Creating artwork will be second nature to you by now but performing under live conditions can change the dynamic. Preparation beforehand is key but ensuring you are the right mindset will also just as important. If you have been commissioned to paint at a wedding there are several steps you can take to ensure your masterpiece is a success.
This can be done using many different forms of reference material such as photographs of the people attending or the venue itself. Even sketches of the style or theme of the wedding will help you to generate an image in your mind to deployed on the big day. Gathering reference material can be completed on the day of the painting if you are scheduled to arrive before any guests to take photographs of the venue. All of this material will help you accurately depict the people, venue, décor and small details of the wedding that will make your artwork stand above all others.
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Before painting begins it can be a good idea to first sketch the outlines to capture the moment before the settings change. This can be especially useful if you are new to live wedding painting and aren’t yet familiarised with the speed at which you should paint at. It will also help with the placement of various elements of the painting such as background settings to ensure that the moment was capture as true as it could be.
Starting with the background allows you to layer the more important features over the top embellishing them more. This will also be the most static aspect of the painting which will make painting it easier and quicker. As you will always have access to the background regardless whether anyone is there you will always be able to revisit it to make minor adjustments.
Naturally painting in the figures will come next, starting with the main subjects, whether that be the bride and groom or the wedding party as a whole. Make sure to pay attention to the poses, expressions and clothing of the figures to ensure they are accurately depicted. For some portraits there may only be static features such as the wedding cake, making it much easier.
Once all the main important aspects of the portrait have been completed it’s time to add the smaller more intricate details to really make it pop. Smaller details can include flowers or decorations, details that can take time to add but turn out to be important touches. Final touches can include and highlights or shading required to really bring the portrait to life.
This is most likely to be the final step of the process and that’s taking a step back and looking at the portrait as a whole. When you are focused on the individual aspects of a portrait it can be beneficial to take this step back to see if minor adjustments are required. Adjustments can include blending in different features, or making adjustments to shading and highlights. Seeing the portrait as a whole will help you make these adjustments.
These steps are only set as a guide to boost the start of your wedding painting career and will, of course, be developed extensively as your experience level grows. However, by following these steps, hopefully you can produce a stunning and unforgettable portrait that the couple will cherish forever. One which captures the very essence of their special day.