At NK Bride we value creativity and uniqueness, and we are dedicated to finding other brands in the industry who can make your wedding day special. We got the chance to speak with another live wedding artist, and hear about his process, and what special elements he can bring to your wedding day. NYC painter Anthony Galati has an extra special touch and is perfect at creating glamorous recreations of real moments from your wedding.
Q: When did you begin to have an interest in art?
A: I always had an interest in art. When I was a kid I was interested in art. I was always drawing. As a kid, there was a time when I thought about becoming a Veterinarian, but my passion for creativity was always present. In drawing class my friends used to watch me work, which is likely why I am so comfortable now having people watch me while I work at events. I believe anyone can learn to be an artist, but I feel my interest in it as a child gave me a head start.
Q: How long have you been a wedding painter? What has your experience in the wedding industry taught you?
A: I started in the industry in 2012. When Hurricane Sandy hit we had no power for weeks, and it was 48 degrees in our apartment. There seemed like no better time to take a leap of faith and try something new. I did a test wedding for a friend, and really loved the experience. In the last eight years I’ve been able to learn a lot about the business, and I have been able to develop my technical skills further. I have also learned how to adapt my work to fit couples’ emotions, and the feeling of their wedding. In the beginning I had one package to offer my clients, but over the years I have expanded to fit the budgets and needs of many more couples.
Q: How would you describe your painting style?
A: When people speak about my paintings, they typically call them photo realistic. I wouldn’t describe them this way, but I would say that they’re highly detailed and realistic. My job is to capture the best image of the celebration, and I do that by showcasing the most important elements of the whole night, and combining them into one very refined mosaic of the experience. People often think that my paintings are photos instead of paintings when they first see them.
Q: In your opinion, what makes a wedding painting more special than a photograph or picture?
A: Photos capture moments in a different way. I approach my paintings in a way that I believe will make the couple as happy as possible. I always encourage my clients to note what they want to see in the painting, and I then capture those elements the best way possible. I am able to adjust the placement of guests, the cake and any other part of the composition, to present everything in the most optimal way possible. This is not an option with a photograph after the picture has been taken. In addition, I paint the light in the scene to appear as it actually looks during the event; the light often looks very different from the event in photos where a flash is used. I also feel the entertainment value of an event painter is special. It brings a new kind of activity for your guests to enjoy, as they watch the progress being made throughout the night. For many people it is a cool way to experience art for the first time outside of a museum, and an exploration of the amazing ways that art reinforces the beauty of the moment. The finished product is also a romantic, hand created, priceless item.
Q: A big attraction to live wedding painting is the entertainment it provides the guests. What are some of your favorite parts about being interactive with the couple and their loved ones?
A: My role at the venue really adds to the experience, not only for the couple, but for guests. Having this work of art being created in front of them is a special addition to the day. I bring an assistant to all of my events to engage with guests and answer questions. This allows them to get full attention and engagement, and gives me the maximum amount of time to paint. My assistant is great at encouraging the guests to get close, and ensuring that they do not feel like an interruption.
Q: What drew you to paint weddings? Is there an energy, or a liveliness that drew you towards this subject?
A: I was drawn to paint weddings after having done plein air landscapes outside, which are very spontaneous. I am also drawn to unusual light, and spaces with glowing things in them. For example, a purple backlight creates a new way of looking at, and seeing things. I also enjoy studying how light interacts with people. Unusual light sources are very common in wedding venues, and the lights bring entirely new looks to the painting. I love capturing these changes, and unique light patterns.
Q: What have you found to be your biggest inspiration as an artist, both in wedding painting and beyond?
A: My favorite subject is the figure. I have been drawing people since I was a child. Event painting is great because it is typically a complex image of several figures in a dynamic space. My favorite part of wedding painting is likely the bride’s dress. I enjoy the aesthetic of everyone being dressed up. It’s not everyday that you’re surrounded by people dressed their very best. It is also filled with happy people, and it is such a special and positive environment to create in.
Q: How do you work with the limited time given on a specific day, or during a live event? Do you continue to work on the paintings in your studio after the event?
A: Because I have limited time on the day of the event, a lot of preparation is required. I will typically meet the couple at the venue ahead of time and choose the location for my station on the day. While visiting the venue, I’ll capture photos of the room from the point of view of the painting, as well as detail photos of any key areas of the room that I may need. I then use these photos as reference to create the background before the event. The day of the event, I work the whole duration of the event; I am typically there to capture the reception. During this work time, I focus on the couple, add decor, and make adjustments to the color and lighting of the pre-event painting that I did. The majority of the work time comes after the event. The deluxe option painting often takes 430 hours total to finish. Painting realistically takes time, and there is no way to cheat. Each detail of the scene becomes its own project. Every painting is unique though, and some projects may take more or less time.
Q: For photographers it is important to develop a relationship with the couple before the wedding, do you think the same is true for wedding painters as they need to trust you to capture the perfect moment? How do you develop these relationships?
A: I like to meet both parties involved when I can, but oftentimes it is a surprise, or gift, and then I will meet with the planner or parents. I overall have less interaction with the couple ahead of the event than a photographer because as a wedding painter, I am capturing just one image. Wedding painting is less reliant on the exact personality of the couple. For me, it is most important that my relationship with the couple allows me to understand their needs, and finding out exactly what they want included in the painting.
Q: How do you capture the mood of an event? Do you develop special color palettes for each event?
A: The color pallete is different depending on the venue in white light versus uplighting, and how much lighting there is. Uplighting is the biggest factor in the color of the painting, including skin tones and realistic portrayal of the event. The lighting affects how everything looks. When there is one very dominant uplighting color, I may mix a lot of that color, and then add it to the colors of many of the other things in the scene so that they all appear consistent and make sense together visually.
Q: With COVID impacting the future of the wedding industry, how do you see live wedding painting adapting to the times?
A: I have been considering ways to adapt to the times, and I think a great way to adjust my service would be to set up a webcam in the studio that captures the painting and the palette. I could then work through the event, and guests at home would still be able to watch the process. I think this could bring some extra connection and entertainment to those who can’t physically attend the event, and those at the event would still be able to watch the painting being created as well.
Q: Do you feel that having a physical painting of your wedding will become more special with the rise of digital weddings, as it provides a physical keepsake/ memory?
A: I believe it could be. It was always special, but this is different because if they have the whole event planned and then the wedding gets cancelled, a physical painting can really make up for some of the missing pieces on the day. They can still hold onto this item at the end, and it may be able to make up for all the people, and the other vendors that may not be able to work. It could be seen as even more special because it is one thing that didn't have to change.
Q: How far in advance should couples contact you to check availability for their wedding date?
A: If you are interested and serious in working with me, I recommend booking as soon as possible. Unlike a photographer, I am a one person team, so nobody can fill in if a day is already booked. I do not have a limit for when you can reach out but sooner is better. It gives time to do the preliminary work to be fully prepared on the day of your event.
For more information about Anthony and his work check out his website, or follow him on Instagram.
Cover Photo credits: Event Paintings by Anthony