Blog #2
On days that I live paint, I try to start the day by soaking in a bubble bath or going on a long walk to center myself... especially if it's a double header wedding weekend. It's important to be in a good headspace when you're painting an important moment in front of hundreds of people. Live painting is kind of like an endurance sport. We paint all evening & push ourselves to paint until we're happy with the 'end of the night' results. The 25+ years that I played sportsball really prepared me mentally for my job!
To avoid burnout, Jaison & I prep for our weddings to the max! We work with our couples until we fully understand their vision for the painting so we can be fully present on their day! We prefer to follow the seven P's: Proper Prior Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance:)
Friday Wedding - South Hills Country Club - Kelly & Paul
The parents of the Bride hired me to paint a portrait of the newlyweds, Kelly & Paul. They all kept it a surprise for Paul which was so fun. A surprise live painting brings about the best reactions.. usually a mix of pure confusion, bewilderment & shock. Kelly knew the whole time though, & worked with me & her Mom to plan the details of the painting. Kelly wanted a portrait of them either kissing, looking at each other or walking hand-in-hand with the golf course in the background.
I arranged a meeting time with the photographer for a quick photoshoot with the newlyweds before cocktail hour. The dark, rain-filled clouds parted just in time for photos. The sun was just starting to peek through the feathered clouds. I pay attention to the weather during these moments because it adds to the paintings drama.
Kelly & Paul were so at ease while taking photos. I really didn't have to give them guidance at all. They were naturals! I ultimately went with a kissing scene because I had a great angle where I could see both of their faces! Plus it just made sense for them to be in the moment kissing, while they were surrounded by the suns glow & dancing purple clouds. It kind of reminded me of the last scene of Pride & Prejudice :) iykyk
Saturday Wedding - Sheraton Hotel, Station Square - Taylor & Tyler
Tyler & Taylor wanted a portrait of their first dance with the Pittsburgh Skyline behind them. The composition in a scene like this is everything! I arrived about 2 hours before cocktail hour & really took my time with the start of this painting because I knew there was going to be a lot of moving parts. The first goal was to include the cityscape, the ballroom windows & the couple dancing. The second goal was to not make the painting look like 'confetti'. Adding too many elements to a painting can make it overwhelming. We want to include enough space & harmony so the couple is alway the focal point.
As they danced, the sun was just starting to set so there was this beautiful glow around them. They spun, they kissed & looked at each other in the most beautiful way. That was the moment I wanted to paint- that look.
If you know our work, you might notice that we like to drench our couples in light, even if we have to make it up. Since the light changed so dramatically throughout their first dance, I will most likely change the color harmony of this painting. The sun was bouncing off the river & the skyscrapers. It was intense & I want the colors to reflect that moment, which will ultimately enhance the intensity of that look between Tyler & Taylor ;)
Back to the studio for touch-ups. Happy Mother’s Day to all the Mom’s out there!
Artist: Stephanie Cassidy Schafer