WEDDING OIL PAINTING FROM A PHOTO
An oil painting makes a wonderful reminder of your wedding day, it’s also a beautiful piece of art you can display on your wall.
Although I paint weddings from photos, I don’t just copy the photo. I use all my experience of painting from life to breathe life into it, playing with the light, shade and colours. I go after the magic of the moment, after emotions. My style is dreamy, I love the translucency of the fabric, sun shining through the hair. I love capturing the joy of the day, the mystery of two people deciding to share their all.
My painting technique is combining the traditional with contemporary. I work in a painterly and spontaneous style, but keep some areas well defined – a winning combination that doesn’t just replicate the photo you already have.
I have been painting various subjects for decades, from portraits to landscapes. All my skill and experience that I gained over the many years come together to create a beautiful painting of you on your wedding day, or any other special moment.
HOW IT WORKS
The painting is done after the wedding, from a photo you send me. Which photo you chose is entirely up to you, although I am very happy to help you with the selection, I will also give you some recommendations and you can work with your photographer on the day to get the best photo for the painting.
I don’t do any oil painting on the day at the venue, firstly because it requires a lot longer than just one day, and I wouldn’t feel comfortable bringing oil paints to a venue. This is a good news for you as there is no danger of your day being already booked, or your venue too far for me. It also means I won’t be painting it under a time pressure and will give it all the time, love and care it needs to be done properly. Because when it hangs on your wall, it won’t matter when it was done. The important thing is you have a wonderful, timeless piece of art you love, that reminds you of one of the most amazing days of your life.
WHEN TO BOOK?
While commissioning a painting ahead is not strictly necessary, I highly recommend it. You lock in the price, I will also know when to keep a “spot” for you, this is especially important in a high season as you might otherwise have a long wait. You don’t need to have the photo yet or tell me the exact day, as you will likely be waiting for your official photos. I just need to know when it’s likely to be and I will be ready.
MATERIALS
I paint on board or a stretched linen canvas, both traditional, long lasting materials for oil painting. Board has a smooth surface while linen provides a little bit more texture. Please note that I don’t use board for paintings larger than 16 x 20 in.
I do not compromise on quality of any materials used. I use top quality oil paints only. All colours are lightfast, not prone to fading, cracking or changes. I use top UK manufacturers for the paints and I am very selective.
A layer of special art varnish is applied when the painting is dry, to protect it and give it a unified look. It is possible to wipe the painting with a damp cloth to keep it from getting dusty.
MY INFLUENCES
There are artist I really admire that strongly influenced my painting style and technique, Richard Schmidt, Jeremy Lipking or John Singer Sargent to name a few (too many to mention) and of course some of the impressionists and old masters. I am so grateful to all these art heroes that went before us, so grateful we can continue to learn from their art and techniques they used and taught, there is still so much to learn!
OIL PAINTING AS A PRESENT
Oil painting makes a perfect wedding gift that won’t wear out, but can bring joy for many years to come. You can use one of my gift certificates to make a lovely surprise for the couple before, during or even after the wedding. It’s A4 size and comes in an envelope. There is a space for a short message on the other side of the certificate.
THE PRICE
Prices start at £500 for 14 x 18“ painting. The prices are for an unframed painting but framing can be arranged for an extra cost (depending on your choice of frame), so your painting is ready to hang when you receive it.