Studio Blog One
As an artist, my studio is not just a workspace; it’s where I live. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been deep in several exciting projects and studio renovations that I can’t wait to share with you. Here’s a little behind-the-scenes look at what’s been happening in the studio lately.
The Largest Live Wedding Painting Yet
Four weeks ago, I was booked for a wedding at the beautiful Inglewood Estate in North East Melbourne. This wasn’t any standard live wedding painting booking. This couple wanted a custom LARGEST CANVAS POSSIBLE! Measuring at 72 inches wide and 48 inches tall. You can imagine how much work went into figuring out just how I was going to make this happen. If you can’t- I’ll tell you- because the people must know! First, I needed a new easel- a H frame to be exact. The width of this painting alone would not hold straight on my standard A frame easels or wonderful French box easel that I usually take to weddings. Not only that but the height exceeded the maximum that I could extend my easels to. Thankfully I managed to buy one second hand off a friend at the perfect time! Pre-loved and all. The next challenge came when I realized I only have a little corolla at my disposal for travel. I needed to get this canvas to and from the wedding somehow. Thankfully, I have a family member who is an avid model aircraft hobbyist with a large enough 4-wheeler to fit all those models in. Even with that- the canvas fit into the extended backseat and boot with much manoeuvring and pivoting. But we were in business, baby! The wedding day came, and I arrived early to set up and unload this monster. You can imagine the shock on the staff's faces when I brought that thing in. I got to work on the underpainting per the design consultation the bride and groom had with me a few weeks prior. Then the moment we all waited for a beautiful moment of the first look before the ceremony, and I was ready to start work on their portraits. As the guests filtered through, they saw this massive canvas take up a whole window near the dance floor, with the beginnings of the sketch of their newly wedded friends. Throughout the rest of the night, their portraits came together, and the wedding was a dream!
Since the wedding- the painting has remained at my studio for touch-ups and revisions. The sheer size of this piece has made it a standout in my space, taking up a significant amount of real estate and commanding attention the moment you walk in. Every day, as I add more details, I’m more and more pleased with how it’s coming along. The colours, the composition, and the emotion it conveys are everything I hoped for. But here’s the thing—I can’t reveal it just yet. There’s something special about keeping this one under wraps for a bit longer, building the suspense until the right moment to unveil it. Trust me, it will be worth the wait!
Studio Renovations: A Fresh Look
In addition to working on my latest projects, I’ve been busy giving the studio a bit of a facelift. Choosing the right colours for the walls has been an adventure in itself—I wanted something that would inspire creativity but also invoke a magical atmosphere. After much deliberation, I have narrowed it down to about…20 different colour palette choices…. Stay tuned to see if I actually decide on a paint choice. In my defence, there are just so many great names like “Magic Forest” and “Wild Amethyst.”
I also started to plan custom shelving for my canvases, supplies, drying painting rack, and barn doors to keep out the pet hair. (Sorry, furry friends—you’re adorable, but not on my canvases!)
A Portrait of Love and Inspiration
Another piece that has been particularly meaningful to me is a portrait I recently completed of a loved one who has passed. This wasn’t just any commission; it was deeply personal. This woman inspired my love for fairytales and fantasy from a young age, and painting her was a way to honour that legacy. Her home was always filled with fairytale books, fairy art and unicorn paintings. The process of creating this portrait allowed me to revisit the magic and wonder that she inspired in me—elements that have always been at the heart of my work. It’s a reminder of why I do what I do and how art can keep the spirit of those we love alive.
Exciting Commissions on the Horizon
Looking ahead, I’m thrilled to work on several commissions as part of my “Glass Slipper” package. This package is one of my favorites to offer, as it allows me to bring wedding photos to life on canvas for those who missed out on a live wedding painter. There’s something incredibly special about transforming a captured moment into a hand-painted memory that couples can cherish for years to come. I’ve got some truly beautiful photos lined up to work on, and I’m eager to start painting.
Additionally, the holiday season is fast approaching, and I’m already receiving commissions for pet portraits that will be given as Christmas gifts. These portraits are always a joy to create, as they capture the unique personalities of beloved pets, turning them into cherished keepsakes. If you’re considering a pet portrait as a gift, now’s the time to get your orders in!
Stay Tuned…
It's an exciting time with so much going on in the studio. Between the largest wedding painting I’ve ever done, the renovations, meaningful portraits, and the upcoming commissions for wedding and pet portraits, I feel more inspired than ever. Keep an eye on the blog and my social media for more updates—I promise there’s plenty more to come, and I can’t wait to share it all with you!