A live wedding painting is a one-of-a-kind keepsake, capturing the magic of your special day in real-time. When considering a live wedding painting, it is important to think about the medium you would like your painting to be: watercolor or acrylic. Each offers unique characteristics that can influence the final artwork’s look and feel. Let’s explore the differences to help you decide which style best suits your wedding vision!
Watercolor Paintings
Watercolor is known for its delicate, dreamy quality. This medium uses transparent pigments mixed with water, creating a light and airy aesthetic. Here are some key features of watercolor live paintings:
Soft Blending & Transparency: Watercolor seamlessly blends colors, resulting in a natural and fluid appearance. This presents a beautiful, romantic, and whimsical theme.
Luminous and Light: The transparent layers create a glowing effect, perfect for capturing outdoor ceremonies, garden weddings, or beachside nuptials.
Fine Details & Loose Strokes: While watercolor allows for intricate detailing, it also embraces expressive, free-flowing strokes that enhance the painting’s organic feel.
Size & Logistics: Watercolor paintings only go up to 16x20 in size, whereas acrylic paintings can be larger. As for logistics, I can’t start painting a watercolor painting until the moment you want painted happens (this is because the paint is transparent and not opaque). For example, if you want a moment painted that happens later in the evening (like the first dance), there may not be enough time for me to finish the painting on-site depending on the timeline. If the first dance were to start at 7 and the reception ends at 9, your painting probably won’t be finished since it takes me about 4 hours minimum to paint.
Fragility & Framing Considerations: Since watercolor is typically painted on high-quality paper, it requires protective framing under glass to preserve its beauty over time. Read the blog on frames to see the different options: Choosing a Frame for Your Watercolor Painting
See some examples below!
Acrylic Paintings
Acrylic paint offers a more vibrant and textured approach to paintings. This fast-drying, versatile medium allows for striking compositions with rich colors. Here’s why acrylic may be the perfect choice for your wedding artwork:
Rich & Vivid Colors: Acrylics provide bold and saturated hues that stand out beautifully.
Layering & Texture: Unlike watercolor, acrylics can be applied in multiple layers without losing vibrancy. This adds dimension and depth to the artwork.
Durability & Longevity: Painted on canvas, acrylics are highly durable and don’t require protective glass framing. The artwork can be displayed as-is, making it a stunning centerpiece in your home. You can also varnish your painting to make it last longer, read this blog for more information: Varnishing Your Acrylic Painting
Size: If you’re looking for a painting larger in size, acrylic may be for you since watercolor paintings only go up to 16x20 in size, and acrylic paintings can go up to 24x30 or even 30x40 in size.
Versatility in Style: From impressionistic brushstrokes to realistic details, acrylics allow for a wide range of artistic expression.
See some examples below!
Which Style is Right for You?
Both watercolor and acrylic paintings offer unique beauty, so the choice comes down to personal preference and wedding aesthetics. If you love soft, ethereal elegance, watercolor is an excellent choice. If you prefer bold and expressive artwork, acrylic may be the way to go.
No matter which medium you choose, a live wedding painting ensures that your most cherished moments are captured in a timeless piece of art.