western flare & winter lulls: live portraits at a private atlanta promotion party
That January Lull: A Practice in Trust // January was quiet—unusually quiet. Without meaning to, I essentially had the month off from live events. If you’ve followed along for a while, you know that I’ve been working on trusting the rhythm of my business and the inevitable seasons that go along with growth. But I’ll be honest: when the inquiries slowed down, the nerves started to creep in. I caught myself wondering if the leads would ever pick back up.
In those moments, I had to stop and choose trust.. I repeated the mantra: "I accept that what is meant for me will not pass me by."
The First Event of 2026: A Western Celebration in Grant Park // My first event of the year couldn't have come fast enough! On February 7th, I headed to a charming private home right across from the Atlanta Zoo for a Western-themed promotion party.
The host, Elizabeth, created such an intentional space for her 30 guests. Even though I was shaking off the rust, the intimate setting was the perfect way to get back into my groove. Elizabeth even cleared off her children’s art display clips in the hallway to hang my finished watercolor portraits—a personal touch that made this Atlanta home event feel so incredibly special. Her children were off at her parent’s house for the night, but she had snapped a photo before they left for their sleepover, in the hopes that I would paint a portrait of her kids as well. I said of course, and that they would provide me the perfect warmup opportunity!
Boots, Buckles, and "Paint Engineering" // I quickly learned that a Western theme is a watercolor artist’s playground! I never anticipated how much fun I’d have painting cowboy hate and boots, large belt buckles, red bandanas and fringe - so much fringe! These sort of details require more time than usual, but I could NOT leave those Western adornments out. Because this was an intimate gathering, I had the luxury of time. For her customization option, which is included with each of my live painting packages, Elizabeth selected hand lettered guest names on each portrait. So I was able to carefully scribe each guest's name onto their painting, adding that extra layer of "Draftsman" precision I love.
The Magic of the "Slow Reveal" // Many of the guests hadn't seen live event painting before. At first, they looked at me a little sideways when I asked to take their reference photos! But as the night went on, those looks turned into smiles of delight. There is nothing quite like the moment a guest sees their likeness captured in pigment and ink for the first time.
A Five-Star Kickoff to Wedding Season // After the event, Elizabeth sent over the sweetest note:
"I just left a review—you were so lovely to work with and I love how they all turned out. Thank you again!"
When we were emailing after the event, she mentioned that she will treasure her portrait for many years to come. Hearing that is exactly why I do what I do. It makes the "labor of love" entirely worth it.
Looking Ahead: Spring Wedding Season in Georgia // The January lull has officially ended. The inquiries for 2026 and 2027 weddings are flying into my inbox daily now, what a relief! I am beginning to make preparations for my next weeding in early March, and I’m feeling prepared, refreshed, and practiced.
The winter is always a strange lesson in trust for me, it can get you down in many ways.. But it taught me that the "Ebb" always makes way for the “Flow”. Feeling refreshed and more ready than ever. <3
Hosting an event in Atlanta or Grant Park? Whether it’s a milestone promotion or an intimate backyard wedding, live art turns a party into an heirloom experience.
Check my Spring and Summer availability here!
