If you’re looking for something exciting and different to add to your wedding reception, something that will awe guests and leave you with a one-of-a-kind wedding keepsake, look no further than live artist, Heidi Schwartz. Heidi is guaranteed to leave an impression on both you and your guests with her incredible work and fun setup that will keep everyone entertained throughout the reception. We got to chat with Heidi recently and learn a little more about her. Check out her interview below and then consider hiring her for your big day!
What was your dream job growing up?
I wanted to be a singer . . . and an artist. But music was my primary focus. That’s what brought me to Nashville. Painting was something I just did.
What does a typical wedding day look like for you?
If it’s an out of town event I always try to arrive in town the night before. The day of the wedding I arrive serval hours before the event to give myself plenty of time to set up. After my set up is complete I change into my paint dress and eat something. Once the wedding starts I’m hyper focused on the event. Paying attention to details, looking for special moments to incorporate into the painting. I usually, but not always, start painting after the couple does the first dance.
How long have you been in business as a live event artist?
Over a decade now. I painted my first live event in 2008. Hard to believe!
How did you come up with the idea to paint weddings live on-site?
I absolutely fell into live painting. I got asked to paint live at a corporate dinner at the Opryland Hotel because the entertainment manager happened to see some of my artwork. From there a friend made the suggestion that live paintings would fit well at weddings. I had never heard of it before so I asked a friend of mine that was getting married if I could paint at her upcoming wedding. She said yes and it organically grew from there.
What is your favorite part of a wedding day/event day?
2 parts: I really enjoy getting in the flow of a live painting… once I’ve put a little lay of the land on canvas and ideas are coming to me. And I love listening to speeches and conversations around me. I’m avid people watcher and armchair phycologist!
What would be your dream event to paint live?
Some event with Richard Branson. He is such a creative out of box thinker; I’m a super fan!
What is your favorite location in Nashville to work in?
Gosh, this is a hard one because Nashville has grown wildly in the last several years and the number of amazing venues seems to grow by the minute. I painted the grand opening of the Westin Hotel here in Nashville and that was a fantastic night. I also love the Bridge Building Downtown and of course Cedarwood is gorgeous. And then there are the beautiful rural spots like the beautiful barns of Allenbrooke and Sycamore Farms… hard to pick just one.
Who would be your dream celebrity to work with?
I gave that away before . . . Richard Branson, hands down!
You wear a different dress for every event, just how many have you worn?
I have over 250 dresses in count right now. That blows my mind to think about! We have just started selling them online. I’ve been saving every one of them.
If you could go anywhere tomorrow, where would you go?
I am currently obsessed with New Zealand and that part of the world. I would start there, then on to Bali.
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