Live Painting with Mckenzie

for guest portraits, i sit at a table and paint guests, usually 5-8 portraits per hour. For larger works, I bring my easel to work on one or several pieces during an event, often starting a new piece of the entire event and/or doing studies that capture moments of energy and flow during a performance/event. I like to work big and if i have the space, display additional works throughout the venue, and depending on the event, dancing with my hula hoops is apart of my process of maintaining a flow state.
The audience witnessing the pieces come to life is equally as important as the final result of the piece. I bring all pieces home with me to feed into my studio process. If a piece i currently have in process fits with an event I will bring it to work on during the event as well. Sometimes i work on as many as 4-5 pieces at a time as apart of my process. If i have the space and a receptive audience/event producer, I am open to any opportunity.

I graduated from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago with a degree in fine art and textiles, now i use my skills at events to document flow, energy and culture happening in real time. I am beginning live painting at weddings, and expanding my practice to painting all kinds of experiences. I currently reside in Miami, FL, but have lived all over the country and enjoy traveling for events and festivals. I love meeting new people and could discuss art and painting endlessly.

If displaying works, I prefer to use lights available at venue but i can bring my own as well. For my easel(s) I have my own lights but am open to additional lighting. I prefer not to be too close to speakers/ fumes, and have some freedom to chose my spot as my position will influence the piece created. I like to have a view of performers and a place to wash out my brushes. outlet access is needed, i have an outdoor extension cord. I have drop cloths if requested for venue, or can use dry media. I will not set up in a traffic flow space as its a hazard to my work. For formal events I will bring higher end equipment, focus on creating one high end piece and only display finished pieces.