Live Event Painting a 90th Birthday Celebration at Miller Nature Preserve
Now that I’ve been doing this for a few years, I decided it’s about time I start a blog about my live event painting adventures – So welcome and thanks for taking the time to read my first post!
Where to begin... How about my first live event painting of the season? (Here in Cleveland, the warmer the weather is, the more weddings and other events seem to be happening... so yes, there is indeed a “Live Event Painting Season”)
Flashback to early May: A beautiful garden center blooming with Spring color and smiling faces awaiting the arrival of one very lucky, very loved 90 year old birthday girl.
I was hired by the guest of honor’s daughter who planned this incredibly thoughtful birthday party to celebrate her mother’s life. As if the party wasn’t surprise enough, I was also there as a surprise! And the painting of course, made for a very special, surprise birthday gift.
“My mom will feel like a queen!” Margie said in excitement, as we discussed the live painting piece of the celebration.
If not because of the painting, I’m pretty sure the endless stream of hugs and kisses, the lovingly crafted video of lifelong highlights, and the look of adoration on the faces of all those present must have done the trick.
One great perk about being a live event painter is so often being able to work in an environment surrounded by positive energy and love. It was wonderful to witness such a special celebration and capture the memory of it all on canvas. I hope every time she looks at this painting, Margie’s mom is reminded of that happy day and how much she is loved!
Here's a snapshot of my process - This is what the painting looked like in the early stages when I first block in the composition.
The Completed Painting - You can see Margie and her mom towards the right of the foreground!
Side Note: Miller Nature Preserve, located on Route 83 in the heart of Avon, was a great venue for this celebration. Part of the Lorain County Metroparks, this hidden gem is definitely worth a visit - such a variety of botanical magic to explore! (Especially with a camera or sketch book!)