Tell us a little bit about your business.

Hello! I’m Tara of Tara Zalewsky Art and I am a live wedding painter serving Pittsburgh and the surrounding areas (although I love destination weddings as well!). Nothing brings me more joy than painting, and it is such an honor to share my art with you on your wedding day!

I have always created art, but it was in New Mexico that I studied oil painting and honed my skills in oil on canvas portraiture, as well as landscape painting. I earned my Masters of Fine Art in Painting from the University of New Mexico and exhibited my work in solo shows and exhibitions in galleries in Sante Fe and Taos, NM. In the tradition of many artists before me, there is no substitute for learning to paint the light of the Southwest! I brought with me that color and vibrant energy in my paintings when I moved back to Pittsburgh and opened my art studio.

In between New Mexico and Pittsburgh, I had a brief stop in Paris, where I lived for several months, spending my days visiting the Louvre and trying my hand at capturing the elusive Parisian light.

Through years of both teaching and studying art and art history, I know the work of the Old Masters and the Impressionists, as well as Contemporary and Modern art. All of this has influenced my paintings.

If you choose my live oil on canvas painting for your wedding, my goal is to create for you a unique heirloom artwork to commemorate your special day and your love for each other.

First, we schedule a phone or video call or even meet in person. We go over details such as what size you would like the painting, what scene you’d like me to capture, and when you would want me to paint. Some couples choose to capture their first kiss, first dance, delivering their vows, or even savoring a quiet moment together in their chosen venue.

Typically, I work with your photographer to obtain a professional quality photo to use as the reference for my painting.

Some couples have me set up my easel and begin painting at the ceremony itself, while others prefer me to start at the cocktail hour, or main reception. I bring my traveling easel and paints and set up my station early in a designated area where guests can enjoy the process of seeing the painting come to life. I love talking with guests and being able to share my art.

After the wedding, I bring the canvas back to my studio to refine the painting and fine tune the details. The painting is typically finished and dry 6 – 8 weeks after the wedding. Some couples choose to frame the painting, whereas others select a more contemporary display of hanging the canvas directly on the wall unframed. I always paint the edges of my canvas so that it looks beautifully finished framed or unframed.

I use artist grade oil paints and canvas that are archival and light fast.

My live wedding portraits focus primarily on the couple, with the wedding party and family in less detail. If you would prefer more of a family, or wedding party portrait, we can discuss that too.

I am all about personalization and customization. I’m always excited to meet at a coffee shop to discuss your wedding vision and share examples of my portfolio. I’m especially fond of painting in family pets.

AI can never generate the excitement and value of having an artist capturing your wedding day in real time. I would be delighted to make your live wedding portrait as personal and unique as your love, before your very eyes!

What makes your work unique?

My art is about movement, gesture, and color. Your love isn’t muted, stiff and static, and your painting should reflect that. I’ve studied portraiture and proportion, and I am able to convey a realistic likeness with a few essential brushstrokes. I combine the solid portraiture skill of the Old Masters, with the movement and color of contemporary painters. I make sure that there is detail in the face and attire, but am still able to capture the fleeting light during the moment of a first kiss.

What is your ideal client like?

I love painting people of all backgrounds and ages. Above all, I value the many forms that love takes, and I would be honored for my art to be a part of your special day.