What type of paint does Ben use for his Live Wedding Paintings?
… as a Live Wedding Painter, this is one of our most frequently asked questions from our clients! And today, we are sharing the WHYs behind Ben’s paint of choice for each and every live wedding painting, whether he’s painting here at a Charleston wedding or destination across the country.
Let’s start from the beginning … Art School
Ben was lucky enough to study at one of the most highly regarded art schools in the world: The School of The Art Institute of Chicago. Known for their painting and fine art program, Ben was trained to paint in oil. Traditionally, art instructors will begin teaching fine art painting in oils. During his time studying, he mastered this art of oils and really fell in love with the medium. Since art school, Ben has been painting with both oil and acrylics full time over the last 20 years.
Acrylics (like a great marriage!) will stand the test of time
Like Ben’s clients, the longevity of my work is paramount because, God willing, the hope is that each Live Wedding Painting will last generations. That’s why I use only archival, high-quality paints, mediums, and materials for all my work, whether in oil or acrylic.
Over the years, acrylic paint has been widely accepted by museums and collectors since the 1950s. This is mainly due to it’s superior longevity. Unlike oil paint, acrylic doesn’t yellow over time due to oxidation. Acrylic paints also don’t crack as easily, thanks to it’s flexibility. This makes it a perfect choice for artwork meant to stand the test of time!
Why Ben Chooses Acrylic for Live Wedding Paintings
As a Live Wedding Painter, acrylic offers practical advantages over oil paints. For one, acrylic paints and mediums don’t produce fumes or odors. This is essential when painting at a wedding venue or space that is full of guests, but may not have adequate ventilation. It would be like having someone painting with nail polish during a wedding. Oil paints have a strong odor!
Additionally, Oils are very slow drying and the risk of smearing the painting would be a big concern following the wedding! On the other hand, acrylic dries faster, allowing Ben to build up details like faces throughout the night—keeping the audience engaged as the painting comes to life.
Bringing Oil Painting Techniques into each Live Wedding Painting
Even though Ben uses acrylics for live wedding paintings, many people, including trained eyes, often assume he paints in oil. This is because his color palette, mixing methods, and brushwork are all rooted in his extensive oil painting training. It’s this combination of oil-painting techniques and the practicality of acrylics that gives my work its unique look while ensuring it lasts for generations to come.
We hope this helps share more about why Ben chooses acrylic for live wedding paintings. aIf you’re considering an experienced Live Wedding Painter, we would absolutely love to share more about Ben’s live wedding paintings and hear all about your wedding day! Reach out to us here!
