Studio Talk: How much does a Live Wedding Painter cost? … and Why?
Live Wedding Painting Tips from Ben Keys Fine Art Studio
One of the most common questions we receive on a daily basis is, “How much is a Live Wedding Painter?” And it makes sense! As with pricing any wedding related experience or professional, you want to understand what goes into the cost and pricing for Live Wedding Paintings. Especially when pricing can feel “all over the place!”
The truth is, since 2020, we’ve seen an increase in Live Wedding Painters both here in Charleston, SC and nationally. Thanks to TikTok, the Live Wedding Painting experience is having a total moment. Couples are seeing just how truly special this new, trendy, wedding entertainment experience is live! Like researching any wedding professional, the first question is usually: how much are we talking here? Our guess is that it must feel surprising (or even confusing!) as to why there is such a wide range of pricing when it comes to Live Wedding Painters!
Today, we’re sharing the ins and outs of what goes into Ben’s pricing as a Live Wedding Painter. As a quick reference, Ben is based in Charleston, SC and has traveled painting weddings both nationally and internationally for over a decade. Hopefully this will help couples gain an understanding in what goes into defining the value and cost of this incredible wedding experience.
What are the biggest influences of cost?
Why do Live Wedding Painters have such a wide range of pricing?
Let’s start off with a fun Art History story about one of the greatest American Painters of all time: James Whistler.
Back in 1978, James Whistler, sued a very popular art critic at the time, John Ruskin. The lawsuit came after a critique he wrote of Whistler’s artwork. Ruskin slammed Whistler’s paintings for being over priced and looking as if he had just “flung paint!” During the cross-examination, Whistler was asked how long it took to make one of his paintings. Whistler responded that it only took two days. To which, he was then asked if 2 days labor justified the high price point? Whistler’s reply was priceless (pun intended!): “No, I ask it for the knowledge I have gained in the work of a lifetime.” Talk about a mic drop moment – in the end, Whistler did win his case!
Maybe you can relate with the Art Critic asking, “Why does a Live Wedding Painting Cost this much?” And in the end, “Is a live wedding painting worth the price!?” Whistler was a pioneer for the Modern Art movement that was unfolding. We love his poetic defense of the value of his artwork. Our hope is this blog post brings light into how a Live Wedding Paintings are priced and why!
1. The Artist’s Experience
A Live Wedding Painter’s professional experience (should!) hold the greatest weight in determining the value and cost of a Live Wedding Painting. And when we say experience, we mean both professional experience in the studio, and most importantly, experience painting live at a wedding.
Why En Plein Air Experience for a Live Wedding Painter is so important:
It’s not just the technique a Live Painter has to master, but also the elements! In some states like Colorado, the air is so dry that when Ben mixes the paint on the palette, the brush is DRY before it hits the canvas!?!?! And the opposite is true in the South during humid months like August when the paint WON’T dry! There’s also bugs, wind, clouds, moving centerpieces, etc. These elements make creating a Live Painting very different than creating a painting in a controlled studio.
After many years of experience, Ben can confidently create a Live Wedding Painting whether it’s on the beaches of Miami or in a foot of snow in Colorado! A Live Painter’s experience, live at weddings, brings so much value and should be reflected in pricing.
The Artist’s experience will probably be the biggest influence on the cost of a Live Wedding Painter. In the same way that a brand new Wedding Photographer or Florist that has just started out with be priced significantly different than one that’s had a decade of experience. Just like any other wedding vendor, the more experience and popularity (demand) a Live Wedding Painter has, the higher the cost will likely be. A Live Wedding Painter that has been in business for years, with a consistent and strong portfolio, will likely charge more than an Artist that’s just beginning. That experience brings confidence to you, the bride or family gifting the Live Wedding Painting. Confidence that the Artist can deliver the quality of work that you see on their portfolio.
Ben’s Pro Tip: How to visually gage the Artist’s experience quickly?
Faces! Or what we call “likeness.” To put it simply, does the painting look like the actual couple in real life? Attention to detail in the couple’s facial features (and of guests, too) is a quick way to asses the experience and confidence level of most Live Wedding Painters!
Also, be sure that the Artist’s Portfolio is from actual live wedding painting events, and not paintings that are created in the studio. You want to be sure you’re viewing real weddings, painted live.
If you’re considering a Live Wedding Painter, here are great questions you can ask to gage an Artist’s experience level:
• How many weddings has the Live Wedding Painter painted since they began?
• Is the Artist painting weddings full time or part time?
• Where did the Artist study painting?
• If the Live Wedding Painter will be traveling to you, have they ever flown with an easel, paint, and canvas? How will they safely go through TSA?
• Is the Artist insured? Your venue may require proof of insurance.
• How many five star reviews do they have on reputable sites like Google and The Knot?
• If the Artist is new to live wedding paintings, how often has the Artist painted en plein Air (outside)?
• Take notice of how much detail the artist places in painting facial details of both the couple and the wedding guests.
Click here to learn more about Ben Keys’ Live Wedding Painting experience in having painted for over 400 weddings! As far as Ben’s pricing, he is not the most expensive Live Wedding Painter in the wedding industry, and he’s also not the least expensive either.
2. Art Gallery and Retail Representation
Being represented by an Art Gallery is like the stamp of approval for Artists. Galleries usually have a reputation of curating a collection of high quality art from Artists recognized for their skill. An Artist that has been represented by galleries and collected privately outside of the Wedding Industry, will come with a higher price point.
Prior to becoming a Live Wedding Painter, Ben created paintings full time for both Galleries and Private Collectors. Keeping up with the demand and rotating art work, while also cultivating relationships for and with galleries was an incredible experience. So much of this experience and level of professionalism has carried into his approach to Live Wedding Paintings.
3. Canvas Size
Traditionally, most Live Wedding Painters will have a pricing structure that scales based on the canvas size for each painting. You will commonly see 3-5 different sizes that will range from something like a 24 x 30 in., 24 x 36 in., and 30 x 40 in. canvas. Some artists will even offer a smaller size like an 18 x 24 in. canvas. Logically, it makes sense that a 30 x 40 in. painting would cost more than the 18 x 24 in. canvas. This is due to the amount of detail and people that can be included in the larger canvas sizes.
From a live, entertainment perspective, we recommend couples choose a 24 x 30 in. canvas or larger. A larger canvas allows for more guests to circle around the easel at a comfortable distance as they watch the painting throughout the evening. It’s not so small that guests feel they need to be leaning over the Artist’s shoulder to watch the painting.
On another practical note, larger canvases may have a higher price point due to travel logistics. Most airlines do not allow stretched canvases that are 30 x 40 in. and larger. With these paintings, Ben will bring all the supplies and build the canvas upon arrival to his wedding destination!
3. Travel and Location
Since this Live Wedding Painting trend has been growing in demand, it may be difficult to find a Live Wedding Painter in your local area. The great news is that most Live Wedding Painters with 5+ years of experience are well adjusted to traveling with all their art gear! (We have a joke here in the studio that Ben can literally go through TSA faster with his paint palette than I (Jen) can with my makeup bag!) That being said, travel does naturally involve an additional cost to the client.
Most Live Wedding Painters will have a distance they are willing to travel for free. For wedding destinations within a drivable distance, the Artist may offer a small flat fee to cover mileage and per diem. If a flight is needed to reach your wedding location, expect to cover those additional travel expenses.
A Note on finding a Live Wedding Painter in Destination Locations:
Finally, there’s also the very real reality that the wedding market will vary geographically from state to state. Just like Real Estate, the cost of an experienced Live Wedding Painter based in the Midwest may vary drastically Live Wedding Painter based in a high volume, premium market like Charleston or Nantucket. In popular wedding destinations, pricing will be higher for all wedding services due to the sheer demand of the services within that local market.
4. Are Guests Included in the Painting?
In recent years, we’ve seen Live Wedding Painters begin their offerings with a base price that includes just the couple. From there, pricing may scale based on the number of additional family, guests, and even pets included in the wedding painting. Other Live Wedding Painters will offer a base cost for the painting based on the canvas size.
5. Time Investment
The Time invested into each Live Painting is also a consideration that goes into pricing. Some Live Wedding Painters will present the painting to the couple at the end of the wedding. Other Artists, like Ben, will bring the Live Painting back to the studio for finishing touches. Ben loves being able to work on the paintings back in the studio to refine details in natural light. Knowing this is a painting each couple will have forever, Ben loves spending that extra time to be sure it’s perfect!
So, What’s the Average Cost for a Live Wedding Painter?
Prices for a Live Wedding Painter can vary significantly based on the factors above, but here’s a general breakdown as you are considering your budget:
Starting Price: On average, Live Wedding Paintings will start around $800 to $2,500 for a basic package from a local Artist that’s just starting out with maybe 1-3 years experience. You can expect to receive the painting at the end of the wedding.
Mid-Range: For more experienced Live Wedding Painters that are working on larger canvases, with additional details and people included, you can expect pricing to fall between $2,500 to $5,000. Travel may or may not be additional.
High-End: If you’re hiring a well-known and experienced Artist with a signature style, or you want a larger canvas that includes more details and people included, pricing will move upwards of $6,000 to $10,000 or more. This would include travel on a national scale.
Is a Live Wedding Painter Worth It?
One of Ben’s favorite comments was at a wedding recently. Towards the end of the reception, a guest approached the easel to see the progress. Like a lightbulb had just turned on, the guest said to Ben, “They are going to pass this down through their family for generations.” Ben replied, “Yes, indeed, that’s my hope!”
Creating each of these live wedding paintings is a passion for Ben. It’s a passion that he’s invested his entire adult life perfecting. As a Live Wedding Painter, it’s the joy of painting, realizing the potential to be enjoyed for generations, that is profound.
Live Wedding Painting brings an elevated entertainment experience during the wedding. And even more incredible, a lasting memory is created that becomes an heirloom. Each painting is a pictorial touchstone of a couple’s love story. And our hope is that each wedding painting will be treasured for generations.
Like wedding photos, the value is often increased with time. 20, 30, 40, 80, years from now, these paintings are worth so much more than the mere dollar price.
Choosing the Right Live Wedding Painter for You
Style is everything! Like any wedding creative that you’re hiring, you have to connect first with the Live Wedding Painter’s style. From there, you’ll want to make sure the style also fits your budget. And if you’re torn between two artists, we always say go with the Artist you connect most with on a personal level – are they easy, fun, and as excited about your wedding day as you are!
We would love to help make your wedding day even more unforgettable, reach out to us today! Ben can share more about how much his Live Wedding Paintings cost, canvas sizes, and more!
