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live painter photo by melissa bessler

Capturing the mood 

on Canvas

Remember your wedding forever with a beautiful impressionist painting.  This special keepsake will be cherished for generations to come.
I setup my easel before the guests come and work on the painting throughout the evening.  Your guests will love watching the painting develop and you will love having an absolutely personalized painting to remember your special day. 

Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What is a live wedding painter?

A live wedding painter is an artist who creates a painting of your wedding ceremony or reception as it unfolds in real-time. The artist works during the event to capture key moments, such as vows, the first dance, or the overall ambiance of the celebration.

2. How far in advance should we book a live wedding painter?

It’s best to book a live wedding painter at least 6-12 months before your wedding to ensure availability, especially if you’re getting married during peak wedding seasons.

3. What kind of painting style can we expect?

Lyssa's style is classified as impressionism.  You will be able to see the brush strokes as she maintains the energy  and ambiance your wedding or event. Please view her Gallery to see examples of her work. 

4. What is Lyssa's setup like during the wedding?

Lyssa painting setup is small and unobtrusive.  She has a portable easel and art supplies that can be set up anywhere and even moved throughout the night.  She prefers to be near where the guests are so that they can watch the painting's progress throughout the evening.  

5. What should we expect the day of the wedding?

Just relax and don't worry about Lyssa, she will take care of all the details beforehand won't need anything from you the day of. Lyssa will arrive an hour or 2 before the guests arrive and get setup and started on the composition of the painting.  By the time the guests arrive the basic composition will be laid out and and she will be working on the some of the details in the background. When the agreed upon moment happens, she will record it with her camera/phone.  She will then use those photos and the details of the venue to piece together the painting so that it matches the mood of the moment. 

5. Can she capture the entire ceremony or just specific moments?

After a consultation you and Lyssa decide on the key moments and details you would like included in the painting.   This will include all the special details that you and your fiancé have spent so much time planning. Her goal is to capture what makes your wedding unique as well as the love and connection you two have in that special moment. 

6. What if we want someone or something that won't be at the wedding in the painting?

A painting is unique in that you can handpick the details that will or will not be included. Lyssa can add people or pets or anything else in the painting as long as photo is provided and details are agreed upon beforehand. 

7. How long does it take to complete the painting?

Lyssa will paint up to 8 hours at the wedding or event. Sometimes magic happens and the painting is complete by the end of those 8 hours. Typically, the painting is mostly complete by the end of the evening. If needed, she then takes the painting back to her studio to add finishing touches, working from photos she took at the wedding.  You can expect to receive the finished painting within 4-8 weeks, though the timeline can vary.

8. Do we get to choose what’s included in the painting?

Yes, Lyssa will work with you beforehand to discuss the key moments you want captured and any specific details you’d like included. She will guide you on what works best for the composition of the painting.

9. What is the cost of hiring a live wedding painter?

Lyssa's clients spend on average $1,700.  The price is based on the size of the unframed canvas.  Taxes and travel outside of the Salt Lake City/Ogden area may apply.

10. Can we order prints of the painting?

Yes! For an additional fee Lyssa can have the painting photographed and printed. You may also order Thank You cards of the finished painting. This is a great way to show your guests the final painting and remind them of the evening as you take the time to show your appreciation for them coming. 

11. What happens if the she is unable to finish the painting during the event?

Don’t worry! If Lyssa does not finish the painting, she will take it back to her studio to add the finishing touches. She will use reference photos taken at the wedding, memories from the day, and any input you provide to complete the final version.

12. What if there’s bad lighting or weather on the wedding day?

Lyssa is skilled at adapting to different conditions. If there’s bad lighting or weather, she’ll make adjustments in her work,  She can always use photo references to support those adjustments. You may want your painting to reflect the mood of the day and may want a cloudy, rainy sky.  You might prefer to have a sunny day or a sunset, no matter the weather.  Those details can be decided upon during a consultation and Lyssa will ensure the final painting matches your preferences. 

12. Can we request a digital version of the painting?

Lyssa allows her clients to take digital photos of the painting to be used on Social media and sharing with family and friends as long as she is given credit.  She does not allow any digital versions to be used for print or reproduction.  Printed reproduction can be requested, at which point she will have it professionally photographed and printed.  

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