Unveiling Brushstrokes: What to Know About Different Live Wedding Painting Mediums

Bakery 105 Live wedding painting

Watercolor Wedding Paining

Live Wedding Painting at Daniels Ridge in North Carolina

Oil Wedding Painting

Live wedding painting has become a cherished way to capture the magic of your special day, offering a unique blend of entertainment and treasured artwork. But with so many talented artists out there, you might find yourself wondering: which artistic medium is best for live wedding painting?

Each medium offers distinct advantages, visual effects, and suitability for different settings. Let's delve into the world of acrylics, watercolors, and oils to help you choose the perfect medium for your live wedding painter:

1. Acrylic Paints:

  • Fast Drying: Acrylics are water-based paints known for their quick drying times. This makes them ideal for working quickly and efficiently.

  • Vibrant Colors: Acrylics boast a wide range of vibrant, opaque colors. Their versatility allows artists to capture the richness of wedding attire, colorful decorations, and the overall energy of the celebration.

  • Flexibility: Acrylics can be applied in thin washes or thick layers, offering flexibility in building texture and depth. This allows the artist to create both detailed portraits and more abstract, impressionistic interpretations of the scene.

2. Watercolors:


Luminous Effect: Watercolors create a soft, ethereal, and light-filled atmosphere. This can be particularly appealing for weddings held outdoors or in settings with natural light.

  • Translucency: Watercolors offer a translucent quality, allowing the underlying canvas or paper to show through, creating a delicate and watercolor-specific style. Keep in mind that due to the nature of watercolors, they typically need to be framed behind glass for protection. If you prefer a canvas, acrylics or oils may be a better option.

  • Portability: Watercolors tend to be lightweight and easily transportable, making them a good option for intimate weddings or outdoor locations where space might be limited or if travel is involved.

3. Oil Paints:

  • Richness and Depth: Oil paints are renowned for their richness, depth of color, and ability to create smooth blends. They are ideal for capturing the intricate details of wedding attire and the nuanced emotions of the day.

  • Slower Drying: While their rich and vibrant colors are unmatched, oils have a significantly longer drying time compared to acrylics or watercolors. Your artist will definitely need to send you your painting after the wedding - although this is often the case with all mediums.

  • Weather: Since they aren’t water-based, oils can withstand weather a bit better than acrylics and watercolors. Rain is always a possibility in the outdoors so this could be a huge perk.

  • Long Lasting: With oil painting being a long-loved medium we know that one of its many perks is that paintings can last centuries. With an oil painting, you will absolutely have an heirloom piece of art. 

The Best Choice? It Depends:

Ultimately, the best medium for your live wedding painting depends on your individual preferences and the overall aesthetic you envision. Here are some additional factors to consider:

  • Venue: Consider the lighting and atmosphere of your wedding venue. Watercolors might be ideal for a light-filled location, while acrylics or oils offer more versatility in various settings.

  • Style: Some artists specialize in specific mediums and have developed a unique style within that framework. Research artist portfolios and see which artistic style resonates most with you.

  • Drying Time: If you want guests to receive their portraits quickly after they are painted, watercolors might be a better choice due to their fast drying time.

  1. Beyond the Medium:

    Remember, the artist's skill and experience are equally important. Choose an artist you connect with, whose style aligns with your vision, and who has a proven track record of delivering beautiful live paintings.

    By understanding the unique qualities of each medium, along with these additional considerations, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect live wedding painter to capture the magic of your special day in a way that reflects your individual style and cherished memories.


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Finding Your Perfect Match: What Style Should You Look for in Your Live Wedding Painter?