Live Wedding Painting

YOUR WEDDING,

OIL ON CANVAS

Welcome to my unique approach to wedding paintings. Forget the standard poses and cliches - I'll capture the essence of your day through the specific light effect and atmosphere of your breathtaking location. My art aims to feel like you're there reliving it, not just be reminded that it happened.

WHAT SETS ME APART

A Better Way. I steer clear of the typical paintings you've seen. Keep reading and you'll see why!

Experience through your own eyes! You Experience all of life through your own eyes (including your wedding day) which is why the painting is in is done how you actually will see it on your wedding day.

How we actually see. I create a wide immersive scene to mimic how peripheral vision works, or, how we actually see.

My Style. A mix of realism (not photo realism) and impressionism with a dynamic composition to amplify what is truly important.

All it takes is a Spark. You will have a different experience every time you look at your painting. By painting a wide scene, I leave room for your own imagination and curiosity to spark continous recollection. When you peer into the sacred site of your wedding you can recall anything such as when an uncle shedded tears of joy or when a flower girl ate a rose petal and you aren't tied to only one thing.

Redundacy - Lets avoid duplication of photographed moments, and create something more magical.

Oil Paint - Most wedding painters use acrylic because it dries immediately and makes it easier to layer figures over and also lack of experience with oil paint. Regardless, there's nothing like the juicy lustrous quality of oil paint.

HOW I STARTED WEDDING PAINTING and WHAT ARE CAKE TOPPER PEOPLE?

My wife told me a story,.. that her parents had a wedding painting in their house growing up and they said that it LOOKED LIKE the NEIGHBORS! Not mom and dad. Funny but awful since my father in law was a tall 70s rocker but his likeness was off!
Unfortunately what I mostly see out there in wedding paintings is the same thing, figures stiff as a board and look Frozen. I call them CAKE TOPPER PEOPLE !
After that, I immediately began offering the same paintings that I already do with the same process, ..only they were at weddings. And while there are some great live painters out there that paint figures well, many don't, and you have other options.

MY PROCESS - choose between PLEIN AIR or STUDIO

PLEIN AIR (live event painting)

Daytime - Ideal for any daytime outdoor scene. The best for a ceremony reveal.
Interior - Any time of day and works great for an old church ceremony or any of dramatic indoor location.
Sunset- this is basically sport painting. Happens in roughly 30 minutes. The ceremony reveal will not include a finished painting, but a start.
Nocturne - This can occur just as quickly as a sunset and depending on the schedule of the reception it offers a limited reveal. Prices for Plein Air start at $1500

Same location, 3 different weddings, 3 different times of day. Your day will be unlike any other.

STUDIO PAINTING

The advantage here is to compose a story putting multiple moments together as one in a way not possible in a single live paint session.

Process for studio - On the day of the wedding I will gather as many small elements and figures that are most important to you by painting a small color study of the main scene as a reference, as well as taking many photo references and also composition pencil sketches for the studio later. It is a night of exploring and gathering of inspirational elements that unfold unexpectedly. Prices start at $2500

The goal of this painting above was to be youthful, upbeat and capture the FEELING OF MOVEMENT that mimics viewing, nay,... EXPERIENCING a party in real life! I can hear that Justin Timberlake song getting cranked up all over again!

READY TO BOOK? Dates fill up fast. Send me your wedding date in a message here Joe craighead art
I'll respond with my availability and a PRICE QUOTE.

See more Wedding Painting examples here Joe craighead art

REVIEWS

5 stars

Reviewed On 11/14/2023 by Brandi I

Joe far exceeded our expectations! Joe is extraordinarily talented and so wonderful to work with. When meeting with him prior to our wedding we discussed how we wanted a piece of art that would truly take us back to our wedding day and remember exactly how we felt. I look at my beautiful painting and it illicits pure joy, it shows exactly the way the light was hitting the autumn leaves during our ceremony. His work is so true to how we experienced the best day of our lives and it truly tells a story. His attention to detail and thoughtfulness throughout the entire process was just so appreciated. He even went as far as to help me pick out a frame once our piece was completed. I am so thankful to have met Joe and to have been able to work with him. His beautiful painting from our wedding day is something we will treasure in our home forever. I can not recommend him enough.

5 stars

Reviewed On 9/03/2023 by Ashlyn M

Absolutely Perfect! 10/10 vendor. Joe painted us the two most beautiful paintings and memory we could have asked for on our wedding day! Joe took the time to discuss exactly what we wanted. He was so thoughtful & was a fantastic addition to our wedding. So professional and very kind! Our guests absolutely loved getting to watch Joe paint, and see the finished work the same day was such a treat! Our paintings were shipping to us quickly after the wedding, along with information about framing & getting prints if needed! We would definitely recommend you having a live painter, the paintings create the most beautiful memory we can always look back on!

5 stars

Reviewed On 11/06/2023 by Alyssa F

We absolutely LOVE our wedding painting!! From beginning to end, Joe displayed professionalism and dedication. He perfectly captured the essence of our special day, and that is not something that wedding painters often do. Most wedding paintings are just of the bride and groom together at the venue, nothing more than a replica of a photo the photographer took that day. Instead, Joe chooses to capture the emotions and the magic of that day, painting a special spot from the venue (usually your favorite part of that location!) that will make you think back to your wedding! All in all, we are very happy and I highly recommend hiring him for your special day.

5 stars

Michaela J. Nov 27

Craig was AMAZING. Prompt communication and he made or wedding day extra special. He captured our wedding venue so beautifully with every stroke of the brush! So impressed and HIGHLY recommend his services for anyone looking for the perfect memento on their day!

5 stars

Sarah G 12/12/2012

We love our painting from Joe! It is a refreshing twist on the trending wedding paintings and will complement our wedding photography perfectly. This painting will live on our wall forever. Such a lovely keepsake and conversation piece! Joe was extremely professional and easy to work with. We would absolutely recommend him to anyone!

5 stars

12/08/2023 by Erika S

Joe was a pleasure to work with. He communicated very well, and asked me my thoughts and opinion on the progress of our painting. He made me feel very included and truly cares that the Bride gets more than just a special painting from the wedding, but a captured scene that pulls you right back into that very moment! Joe also was very educational and informative on his style of painting, for example, what to consider for lighting and frames based on the type of paint, etc. I personally didn't give him a lot of background about me, but based on my wedding vibe, he nailed it!!! I love dark and moody colors with pops of light. Joe was able to take a night view and make the lighting from the house and tent just glow!!! My new husband and I are very grateful and don't take for granted the hard work, talent, and care that Joe puts into his work!!!! Thank you for everything, Joe!!!! Love, The Sharps

5 stars

Reviewed On 11/06/2023 by Isaac F

He was extremely respectful and explained the painting so wonderfully. The finished product absolutely blew us away. Thank you so much!!!

joe craighead art