later in the evening to see how the piece had evolved, and their excitement made the process even more joyful.

  By the end of the night, I had a radiant painting that captured the atmosphere of the day. I’ll be refining the piece back in my studio, but even in its live form, it held the energy of the celebration.

  
  

  What I Learned

  Every wedding is unique, but a few things stood out from this first experience back:

  • Flexibility is key. Lighting changes, moments shift, and I adapt the painting to reflect the essence of the day.

  • Guests love interaction. Sharing the process with them adds to their enjoyment and creates memories beyond the canvas.

  • It’s about the story, not perfection. The brushstrokes are loose, luminous, and alive—just like the moment itself.

  
  

  Looking Ahead

  This first wedding reminded me why I wanted to pursue live painting in the first place. It combines everything I love: painting, storytelling, and connecting with people. I’m excited to bring this service to more couples, offering them not just a painting, but an experience they and their families will never forget.

  If you’re planning a wedding and would love to see your day captured in paint as it happens, I’d be honored to help create your own one-of-a-kind heirloom.