After a busy start to the year, I was looking forward to only 1 live wedding painting in May. Or so I thought. While scrolling rather aimlessly through Facebook, I suddenly saw I had been tagged many times in a post. A bride was looking for a painter whose style was similar to an artist that painted at her brother’s wedding. Honored, I saw that my services had been recommended many times over. Could I be the right onsite wedding artist for them? Sure enough! The inquiry came right in.

Avery and Brett were a young couple who has been soulmates since elementary days. Finally of age, they were getting married on the Vail Golf Course. She was requesting a simple 16×20 painting of their first kiss during the ceremony with the Rocky Mountains in the background. So the day came and off we went onto the Wedding Island on the course. The weather was working on all 4 seasons that day. Starting with a chilly, but sunny morning.

Diving into the Onsite Wedding Painting

Rounding the ceremony start time it began to rain. Of course I took cover but it was inevitable that both myself and my supplies got wet. Including my canvas. Even though I use oil paints, I always prep my canvas with an acrylic paint base. This base prevents the oil from my paints to get sucked into the canvas. Leaving the painting looking rather flat. This base layer is useful for many other things as well. But today, even an acrylic (water-resistant) base could not help me. While the water was rolling right off the areas of the painting already covered, it was getting absorbed into the acrylic layer. The remaining humidity did not allow this layer to dry in a timely manner and I had to continue painting.

Suddenly, I am struggling. I cannot get my paint to participate properly! Finally I realize what has happened. Water and oil obviously don’t mix. The remaining water from the storm was forcing my oil paints to congeal and reduce my mixability. I take a moment to scrape off all the oil paint that was not cooperating and apply another acrylic layer to the areas of canvas that needed it. I used this opportunity to sit, relax and regroup myself. When I felt ready again, more confident, I returned to the canvas. My idea had worked!! The acrylic had covered over the remaining water underneath and I was able to continue painting. As an onsite wedding artist it is crucial that I remain flexible and adaptable.

I was able to recover and produce a beautiful painting. Relieved and reassured, the bride and groom expressed their joy over the painting! After just a few touch ups in studio, Avery and Brett received their wish. A first kiss live wedding painting emphasizing their florals and the incredible Rocky Mountains!