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One Amazing Live Wedding Painting by Tesh Parekh

Rod and Amy. Watercolor. Painted live. 16×20 on Saunders 140 lb rough paper.

I did this painting yesterday at the White Memorial Presbyterian Church in Raleigh. What could be a better way to spend my day than painting?!

When I received an email from Cara  Zuehlke of A Southern Soiree about painting live at a wedding for a guest of the Bride and Groom for a unique gift, I was excited! This was just 2-3 days ago! A friend of the Groom wanted to give the painting as a gift to the very special couple.  So, after discussing the details,  it was left up to me to decide on the final size and format of the painting.

I went a day in advance to check out the church.  Based on the interior of the church, I decided to use 16×20 format, which worked out to be perfect size for the painting.  For me, the biggest decision was which paper to use.  I paint on variety of papers.  Given the current weather conditions, (steamy and hot!), I decided to use Saunders 140 lb paper.  I also used Holbein paints and my usual mop and Escoda brushes.

After completing the painting, I  matted and framed the completed painting and delivered it to the reception.   I also like to carry extra supplies in case there is a quick fix need.   So, I asked my wonderful wife to help me!  She was my attentive assistant while I painted.

The wedding start time was 6 PM. We arrived at the church at 3 PM. I setup in the balcony, next to Toni and Chris of Barton Creek’s videography setup. Shane Snider was the photographer and I look forward to seeing the shots he took while I was working. Beautiful flowers were provided by Lyn Graves, owner of Fresh Affairs.

The church is spacious with lot of little architectural details. The amount of time I had and the format of the painting allowed me to capture it all! I setup immediately and sketched the background in pencil. Painting interiors is not always easy – especially when your main subjects are yet to arrive! So, I painted some of the background and details in light washes and waited for guests to arrive. The ceremony began right on time and lasted around 20 minutes! The wedding party was big and I had to sketch everybody in quickly!

After the ceremony was over, I kept on painting. I completed the painting after 8 PM. We photographed, framed and delivered the painting to the Carolina Country Club.  The friend of the Bride and Groom loved the painting and signed it on the back, wishing the Bride and Groom well.  I am certain that they will enjoy this special gift.

The church was spacious and well-lit: a luxury for me! However, my easel was a step below me, so, I had to constantly bend as I painted! I will be on the road for couple of days, photographing a wedding ceremony.  So, I was ready to go home to rest and enjoy some family time.

I look forward to painting live: could it be your special event?

– Tesh Parekh

Artist and Photographer

www.raleighweddingpainter.com

teshparekhart.com

iwpphotography.wordpress.com

919-622-5399

email: tesh@teshfineartphoto.com

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2 Comments

  1. How absolutely beautiful Tesh! As a featured live event artist on AffluentBride.com we certainly recognize artistic talent when we see it and so happy to represent such a fine event artist as yourself. This is truly an exceptional work of art. I’m sure the bride and groom were over-joyed.

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