How to choose a live wedding painter? Seven considerations
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You’ve come across the concept of a ‘live painter’ online or at an event. Maybe you want to hire an artist to do a live painting of your wedding, or on your loved ones’ most beautiful day. But you only have one chance, you can’t just redo that day. So it can feel quite like a risk. The aim of this blog is to take away that sense of risk, and give you some tools to formulate what is important to you.
So how do you know which live wedding painter is a good match for you? In this blog, I take you through considerations, criteria, points to look out for during your orientation and what to base your choice on. Seven categories, for both subjective and practical points, including my experiences and tips.
1. Style
The most important one would be in terms of style: shapes, techniques, vibes.
Taste is very subjective, especially for people browsing for a custom artwork. But there are also various approaches in terms of technique and material, on the artist side. Some want to go all out with thick blobs of paint, while others quietly paint tiny details. For every artist, the pleasure and satisfaction lies in a different mix.
Tip: take a moment to visualise what your ideal artwork would look like. What kind of atmosphere does it have, what kind of feeling does it give? Try to put words to it, for example:
Romantic — cartoony — modern — dynamic — expressive — energetic — urban — realistic — classic — glamorous — spontaneous — warm — playful — light — graphic — detailled — raw — abstracted
Maybe you find it hard to put into words what you like. Don’t worry, this is not an Art History exam. Maybe you’re more visually inclined or you’ve seen examples on Instagram or Tiktok of something you really liked. Or maybe you want to give the artist more freedom to put their own spin on it, and you find it more important what it shows than how it is made.
One point in style and atmosphere you can choose in advance: how crowded do you want the canvas to be? Consider, for example:
- What moment would you like to have captured? What kind of situation, type of image are we talking about? An intimate moment, or the wedding couple among a group of clapping or toasting guests?
- How important is it for you to recognise the location? For example, are you getting married in the garden of your parents’ house, and should that be included? Or are you dancing under a beautiful chandelier that should not be missing? Or would you prefer the background to be slightly blurred, so that you as a couple stand out more?
- Who has to be included on the painting? And who doesn’t necessarily have to? Some clients want the parents, best men, maids of honour etcetera to be included. For example, all the people sitting first row at the ceremony. Often, the more people on the painting, the less detail everyone gets if it has to be finished in a few hours. And cats or dogs that can’t be present, can often be included based on a picture ;)
I personally want to specialise in detailed, realistic paintings where the wedding couple takes centre stage and there is not too much fuss around them. Hints at the location and atmosphere. There are also colleagues who actually prefer doing overview images, or an impressionistic image from a distance.
Tip: when contacting a painter, it always helps to indicate: “this and that work from your portfolio, those paintings appeal to me the most”. Then the painter can check: “ah, this client would like a painting with just the couple, with natural light, in a green setting, painted in a quick, cheerful style”.
Not every colleague is open to receiving examples made by other artists (go ahead and ask them instead, right?), but in some cases it can be quite practical. I once worked with a client who found it difficult to describe what kind of art she likes, and she had collected several works on a Pinterest board. With this, I could see what elements I could work with.
Colleagues have their own ways and their own type of work. All shapes and styles exist. Two examples from Dutch colleagues and how they name their work:
Leon Römer
“My style is in between anime and cartoon, comic-like. Lots of colour, cheerful”
Maaike Dias Krijtenburg
“In my live art, I search for the ultimate feeling of the moment. I look at what matters and what can be left out. In my art, I have a clear focus. In some cases this is the atmosphere and in other cases the focus is on the bride and groom, for example. In this, I take your wishes into account”
Some customers also already have a specific place in the house in mind, where they would like to place the painting. For example, I had a client who was thinking of a place above a large and long sideboard; in that case, I made an broad painting. A small square work might have looked a bit awkward. Another couple loves greenery a lot, and the painting with lots of bushes and trees on it now has a nice spot on their dark green wall. See below.
Personally, I always offer to shift around a bit in style. Do you want a minimal colour palette, say in black and white? Or can it be extra bright? If you like gold, silver or neon, I can also add some finishing touches in that colour.
2. How does the artist work?
Style and working methods are closely connected: one artist works with acrylic paint, another with graffiti spray paint and a third with watercolour. Some like to work from one photo, because then everything is exactly right, while others like to combine different photos/moments, texts, metaphors, to come up with an unique image.
Some like to tailor the painting as precisely as possible to the customer’s wishes, while others make their best work when they have a lot of creative freedom. When they are allowed to shift the composition, colours and which photo is used as a reference, for example. A wedding couple might feel comfortable letting go of that control, another couple has a specific image in mind and would be very happy with someone who can approximate that as closely as possible.
Some only work for a few hours on location, and deliver at the end of the day, while others always render all the details at home as well. And if someone provides extra touch-ups, you may have to pick it up at the person’s place, while another prefers to send it or come and deliver it themselves.
With me, you can choose; if you prefer as realistic as possible and all the details painted, then take a premium package. But if you like impressionistic work, and it can be rough, or painted with quick strokes , I can also capture an image in a few hours. Then it sticks to the essence of the event; made on that day, and no more.
Some do a thorough intake, others work with a short checklist you fill in. One works with a comprehensive contract, the other sends a few agreements through Whatsapp or mail. One needs a spacious workplace and table and chair, the other has a compact set-up. One offers all kinds of options, the other has a fixed package.
Some prefer to work only through an agent or assistant, while others prefer to work directly with the client. Some prefer to work like a fly on the wall, while others find it perfectly fine to stand in the middle of the room with a spotlight on their work.
Tip: if you’ve found an artist whose style appeals to you, see if they share something on their website or on their socials about how they prefer to paint, how they do their best work. Or if that is (not) clearly stated yet, get in touch to ask about their process and working methods. Seems to me that colleagues can explain that just fine, without you being stuck with having to book that one book right away.
Leon:
- “I spend 3–4 hours painting”
- “I don’t need an overview spot because I walk around and take photos and process all those individual pieces into 1 big whole, a kind of collage of everything that happens”
- “As a client, you can also always indicate what you want on it, or don’t want on it, even if it’s not there (a pet, for example) — when I get a photo it always works out. It doesn’t even have to be done in advance. Just show on the spot on your phone and I’ll make it work”
Maaike:
- “With a live painting, I spend 3 to 7 hours. How long I spend depends on the size and the time I can use for it”
- “People see me as a friendly person, who does not stand out too much, but lets the artwork speak for itself. In my choice of clothes, I try to match the theme of the wedding”
3. Price and budget
Of course, the investment is a relevant topic. And a wedding can already be quite expensive. Please realise: a professional artist who is reliable, can deliver on your special day under pressure, has practised for many years and delivers great value. Of course, that comes with an appropriate price tag. And I also understand if a painting is too luxurious for some of the people reading this, and most will have to take into account a certain maximum budget.
Often the price depends on several factors:
- The artist: experience, fame, style, how high the demand for their work is
- Size of the canvas (I will go into more detail below)
- How long the artist works on it
- Travel costs (depending on location)
- Material (e.g. linen instead of canvas, or a thicker ‘3D’ canvas)
- Additional options (e.g. a process video, cards, extra touch-ups, framing)
What does a live wedding painting cost? Personally, I always like to communicate clearly about price and budget. My smallest canvas in the Same day package (2025 prices), starts at 1500 (euros, including all costs within the Netherlands and Belgium). My largest sized canvas in the premium package is 3300+. I offer a 100 euro discount if the wedding is on a Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday, and charge an additional 450 for weddings on Christmas or NYE.
If I want to buy something, I also look for at least an indication or starting price on someone’s website. Unfortunately, not every colleague mentions that on their site. And honestly, if you’re just looking for “any” painter, and preferably the cheapest, we’re probably not a good fit.
If you are curious about more prices and information, you can find them on the page with my packages.
And just like the part about working methods: every artist deals with fees and their handling of it differently. Some don’t require a retainer or deposit, others (like me) charge a certain amount (375,- in 2024), most do 50%, and some want 100% upfront to set your date. Some work with payment plans, others don’t.
Tip: should your own budget be very tight, a live painting is also a very nice and personal gift to ask. And be honest, sometimes it can be quite difficult to think of what to give someone, so why not suggest something that your guests can get for you? I often find that a painting is given on behalf of a group (e.g. on behalf of the parents, on behalf of the friends), with everyone contributing a part.
4. The size of the painting
Size does matter. It’s both a taste thing, and a practical point. After all, it has to fit in your home. Some customers prefer bombastic and impressive, others like subtle. Most colleagues offer a few different sizes. Everyone has favourite sizes and a maximum size, but often a lot is possible.
I myself am not into the big-bigger-biggest. In my painting technique, details come out best when I am not just filling large areas. My favourite size is 60 by 50 cm. For some colleagues, it can’t be big enough. I do find it funny to notice with Dutch colleagues that the average size is often around 100 by 70 cm, while international live painters often work smaller. A common size is 24 by 30 inches (about 61 by 76 cm).
My standard sizes (2023 packages):
- 90 by 70 cm
- 80 by 60 cm
- 60 by 50 cm
Tip: some options, useful to decide whether you would like a portrait or landscape image:
- Do you want a painting of the vows while standing in front of the altar, and want the church’s large stained-glass window be on it? Then I would go for a painting “in portrait mode”;
- Would you like to have the first dance painted, with just the two of you, the beautiful chandelier and flowers in the background included? Then I would go for a painting “in portrait mode”;
- Are you getting married in a beautiful green landscape or vineyard and want some of the guests there during the ceremony on it? Then I would go for a painting “in landscape mode”;
- Are you having dinner at a wide table and want the artist to paint you all saying “cheers” and toasting on love? Then I would go for aa painting “in landscape mode”.
I (or the artist of your choice) can always discuss your plans and whishes, what would fit best — and square is also an option, of course, haha.
Leon: “The normal size I work on is 100x70 or 100x100”
Maaike: “The sizes I have in stock are 40x50cm, 50x70cm, 60x80cm and 80x100cm. If you wish a different size, I can see what’s possible”
5. Availability of the artist
Just your luck, the person whose work exactly matches your vision is not available on your date. We are very creative but unfortunately, we can’t duplicate ourselves yet. And it wouldn’t make you happy if the artist says “next time you get married, email me earlier”, haha. So this is not a subjective point, but an important practical one.
Especially considering, thanks to the Covid pandemic, a lot of big celebrations could not take place, 2022 was a very busy year in the wedding industry. I am writing this blog in early 2023. For some dates, I received 5–10 inquities. Many people who had already booked six months or more in advance, but also the occasional person who contacted me just the week before. No, sorry, I have had to turn down several inquiries. And several colleagues are also booked full. Not nice, having to disappoint someone, but you know? I’m just already physically present somewhere else.
Very occasionally, weddings can be combined, if one is early in the afternoon and another in the evening. If they are located close to each other and the clients don’t choose a big package. It takes a lot of energy, and as an artist you naturally want to create your best work for both clients. I myself have chosen to take on a maximum of one booking per day, and to work at weddings for a maximum of two days in a row. Of course, this varies from artist to artist.
Is your wedding on a popular wedding day? For example, on a Friday or Saturday in the summer? Or on a date that is easy to remember (in 2023, every 23rd of the month, for example)? The earlier you are, the better. Currently, about half of my Fridays and Saturdays are booked for this high season, and I am already taking bookings for 2024 as well. Some international artists I follow online have already been booked out the next year and a half.
But what if I can’t make it myself? Then I offer three options:
(a) I provide an afterpaint afterwards. This is a painting based on one or more photos (with the photographer’s permission)
b) I note you as a back-up option and only contact you later in case of cancellation or rescheduling of the booking that is already in place (hardly ever happens);
c) I ask in my network who would be available. At short notice, however, there is only a small chance that someone else could make it. Also, colleagues obviously have their own style and their own prices.
A small advantage if you book someone in time: often, the new prices come into effect on 1 January. In any case, I always update those then. For example, if the wedding is in August and you book in December, the old price still applies.
6. Location of the wedding
This is mainly a practical point. How nice it is for the artist to be able to make people happy with a painting close by, and to be back home quickly after a full day, haha. I love my own bed.
Some artists can travel more easily than others. For some, being away for two days, is more difficult than for others. There are colleagues who specify the maximum distance they are willing to travel, for example one and a half hours away. Saves you travel costs too! With some colleagues, you can also tell by their travel cost indication.
For me, distance also depends a bit on the time of day. If you are getting married on the other side of the country, and want the first dance (in the evening) painted, it can be late. Working at weddings is very satisfying, and often enjoyable, but it is also a fairly long, intense effort. As you can imagine, it’s not a good idea to still get in the car to drive two hours back, when I’ve been painting until 11pm. Not safe for me or the other people on the road.
I live in Dordrecht, the Netherlands, which is near Rotterdam. For weddings at the other side of my country, I will include a hotel accommodation in my quote.
Are you based abroad, or having a destination wedding? Cool! If something is within a day’s drive, or easily accessible by train, I will be happy to come. Belgium, Germany, Luxembourg, Denmark, France, major cities in England, for example, are all within easy reach. I’d rather not fly unless there is no other reasonable option.
For the Americans reading this: know that not all international artists can come paint during your wedding, because of visa / work permit restrictions.
Just depending on the exact location, in the case of a wedding abroad, I might include two nights in a nearby hotel in the quote.
Besides Dutch, I speak English, and reasonable German and French (and Limburgish dialect).
Tip: for me and many colleagues, the further away your wedding is, the harder it is to plan it (in between). Weekends in summer often mean: a wedding on Friday and a wedding on the Saturday, right the day after. Then I or a colleague may choose to do two weddings nearby rather than do one abroad. So contact us nice and early, as soon as the venue is booked for example, for a greater chance of the trip fitting into the schedule!
7. Personal connection
And last but not least, you may love someone’s work, but it is obviously also someone who will work for you, and be present on your special day. You want someone with whom you match at least a little, that you understand each other. Somebody who would fit between your loved ones.
From someone’s website, but also from a first call, you can get an idea if someone would be a good match for your wedding.
Maybe you are looking for someone with a sense of humour, or someone who is more businesslike, or maybe it is important that someone’s values and lifestyle match your own. Perhaps there will be lots of children at your wedding and the artist may or may not be able to cope with that. Maybe you like to make phone calls or you are more into e-mails. Maybe you prefer someone who moves around freely and autonomously, maybe someone who likes to chat or someone who does their thing in the background.
Phew, that might have been a lot of information. Want a short recap and a guide on helping you getting your wishes and priorities straight?
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Feel free to check out my live wedding painting packages, if we’re a match of course ;)
