Live Event Painter & Wedding Painting

Maine-based artist Joan Vienot can travel to your location to paint live at your event.

A live event painter commemorates the special day in a way that photography alone does not.

A live event painter commemorates the special day in a way that photography alone does not.

There is a difference, an intimacy, when the live event painter works on-site, painting in the moment. During the event the artist is immersed in the sights, sounds, decor, music, and the tenderness of the moment. As a result, the finished work transports you back to these memories. Guests in attendance will love seeing the event captured live on the canvas, and you will love having the custom piece of artwork to remember your day.


“Joan Vienot was by far the best decision I made in planning my wedding! Every guest complimented how talented she was and the painting was beautiful! It is the most special keepsake from my wedding. There isn’t anything better than having a painting that was created during the actual event.” —Alex Anne S


Is the venue not in Maine? No problem, have passport, will travel!

THE BEST WAY TO COMMEMORATE YOUR EVENT

An accomplished plein air painter, Joan Vienot is able to capture the atmosphere and the essence of the moment, unobtrusively painting live during your event. Plein air refers to painting from life, in open air. Since Joan paints en plein air, interested guests have the opportunity to watch as the painting progresses. For example, they may see her beginning with the initial lay-out, progressing to capturing the atmosphere with the colors and textures of the surroundings and decorations, and finally adding in the attendees.

Joan truly captures light and mood expertly in her seascape and landscape paintings and has enjoyed being the live painter for numerous weddings and events. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fine Art from the University of Northern Colorado and was named one of Florida’s Finest en Plein Air Ambassadors in 2016, 2019, and 2021. This honor is afforded to only 6 Floridians each year and is awarded by the Forgotten Coast Cultural Coalition. Joan utilizes her rare talent of being able to recognizably and realistically capture the essence of the event to produce a worthy and touching keepsake commemoration.


“I was mesmerized watching this unfold through the evening! It is stunning and what talent!
I’m sure [the bride] will cherish this forever!”


Photo on the left by www.kansaspitts.com

LIVE EVENT PAINTING IS PERFECT FOR…

  • Weddings
  • Anniversary celebrations
  • Graduations
  • Galas and corporate events
  • Recitals and performances
  • Milestone birthdays
  • Retirement parties
  • Family reunions
    …and any other festivities you want to remember forever!
Live event painter Joan Vienot working on a wedding painting
Guests enjoyed watching the live event painter capture the first dance
Artist Joan Vienot paints Lauren and William's first dance in this live wedding painting
Live event painters aren't just for weddings - Joan Vienot paints parties, special events, and more!

“We just recently moved…of course the painting rode in my passenger seat instead of the moving truck! It’s my most treasured possession. I fall in love with it each time I walk through the front door! It’s the first thing you see when you walk in.”


In this impressionistic wedding painting, the artist captures the couple's first dance
Live event painter Joan Vienot paints en plein air at Tamera and Cody's wedding
Megan and Brian's First Dance painted by event painter Joan Vienot

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Are you willing to travel outside of Maine for events? What about out of the country?

Yes! My home and studio are in Maine, but I love to travel and will happily make the voyage to your event. You can find more details about travel, along with pricing, here.

Do you only paint weddings, or other events too?

Along with weddings, I paint many types of events including birthdays, ceremonies, reunions, celebrations, and more. Whatever the occasion, I am happy to commemorate your special event with a plein air painting!

How far in advance do I need to book my live event planning?

At this time, I need to confirm your date a minimum of 3 months prior to the event to ensure sufficient time for planning. Of course, you may reserve your date more than three months in advance, booking as early as you like.

What do we need to prepare ahead of time?

There is some basic information I request from you via my Live Event Painting Worksheet, such as the event theme & colors, inspirational photos, and especially the moment to be commemorated. And of course, I’ll need a designated space to set up my materials and paint! Aside from this, there’s not much you need to prepare. I know the event itself undoubtedly keeps your plate full, so I like to keep it as simple as possible on my end.

What should we expect on the day of the event?

The event coordinator usually has me set up off to one side where people can see my work as it progresses, yet where I will not be in the way of the festivities. Additionally, I use oil paint with completely odorless materials so that there is no obtrusive scent. I generally start painting the scene an hour or so before the event begins. As a result, groundwork has been laid by the time the scene of your choosing happens. Oftentimes, this scene is the first dance, the presentation of the couple, a speech, or a specific memorable moment. However, if you do not have a specific moment in mind, I will capture the essence of the event rather than focusing on one moment.

When do I get the final painting?

After painting live at the event, I refine the details in my studio, especially the figures. After that, the finished work needs time to dry. The painting is generally usually ready to deliver or ship to you 3 or 4 weeks after the event.

How much does live event painting cost?

The cost of live event painting includes many considerations—amount of time, size of work, and location of event are a few. You can download a complete PDF of pricing and details below. PLEASE NOTE: TRAVEL AND LODGING EXPENSES VARY WIDELY.

Have more questions?

Send me a message with the form below or give me a call at (850) 259-8394 and we can discuss the specifics of your event.

Inquire About Live Event Painting

Typically we need to confirm the date a minimum of 3 months prior to the event.
Let me know your event city, state, and country here. I am happy to travel to events outside of Maine. If you have a venue selected, you can add those details here too—the more info, the better. It’s also useful to know whether the event will be indoors or outdoors.
Live event painter Joan Vienot working outdoors to capture a special event
Having a painter at your wedding also provides memorable entertainment for your guests!
Wedding and event guests love to watch oil painter Joan Vienot paint during the reception

I look forward to discussing your event!