Do I receive the scene sketches on the day?
Yes, I make and complete the drawings live on the day.
If it’s a longer drawing (say 2 hours) I take a few photos on my phone as well, just for extra reference.
I then hand the drawing to you, in a protective sleeve, at the event so that you can show it around.
Do you bring your own supplies and what setup do you require?
I bring all my own art material and envelopes/sleeves for both the scene sketches and for the portraits.
For the scene sketches, I bring my own fold out bistro table and chair and position it in a discrete spot with a view of the happenings.
For guest portraits, I just ask the client to please provide a setup of 3 chairs and a table (regular bistro or trestle table that I can put my desktop easel on) in a spot that has decent room lighting if after dark and sun/rain cover.
Can you draw multiple scene sketches in a day?
Yes, I can – for instance – draw a ceremony sketch, followed by sketches of the mingling crowd during canapés followed by a first dance sketch.
Can you draw a scene sketch followed by guest portraits?
Yes, one of my more popular requests is to draw a 1 hour ceremony sketch followed by 2 hours of canapé guest portraits.
How long does a scene sketch take?
A wedding ceremony painting can take between 45 minutes to 3 hours all depending on how much detail you want me to go into.
-A 45 minute A3 ceremony sketch focuses on the bridal couple and the officiator with a hint of background added and whit page around the drawn image (the drawn part taking up about A4 size on the A3 page
-A 1 hour A3 ceremony drawing will include more background than the 45 minute drawing (1 hour is a popular choice)
-A 2 hour A3 ceremony drawing takes up the full A3, it will render the background in even more detail than the 1 hour and include some of the guests in the drawing.
-A 3 hour A2 size ceremony sketch will be similar to the 2 hour drawing, just on bigger paper.
–Canapé crowd sketches typically take 2 hours for a full detailed A3 or they can be a series of simpler 30-45 minute scene impressions.
-A first dance sketch will typically be between 30 minutes and 45 minutes as it focuses on the couple with a little bit of background detail added.
When do you arrive at the venue?
I will typically arrive at the venue around 45 minutes before my scheduled start time to make sure I am settled in and ready to go when the time comes.
What type of art materials do you draw and paint with ?
I draw on thick (200gsm to 300gsm) watercolor paper. I use brush and acrylic ink for the lines and watercolours for the colouring.
Are the portrait and the scene sketches different in style?
Yes, The scene sketches are drawn in a more naturalistic way to reflect and respect the sanctity of the special moments, they are somewhere between realistic and book illustration style to ensure vibrance and mood of the moment in the watercolours,. The guest portraits are done in a bit more of a more playful and humorous style, to create entertainment, chuckles and a light mood
Can guest watch me and talk to me during the drawings?
Yes, that is part of the fun 🙂
How do I make a booking?
If you are interested in making a booking, you simply provide me with the event date, venue and the package (from my price-list, which I can provide on request) that you would like to proceed with. I then send you a booking invoice with 50% deposit securing the date and the remaining 50% payable anytime before the day of the event.
How many guest portraits do you draw in an hour?
20 faces an hour in black and white. That would be 10 couples or 20 singles.
If I add a touch of colour the pace is around 15 faces an hour.
I draw the portraits live with the people sitting in front of me. I would consider drawing from photos on request, if it is discussed before the day of the event. Those drawings done from photos are at a slightly slower pace, of around 10 faces an hour
Ted Key | Live Wedding Painting & Caricatures 