When it comes to a live wedding painting, where do you start? Often times, the moment is chosen for the painter based on a request from the couple. So, if you’re a painter desperate to try something new, it can be difficult to find a client willing to let you experiment. And that’s when I found the incredible planning team behind Birch and Honey. Kelsey Bledsoe, her sister Kristin and Sydney Pollock with Dizzy and Jayne Co. help connect me with a bride that seemed too good to be true. I was honored to be included amongst an absolutely stacked vendor team. The Surf Chateau in Buena Vista and Nuage Designs, Scarlet Gilia Creative for stationary, Great Family Artists live band, Alyce in Flourland, Flower Disco florals, officiant Phil Gallager and incredible photographer Abbey Rice.

I had been looking for an opportunity to create my first full painting out of oil paint, live. Hayley and Mike gave me full creative decision making. I knew I was on the hunt for the perfect, interesting moment and their dip kiss at the end of their aisle was perfect.

Into the Live Wedding Painting

The day is beautiful, perfect for September and I was ready to craft an incredible painting. There were so many textures and patterns dancing around! It was difficult to eliminate any unnecessary details but it had to be done. Overly stimulating paintings can cause a strain on the eyes and make you want to look away. They married in the courtyard of the Surf Chateau, which is lines with aspen trees. The adorable walls are built out of local stone dug up to build the Chateau. Between the stones, the flowers, the shadows and the aspens, I chose to reduce the amount of stones visible in the painting.

I started out strong by painting the couple into the middle of the painting first. Throughout the night the painting took more and more shape and developed into the painting below! After years of exclusively painting with acrylic paint, I was thrilled. I was thrilled to see the depth and the dimension develop and organically flow out of the canvas. I am so proud that this was my first oil painting. This was more than a day of marriage for Hayley and Mike. This was a day of commitment for myself and to my craft. I knew after completing this painting there was no way I could go back to offering the paintings that I used to. Even though traveling with oil paint presents more logistical hurdles, I truly believe I provide better paintings to my clients.

Conclusion

Have you experienced fall in Buena Vista, Colorado? If you, you certainly have tasted a piece of something special. If not, I would absolutely encourage anyone and everyone to endeavor to experience it. The Surf Hotel and the Surf Chateau is my go-to stay for excellent hospitality. I search out reasons to head up there and always enjoy my time. Pro tip: The Mt. Massive pizza at Wesley and Rose is the best ever!