Live Wedding Painting
by Catarina Garcia
What is Live Wedding Painting?
Live Wedding Painting is a unique way to capture the magic of your special day as it happens. An artist paints a chosen moment of your wedding—such as the ceremony, first dance, or reception—in real time, creating a beautiful work of art right before your guests’ eyes. By the end of the celebration, you’ll have a timeless, one-of-a-kind painting that preserves the atmosphere, emotions, and memories of your day forever.
How Does a Live Wedding Painting Unfold?
The process begins with choosing the perfect composition featuring the bride and groom—this sets the stage for the artwork. I take reference photos to capture key details, then continue painting live during the celebration so guests can enjoy watching the piece come to life in real time.
Throughout the event, I may also create quick sketches of guests, either live or later from photographs, offering a personal and memorable touch. By the end, you’ll have a unique painting that reflects both the atmosphere and emotions of your wedding day.
“Live wedding painting is more than art —
it’s your love story captured on canvas, unfolding in real time.”
***
“As you celebrate, I paint the magic of your day — transforming the atmosphere
emotions, and details into a one-of-a-kind artwork you’ll treasure forever.”
Why Hire a Live Wedding Painter?
Photos capture how your wedding looked, but a painting captures how it felt. A professional artist creates a one-of-a-kind artwork that becomes both a keepsake and a centerpiece in your home. Unlike photos tucked away in albums, a live painting is a timeless heirloom you can treasure every day.
Available in Portugal and Beyond
I am based in Portugal and available to paint live at weddings throughout Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, and other regions. For couples planning destination weddings, I also travel across Europe to capture your special day on canvas. Wherever your celebration takes place, I bring my easel, paints, and passion to create a timeless artwork you’ll treasure forever.
If you’re looking for a professional artist painter,
for a live event, in Portugal, contact me for more details at
catarinagarciaartist@gmail.com
I’m also available to do paintings and drawings from pictures. Send me a message if interested.
Portuguese:
English:
About Me
I am a professional fine artist (drawing and painting), illustrator and pattern designer, passionate about transforming drawing into creations that bring beauty and meaning to everyday life.
My work seeks to bring poetry into the present, blending tradition with contemporary expression, exploring nature, and using drawing as a universal language.
When I am not drawing, I am probably experimenting with new techniques or imagining the next project.
Drawing portraits from observation is one of my main skills so you can count on me for that!
I have a degree in fine art – painting and a master in Drawing (Fbaul). Erasmus scholarship in Turin, Italy and an intensive drawing course at the Slade School of art, London. I have work published throughout the world and I’m represented by Trindade Gallery, Porto.
FAQ’s
Do you paint with acrylics, oils, watercolor or another technique?
If it is on canvas, I usually paint with acrylics because it dries fast so it is more suitable for weddings. If you want oils, I can add the last layer with oils at the studio, not during the wedding.
I can also work with watercolors, generally on paper, which gives the best results for this technique.
How long do you paint on the day?
I usually go very early to the wedding in order to get the best picture and composition decided. As soon as I have the composition decided I start to paint. I usually paint for an average of 4 hours during the wedding, but I can do less or more time, depending on the event.
How far in advance should we book?
As soon as you know the exact date. Other projects might appear and I might not be available.
How big is the canvas / what sizes do you offer?
Sketches – A4 or bigger
Watercolor artworks – A3 or bigger
Canvas – A2 or bigger
Do you finish the painting on the day?
No, I need at least 4 more days of work in order to finish it at the studio.
Can you add specific people (family) even if they weren’t together at that moment?
Yes, I can add
Can you paint from photos only (after the wedding)?
Yes, I use references.
Do you travel outside Portugal?
Yes, specially Spain which is the nearest country.
Do you add varnish after the painting is finished?
Yes, with acrylics. If you choose to have a layer of oils on top it takes longer to dry and it might be inconvenient for it to be delivered in a shorter amount of time.
How much space do you need and what do you bring?
I need space for an easel, a chair and I need a table.
Can you do a diptych / multiple paintings?
Yes, paintings and drawings.
How much does it cost?
It depends on the size of the canvas or paper and the technique used.
What style is the painting?
Usually I do it in a realistic style. If you like my creative work and prefer a different style, let me know in advance.
Do you paint pets?
Yes.
Hi! 🎨🖌️ I wanted to express my sincere appreciation for your incredible work during the wedding. Watching the painting come to life throughout the event was such a special experience for everyone — it added an artistic and emotional element that people will remember for a long time. The final piece is breathtaking and beautifully captures the moment. Thank you for your dedication, your passion, and for being so warm and cooperative throughout. We’re truly grateful to have had you as part of this celebration.
Vivaah Weddings, Live Wedding Painting
