What a more unique way to capture the scenes of your wedding than with a personal water color painting?
My dear friend Jamie is an incredibly talented artist who goes to weddings to paint her surroundings during the wedding itself.I can’t help but brag how awesome she is! I interviewed her so y’all can learn more about her and her business!
How did your business get started?
I have been drawing and painting for years, but I started painting watercolors three years ago because I needed a gift for a friend who had recently been married. I realized I loved painting brides and my business expanded from there! I began my watercolor adventures by painting high-fashion bridal portraits inspired by wedding magazines as gifts for friends getting married. Now I create stunning personal portraits of commissioned brides in my studio.
How did your passion for painting arise?
Originally I painted as a stress reliever. I love high end fashion, and putting my own spin on it was just fun. My mom is an artist, so I’ve grown up sketching, painting, and doing lots of artistic things. I would always use art to help me study, like painting the blood flow through the heart, etc. Art has been a part of my life for so long!
Where do you get inspiration?
I follow major fashion houses, including Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Chanel, and fashion-forward wedding brands, like Monique Lhuilier, Reem Acra, and Julie Vino. My bridal portraits are fashion-inspired, but my inspiration is from pictures I see in wedding magazines, on Bridal blogs, or anything that is beautiful! I am doing a lot of painting portraits of venues recently, so I love looking at interesting architecture and seeing how I can translate that to the page.I try to stretch myself and hone my craft continually.
What is the most popular painting that you paint at weddings?
My most popular painting thus far has been painting the ceremony with the attendants, which is lovely, but more and more brides are wanting the painting of the venue instead. I think this eventually will be most commissioned because it reminds the bride about the day of the wedding, but doesn’t overtly show it.
How do you make the painting experience unique for each bride?
Each commissioned painting is in its essence, unique – no two paintings I do are ever alike! They have the same general style, but they each vary so much. For example, one wedding I did wanted bright colors all around the ceremony and reception, so I translated that to the painting in a subtle way. Another bride had white drapery all around the ceremony space, going for a more glamorous effect. I sit down with the couple and see what their vision for the special day is, and incorporate what they want into their special painting.
What is your favorite part about painting at weddings?
The guests LOVE the work I do! Because the painting process takes the length of the ceremony and reception, the guests get to see from beginning to end. I love being a part of what the couple has envisioned, and I add to the atmosphere. Weddings are just so fun and such a happy occasion! I have the best job.
What does your package consist of?
My luxury commissions consist of a 16×20″ watercolor painting of the bride to be painted beforehand and displayed at the wedding, and a 16×20″ painting to be painted live at the wedding, or just the live event painting. I can either paint the wedding ceremony with attendants and couple, or paint the venue itself, which is a lovely memento to hang in your home.
What is your best tip for brides as far as painters go?
Choose an artist that not only makes beautiful work, but is able to add to the ambiance of your wedding. Many artists make lovely paintings but are awkward and possess limited interpersonal skills. Choose someone who fits with your personality and sees your wedding vision, making it wonderfully memorable not only for you but also your guests.
What sets you apart from other artists?
My services are unique because of the common ground I share with the brides by whom I am commissioned. I exhibit a confident style, have impeccable taste, and expect perfection. I create truly lovely work that will be enjoyed for generations. My services really are twofold – not only do I paint in front of your guests which they will forever remember, but you get to keep the final product! I love what I do and will make sure you do, too!
Anything else you would like to add?
My bridal portraits are always a hit, either at a bridal shower or as a first-year anniversary gift (which is paper). Several weeks before the wedding I start with pictures of the bride’s dress, hair, and other accoutrements; no live sitting session is requited! From these photographs I create a stunning work depicting the bride in her gown, with special care given to likeness of the bride and details of the dress. This luxury painting showcases the bride’s glamour and timeless elegance. Other portraits can be commissioned for the bridesmaids in everyday clothing, which is a thoughtful thank you gift that they will never forget. All of my paintings can be digitized and put onto personal stationary! My goal with everything I do is to ensure a deluxe, luxury experience with each client. That’s how every bride should feel on her wedding!
Website: www.BridalWatercolors.com
Twitter:@JamieLewisArt
Facebook:JamieLewisArtistry
Instagram:@JamieLewisArtistry