New Vendor Alert! Jennie Lou Art

In a wedding entertainment world full of photo-booths, caricature drawings, and do-it-yourself dessert bars, Jennie Lou Art stands out as an artist who specializes in wedding paintings. Complete with her wooden easel, acrylic paints, and immensely talented eye, Jennie sets up shop at your wedding ceremony or reception and creates a beautiful canvas filled with the artistic version of your gathering. We admire Jennie and her work so much and wanted to get to know her better on this week’s New Vendor Spotlight!

Kelly Karli Weddings & Events: Tell us a little about yourself and Jennie Lou Art!

Jennie Lou Art: My story is long, but super interesting and unique…I don’t have enough room to share it all here, but you can find more on my website blog! In a nutshell, I am a die-hard Texan at heart, born and raised in Austin; I received a BFA from Baylor University and graduated in 2012; worked as a Teach for America Corps member after college and moved to Colorado 3 years ago. I never actually thought I had enough talent to pursue an artistic career, but after a randomly friend published a painting of mine on her photography blog, I began receiving several emails from people inquiring about my work. I took a chance and started my own website and the rest is history!

KKWE: When painting at a wedding or reception, how do you usually interact with other vendors or planners?

JLA: Most artists I meet tend to be introverted personalities, finding energy in the quiet of their studio spaces and feeling drained at social events. Oddly enough, I am a severely extroverted artist and absolutely love engaging in the social atmosphere of weddings with wedding guests, other vendors, and wedding planners. Every wedding, I look forward to meeting new people, hearing their stories and sharing my own while painting live at the wedding.

KKWE: How would you describe your style/aesthetic?

JLA: My style is best described as “impressionistic,” created with a loose hand and beautiful, broad brushstrokes. Instead of a tight rendition of a reality, my style is a raw response to the atmosphere and an authentic expression of the emotion in the room.

KKWE: Who or what inspires you in your work?

JLA: Artistically, Monet is hands-down my favorite artist and where I draw much of my inspiration. His beautiful style was severely rejected by art critics of the time, and I can’t help but find courage in his relentless boldness to maintain his authentic style, despite the critical opinions of others. Sometimes it takes great courage to pursue our true gifts and passions.

KKWE: How would you describe your creative process?

JLA: On your wedding day, I arrive to the reception about an hour early to set up and begin laying out a loose composition before guests arrive. As the guests arrive, I begin developing detail of the entire atmosphere from guests, tables and chairs, chandeliers etc. But most importantly, I paint the bride and groom dancing their first dance together as husband and wife. Every painting is very different, and achieved in response to the atmosphere. The whole process takes around 3-5 hours.

KKWE: How do you like to unwind?

JLA: Personally, apart from painting, I find such rejuvenation running on trails in the outdoors. There is just something so reviving and restorative about going for a run – when I run, I am able to release any anxieties or excess thoughts through the pounding of my feet on the dirt, and my heart beat reminds me of the beautiful life I have been freely given. It truly brings me a sense of peace and keeps me pointed back to where I came from.

KKWE: If you weren’t an artist, what would you want to do?

JLA: In all honesty, I am living my dream. My profession is a dream I never knew I had until it fell in my lap…I feel extremely fortunate to be doing exactly what I was created to do. Owning my own business I have the freedom to incorporate all my gifts and passions into one. Since I was little, I always wanted to be a counselor and creativity comes naturally to me, but I never knew I could do both until my business became an embodiment of who I am.

What an amazing woman and talented artist you are, Jennie! We are so grateful to have stumbled upon your work. If you haven’t already, check out more of Jennie’s breathtaking paintings on her website!