Patrick Heisel Watercolours

Patrick Heisel is a London-based painter and guest illustrator who works live at weddings across the United Kingdom. He describes himself as a professional live wedding painter with more than a decade of experience in watercolour and more than two years of painting live at weddings and other events. He received an OBE in the 2013 Birthday Honours.

His fine art wedding paintings begin with a personal consultation. On the day he paints the scene live for up to seven hours while guests watch, and takes extra studio time afterwards to finish the work. Couples choose the scene: the bride and groom with the venue, the first kiss, or a late family member or a pet. The signed painting is delivered to the couple's home in a wooden frame, in black, white, oak or rustic, with a coloured mount and glass rather than Perspex.

“A photograph preserves a moment, but a painting has the power to turn it into poetry.”

Patrick Heisel, on live wedding painting

Watercolour is his preferred medium. It is light and translucent, and he describes it as the hardest medium to master. Guests can watch the painting develop and sometimes add a touch of their own, and colour can be lifted off or painted over as the work progresses.

Patrick also offers live guest portraits as an alternative to favours. Guests watch their illustration being made and take home a hand-painted keepsake, with gentlemen in confident stances and ladies in elegant poses. There are three packages: Classic for about 30 guests over four hours, Signature for about 70 guests across a full day or evening, and Deluxe for 80 or more guests with extras.

He travels anywhere in the UK and describes his service as five-star rated, with a warm and engaging presence on the day. Couples' reviews are on his Google page.