Today we’d like to introduce you to Vesna Longton.
Vesna, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Back in 2006, when I just arrived in America, I was looking for work as an artist on Craigslist. I stumbled upon an add about painting for the wedding. I thought it was very interesting! I used to paint live scenes with people, I sketched portraits on the subway, and I was used to being around people while I was working on landscapes. So live painting was not something new for me. But I’d never painted at the wedding before. It was interesting, and I immediately replied.
The young couple came to look at my art before they would make a decision. We talked about what they wanted; they liked my paintings … and left because there were many other artists they wanted to see before they decided on a candidate. A minute later they came back with the deposit check. Apparently, there were dozens of other artists that responded to their ad, but one small painting of mine swung them in my favor. I got another commission for a wedding painting through Craigslist, and then I had a child, so my event artwork was over for me for the next 3 years. But as my child grew, so did my independence. Step by step I got involved in wedding paintings again. I start putting adds on wedding specialized websites. People who saw me at weddings would call me. Word of mouth and the internet helped me to become who I am today, and now I am a busy and happy event painter.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
One of the most important things I had to learn: I don`t need to travel to NY to paint weddings because there are plenty of the weddings in Boston and New England in general. I just needed to choose the right strategy for advertising. Before that, I spent a lot of time in travel, and it was very energy consuming.
Also, one of the specifics of my job is that I have to plan the scene ahead because it is important to start painting the background a couple hours before the event begins. And it can be really challenging if bride changes her mind about the lineup for the bridal party at the last moment, or coordinator doesn’t really know how the introduction and the first dance are going to work out. I have to think fast and come up with alternative ideas for the composition. Those kinds of situations are stressful and I try to avoid them as much as I can.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Live event- wedding painting – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My little business is based entirely on my skills. I’m an artist. I create live event paintings mostly for weddings, sometimes for other events. Every artist has their own style, and that how we differentiate. I paint in the style of impressionistic realism. I paint fast and I am capable of creating the atmosphere of the celebration and wedding on my canvas. The main characters of the event can recognize themselves in the painting, and people love it. They like to be part of the process and watch how the images and impressions emerge. They pose for the painting, take photos and talk about it. My station is often a very busy place and part of the wedding entertainment as well.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My child is growing up, and I have more and more time for my own art. My hope is that one day I may be will be able to incorporate my knowledge of the event art into my future art shows. The more art the better!
Pricing:
- My prices are :18X24 -$800, 20X24 -$900, 22×28 -$1000, 24X30 – $1100, 24X36 – $1400
Contact Info:
- Address: 25 Hanisch rd, Attleboro,MA 02703
- Website: www.liveevent-weddingpainting.com
- Phone: 5088099777
- Email: vesna_longton@yahoo.com
- Instagram: vesna.longton
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/paintingbyvesna/
- Other: Vesna Longton
Getting in touch: BostonVoyager is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
