17 Nov Ben Keys Fine Art {Vendor Spotlight}
We are so excited to share this Vendor Spotlight post with all of you TWR dearies this morning! Not only are we getting to unveil the amazing live event painting from the LulaKate and Katherine McDonald runway show from the 2016 Spring Bridal Week (that gorgeousness above), but we’re also getting a chance to sit down with one of our dearest Preferred Vendors, Ben Keys of Ben Keys Fine Arts, to learn more about the magic of live event painting. It’s no secret that we are passionate about the artful capturing of beautiful Charleston weddings, but there is something so unique and special about a painting being painted in front of your guests eyes, filling out more and more as the evening goes on. And what a special piece of art to start your newlywed life with!
Now, prepare to fall in love with the idea of incorporating a live event painting by Ben Keys Fine Art into your wedding day…
How long have you been doing live event painting?
My wife, Jen, and I officially launched Ben Keys Fine Art 10 years ago, but before my first wedding painting, I was actually painting mostly en plein air (outdoors) for galleries for about 8 years. (Check out benkeys.com to see these coastal landscapes.) Live event painting is really a continuation of the skills I learned while painting outdoors. From Italy’s light to Chicago’s winds to the Carolina heat, painting outside in all four seasons and many terrains, I had to learn how to handle the changing weather, light, and scenery while interacting with passersby. All of these factors pushed me me to paint faster. I had no idea at the time that these experiences & skills would be essential for live event painting. Jen has been in the wedding industry for years, including having formerly worked for bridal designer, Modern Trousseau. She is the voice behind our blog and social media and assists with coordinating each painting. We really make a great team have so much enjoyed watching our business grow together!
Do you prefer painting ceremonies or receptions best?
It’s hard to choose which I like best because both subjects are special for different reasons. Ceremonies often include beautiful landscapes as the setting, which is my painting background and first love. I always enjoy the open air and breathtaking views of many ceremonies. For indoor ceremonies, I love capturing the architecture, which I’d say is an equal love to landscapes. Receptions on the other hand are also wonderful, because I usually I get to focus on details of the decor, interior architecture and the lighting, all of which are carefully chosen and gorgeous subjects for a painting. In both the ceremony and the reception, I get to capture the bride and groom, which is always my focus. I just love capturing their essence and the feeling of their love for each other in that respective sacred moment.
Do you have any favorite or stand out moments that you’ve been able to capture over the years?
Again it’s hard to pick a favorite because there are so many I’ve loved and what I really enjoy is the variety of scenes. Some of my favorites include the mountain views of Colorado and western NC and Va, the ballrooms at The Breakers in Palm Beach and The Cloister in Sea Island, and our recent wedding in England was such a fun cultural adventure. But I always love being at home in the lowcountry painting marsh scenes and overhanging oaks in Charleston, Savannah and the southeast coast.
Why is a live event painting a good investment for brides and grooms?
I could write a novel on this question. In my experience, a live event painting has many dimensions of value. It is both an unexpected and fun entertainment for guests and a physical memory to enjoy for years. Some of my most touching memories have been when the couple comes by the easel to see the painting in progress or at delivery, when I get to see their reaction. It’s often huge smiles, tears and hugs. Many of our brides and grooms have told us that they consider the painting a treasure and something they dream of passing down to their children one day. But In addition to the intangible value, each couple is investing in a piece of fine-art created by a collected artist.
Photographers in order of appearance:
PaperLily Photography, Julie Elizabeth Photography, Aaron and Jillian Photography, Pasha Belman Photography
