Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Backyard Wedding in Corona, CA



I painted a beautiful wedding reception in a sprawling, lushly landscaped yard in Corona. The blues and greens were a delight to my eye, and a perfect compliment to the brick red fence surrounding the property.



As a live event painter, my first task was to quickly establish the background, leaving room in the foreground for the bride and groom to be painted during their first dance.




The wedding took place on what would later become the dance floor. Navy blue cloth-covered tables on my right, a pool in the distance, and a pond to the left, reflected the gorgeous azure sky.





I nearly lost it (emotionally) upon seeing the groom in his military dress blues, as my own Marine son's wedding is coming up in just a few weeks. One of the guests made a special toast, giving thanks for his service to our country. Oh, be still, my heart!




I enjoyed adding the bride and groom, her parents and their guests, especially the children. The kids were very interested in watching me paint, and I delighted in their excitement and curiosity. The pink flowers and accents, and the colorful clothing, really added to the life of the painting.




Once the painting was finished, the kids had fun looking for themselves in the picture.
It gives me great joy to paint such a special day, creating an everlasting memory on canvas. The bride and groom were very happy, and that made my day!

Monday, July 6, 2009

20th Anniversary Party at Khoury's in Long Beach, California



I was delighted to paint a 20th wedding anniversary party held in the lovely Khoury's restaurant in Long Beach, CA, overlooking the Alamitos Bay. It was a beautiful day for a party!




Here is my set up with a blank canvas, in a nice corner of the room. I have a lovely view of the room and the bay.




My job begins about an hour and a half before the guests arrive and the festivities begin.



Aren't they a cute couple?



This is how far I had gotten on the painting before the first guests arrived. You can see them seated in the first booth on the right.




This is my view looking out the window to my left.



The guests of honor arrive!


And the pary is fully underway.




I continue to paint, adding the people as they arrive and take their seats. I love the subjects in the foreground-- the captain's cap is perfect for the setting! I don't plan these things, they just happen.



The table immediately to my left quickly filled with flowers and made a very nice, colorful addition to the painting.






Here I am, hard at work. The clock is ticking...


And, voila! The canvas is complete! The bride and groom were very pleased. This was a surprise gift for Mrs. Sullivan from her husband. Her response nearly made me cry. Oh! How I love my job!
For more information on Khoury's (where my brother had his beautiful wedding):