How much does it cost to hire a live painter for my wedding or event in Europe?

Considering booking a live painter to capture your event in Europe? Great idea! Those artsy vibes will contribute to the entertainment, elevate your guest experience and you (or your guests) get to keep a personal artwork as a souvenir. You might be wondering what you can expect to invest in such a valuable service.

In this blog, we will go into pricing, which depends on several factors. Are you looking for an experienced artist who can:

• Paint a romantic portrait of a wedding couple?

• Capture an impression, overview of the setting, including your venue and lots of guests?

• Live illustrate your guests, drawing quick portraits as favours for your corporate or fashion event?

A little disclaimer: every artist we feature runs their own business. There is no standard fee, each artist is free to calculate their price individually. We go into general factors and averages.

The artists are professionals, often with a degree from an Art Academy. Painting live is a speciality, luxury service: such a vendor needs to be experienced in their artistic craft and know how to deal with the pressure of performing live, while people are watching them work. Finding balance between maintaining a good focus in between distractions but also being available for a chat. Live painting requires more skills than just handling commissions or making your own fine art, as the end result should fit the wishes of the client, while the process should be a fun performance.

Some colleagues might raise their prices for high season, or charge differently between week days and weekend bookings. Some might have dream destinations on their bucket list they are willing to offer a deal for. Some might offer several services, at a variety of price points. Pricing can be very personal.

In general, relevant factors are:

• The experience of a certain artist - and demand for their work

• Where the venue is, taking travel and accommodation into account

Would you rather book the artist of your dreams, even if they need to travel a bit further, or get someone who is located close to your venue?

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Live painting example by Renée from the Netherlands

For a live painter, prices can differ based on:

• Canvas size

• How many hours, how many details go into the painting - how many people and elements will they paint, in what style (realistic, impressionistic, rough, expressive)

• Optional extras, like a frame or art prints, or more than one painting (capturing several moments from your multiday event, for example)

In general, prices for live painting in Europe are somewhere between 1000 and 15.000 euros, but also below and above that (yes I know, very) broad range. Most charge between 1500 and 4000. Some finish the painting the same day, others add countless hours of details and touch-ups.

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Guest illustrations example by Odilia from Germany

If you're looking for a live artist that can capture guest portraits as favours: most guest illustrators take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes per person or duo. Those can be full body drawings or close-up portraits with a focus on the heads. With facial details, or faceless. Cartoony, detailed, loose, or inspired by fashion sketches.

The total price is usually based on:

• The amount of hours you'd like them to have present, painting or drawing on location

• How quick or detailed the style is

• The amount of guests that will need to be captured

• Optional extras, like custom branding and personalisation, envelopes or plastic sleeves, backing cards, shipping etcetera

  
  

For bigger parties, it might be better to hire a team of artists, especially when there's a short time frame and you'd like everybody to get a portrait. Or you can ask whether the artist will be able to continue painting after the event (based on photos) and mail the portraits.

Guest illustration prices usually go by the hour (and there's often a minimum amount of hours required, for example three or four), often around 200 - 350 euros per hour. There are of course also artists who charge below and above that.

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We hope this blog gives a general idea of live painting prices. If you want to know exactly what you can expect to invest, that's between you and the artist. Some live painters and illustrators have price ranges stated on their website, others might be able to send you a brochure or write up a custom offer based on your wishes.

Browse our gallery of European live painters to find the artist for your wedding or event

As we at Event Painters Europe manage a directory website, and don't act as an agency between event organiser/wedding planner and artist, we would advice you to contact the painter of your choice directly. Living wages and taxes might differ across Europe.