What is your style?
I call it Expressive Realism, but what does it mean?

As a classically trained fine artist, my approach doesn’t entail hyper stylization or abstraction. I’ve been extremely fortunate to have phenomenal art teachers since the age of 12, which is when my formal artistic training began. I spent many years studying the human form, including countless life drawings, as well as teaching drawing and figure drawing fundamentals for over half a decade at the university level.

All of those experiences inform my creative process as a Live Artist and translate into the finest craftsmanship, which is rare in the wedding space. My mission is not only to depict an accurate likeness but to capture your essence in an expressive painterly style, that is beyond what any photograph can achieve.

Can I add additional people or pets to the painting?
I specialize in intimate, couple-only paintings that showcase your love and connection. If you are considering a painting featuring other people or pets, or having stylized or distorted forms and proportions, I may not be the right artist for you.

How long does the artwork take?
To assure your complete peace of mind, I will coordinate all logistics directly with your wedding planner and/or venue.

Most live events require me to set up and begin painting the background about 1-2 hours before guests arrive. For Live Wedding Painting, I will paint through your ceremony and reception as entertainment for your guests for a total of about 6 hours.

The painting is finished at my studio post event to allow for finishing touches and several coats of varnish (protective/color  enhancing coating)  to be applied on acrylics. This takes 3-4 weeks. Oil paintings may take longer, due to drying time, and I will apply a complimentary varnish for local clients after a minimum cure time of 6 months.

Final painting will be professionally packed and shipped to you OR a local pickup/delivery may be arranged, within around an hour driving distance.
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What if you're already booked for my wedding date? 
Can you paint from a photograph after the wedding? 
Absolutely! It makes for a very special gift, including anniversaries. It is the best and a super easy alternative, so I would definitely encourage you to inquire about that option.

What do you  require upfront to book you for my wedding?
I require a 50% deposit upfront to secure your date and the remaining balance isn't due until the week before your wedding.
 
What materials do you use for the artwork?
All of my materials are archival and museum quality, so that your painting will be of premium professional quality. My acrylic and oil paintings are created on stretched cotton canvas with Liquitex artist acrylic paint and varnish, or Winsor & Newton Professional Oil Colours. Oil is available for weddings that don't require air travel.
 
Does the artwork come framed?
The paintings are finished on a canvas that you could potentially hang on your wall once completed. It’s up to you how and if you want to frame them. The painting does NOT need glass, the only recommendation I have is to hang your canvas out of direct sunlight. Sunlight could slowly fade the intensity of the paint colors (over the course of decades). I'll be happy to advise on the frame or handle it for you for an additional fee.

Do you need the venue to provide any accommodations?
I bring all my own gear, including my easel, a light, my tripod to capture the process on video and a 10 ft extension cord. All I need is a place to get water (which is never a problem) and an electrical outlet close by.

Are you willing to travel?
Of course! If the drive is over an hour from my home-base of Fayetteville, AR (United States), I only ask that my gas costs be covered by the client. If the venue is more than 2 hours away by car, the client must cover a rental car or provide a plane ticket, and a hotel room for the night of the event. (with an exception of Little Rock, AR.) Travel is not included in the package price and additional fees will be calculated upon your consultation call.

Can you paint at my wedding ceremony?
Absolutely. I’ll set up and start painting before the ceremony starts, work during the ceremony, then reveal near finished painting at the end of reception or dinner, so people can watch the creation in real time.

Do you paint other events besides weddings?
Yes I do! I paint all kinds of events, weddings are just my specialty. If you have an epic birthday party, a charity function, a gala, etc., please inquire and I will work with you to bring your gorgeous painting to life.
 
Are you LGBTQ friendly? 
Absolutely, I paint all weddings! My one and only requirement is that you are in-love.

What if I have a specific idea in mind? Will we go over it and other details prior to the wedding?
Absolutely! About one month prior to your wedding, we will meet (in-person or virtually) to discuss where you would like me to set up on the day, and the type of scene and pose you'd like me to capture, as well as anything else that may be important to you. I also love working with wedding planners to keep the process 100% stress free for you.
 
How much do you charge?
The value of your investment varies depending on size and complexity, starting at around $2000 U.S. The most popular size is 18x24 inches, and the smallest canvas I offer is 16x20 inches. 
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Do you offer payment plans?
Yes! We can discuss the best way to split the payments up over the months leading up to your wedding, or even after, before transferring the finished painting to you. I use a program that will send an invoice to your email and it is super easy to fill out and keep up with payments.