Blog #5
…Ten if you count Jaison's wedding. I went all out this month for two reasons- to pay my estimated taxes (Boooooo) & to buy & build a camper van. I'm also saving for a 2027 trip to Scotland, Ireland & England as well. Think big, dream bigger, right? :)
This past weekend, I painted at two weddings & crossed two things off my bucket list- I painted a courthouse ceremony & I read a book at brunch along the river. In between weddings, I try to romanticize life as much as possible. Weddings take you to some beautiful places so I try to make the most of it:)
Architecture was the theme of the weekend. I painted at two historical venues: The Allegheny Courthouse & The Grand Concourse. They both have that intricate, old world, "how the hell did they make that" look to them. Both couples wanted their ceremonies painting which were both located on top of glorious staircases. What are the chances? ..Same theme, but two very different paintings.
The Courthouse: Sign me up for as many Courthouse portraits as possible! It's a scene that takes time to paint because you have to get the perspective just right for it to work.. but once you get it, it looks extremely impressive. The contrast between the mathematical arches & the hazy light pouring in through the back windows creates an ethereal, glowy interior. This painting required a nice mix of soft brushwork to achieve the look of light & hard edgework to bring you back to reality. It was important to me to feel the marble framework & the warmth of the sun enveloping the couple at the same time.
Grand Concourse:
This Pittsburgh landmark has large stained glass windows & high ceilings supported with simpler wooden ornamentation- classic Edwardian Style. I was most excited to paint the green & gold accents scattered throughout the grand hall, which used to be a train station, btw. I love when a venue already has natural color harmony.
I would normally be against adding the wedding party to an already detailed, architectural painting, but the way the wedding party was angled on the staircase actually helped the composition. They help create a nice flow & lead your eye right up to the bride & groom!
My favorite part of the night was when the newlyweds each added half of a heart to the corner of their painting. I love this idea. I hope more couples do this! I will definitely keep that corner exactly as it is :)
Pittsburgh is such a small world. I see people I know at weddings all the time. The officiant was my boss from a previous job.. which seems like a lifetime ago. As a lawyer & creative, confident talker.. he did an amazing job. I may have shed a tear or two during the ceremony.
I celebrated a successful weekend of painting with a night sail on lake Arthur under the full moon. It was as magical as it sounds.
Artist: Stephanie Cassidy Schafer