Hey everyone! I thought I would  take a few minutes today to discuss live painting. I started live painting a year and a half ago and it’s been a really interesting journey. I’ve met a ton of cool people and helped introduce some other artists into live painting. So what is it? Well live painters go to music events and set up to, you guessed it, paint live!

*My first live painting gig, at a festival in Ohio.*
![876A7705-60A2-4E7C-AA57-73AF52B2449C.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmTHA9C2rXMiefhQrfXo6mKqzoncdrzS29AEF8TR1Nv6Mm/876A7705-60A2-4E7C-AA57-73AF52B2449C.jpeg)

It’s really interesting to change the usual dynamic of painting solo at the studio, and instead be in such a flurry of activity. I find that I accomplish less progress while live painting, but the inspiration is awesome and it’s cool to network while painting. 

*This was the strangest event I’ve painted at, but super cool! It was at an underground biker bar!*
![F83F2FA4-5DD5-4476-99C9-E99BE37372C3.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmaH6uiSvYJNUCZhG2sFgyM6JiLAv5xesfj7PattWJjNYv/F83F2FA4-5DD5-4476-99C9-E99BE37372C3.jpeg)

My favorite thing about live painting is being able to talk about art with strangers. After all, it’s one of my favorite subjects to discuss!  As someone who didn’t go to art school, it’s also been a fantastic way to meet other artists!

*Collaborating on a painting live!*
![BEF5352E-CF5D-4309-927F-25389C3D8E7B.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmPXZh7sxTa8QjmChugeM5LrG8Aka9VoDRsxM4Vt1ZfHp3/BEF5352E-CF5D-4309-927F-25389C3D8E7B.jpeg)

The toughest thing about life painting is hauling around so much gear. I have a giant easel that I bring everywhere, along with some art for sale, my paints, and usually some other necessary odds and ends.

*Live painting this fall in Chicago.*
![AE93E0DC-9638-48A2-BF90-2FB0ACC668AB.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmPRZPtdoY7BHXZ65aednsDtegzsXF3Ush2GDvVCn5kwoF/AE93E0DC-9638-48A2-BF90-2FB0ACC668AB.jpeg)

I’ve had a ton of fun doing this, and although I’m cutting back a bit this winter, I look forward to doing a few more select events throughout the year!

*Painting at a festival this winter, I also coordinated all the live painters for the event!*
![83422A93-5B3C-43C1-8E25-224F84DB3B8C.jpeg](https://steemitimages.com/DQmXyBmHHErZsGZFdFXjwrQEHifskUF3UnSRE5NqsMcA7E1/83422A93-5B3C-43C1-8E25-224F84DB3B8C.jpeg)

Artists what do you think, do you think you would enjoy live painting or do you prefer the comfort of a studio?