Cool Jobs: Taylor Anne, Artist and Live Painter

Painting in Real Time Captures Moments on Canvas

by Kristy Como Armand

Imagine capturing the magic of a moment as it unfolds, turning it into a piece of art that will be cherished forever. That’s what artist Taylor Anne does as a live wedding painter. With her paintbrush in hand and a keen eye for detail, she brings a wedding scene to life on canvas, creating a vibrant, dynamic work of art that captures not only the image, but also the emotion, of the occasion.

A native of Lake Charles, Taylor discovered her passion for art at a young age, drawing paper dolls with her paternal grandmother. After graduating from St Louis High School, she received an art scholarship to McNeese State University, where she earned a degree in fine arts. “It was always my dream to create art. The world is beautiful and inspiring,” she says. “However, I was also told by many people that I wouldn’t be able to make a living as an artist. I’m proof that is not true. Once I had my degree, I became a high school art teacher, but I never stopped painting, working toward the goal of being able to do this full-time.”

Taylor taught in Beauregard Parish before moving to New Orleans, where she taught and continued to hone her craft. “I enjoyed teaching, but I stayed focused on my end goal of being successful as an artist,” she says. “I rented gallery space in Zele, a gallery on Magazine Street and home to over 100 local artisans. I soon outgrew my space, so the gallery owner offered me the storefront and an even more prominent space for my work. In 2016, I stopped teaching and became a full-time artist.”

Around that same time, Taylor married and now has two young sons. Her storefront and corresponding website, Taylor Anne Designs, specializes in fine art, home décor, gifts, apparel, accessories and more. Her artwork reflects the vibrant, diverse culture of Louisiana, infused with personal experiences and emotions. She blends impressionism and realism, with a touch of whimsy that reflects her unique style. In addition to her storefront and website, she sells her art through commissions and at markets across the state.

Taylor’s journey into live painting began when she was invited to paint at a friend’s wedding. “This experience was transformative. I realized my art could capture memories and evoke emotions in real time.”

Live painting becomes akin to a performance as people gather around to watch the scene unfold. Fortunately, Taylor is comfortable painting in front of people from her years of teaching art. “There’s something incredibly special about this process. I’m not just creating art. I become part of the event, experiencing the emotions and the energy of the moment. Every brushstroke is influenced by the atmosphere, the people, and the mood of the occasion. It’s a privilege to share these unforgettable, happy celebrations. I cry at every first dance.”

Before the wedding, Taylor meets with the couple to get an idea of the moment they want her to capture, whether the ceremony, the first kiss, the first dance, the send-off or something else. Once that is determined, she begins the underpainting of that scene, much of which will be covered up once she adds the people and other details. She arrives before the wedding starts, paints through the event for the “live” portion and then takes the canvas back to finalize at her studio.

Her impressionistic style of painting does not include facial details, which surprises some people. “When live painting, minute details like expressions aren’t realistic to try to capture for the way I paint,” Tayor explains. “I don’t want to create a caricature look of the people. People are moving, light changes, expressions are reactive. I want to capture the colors and feelings of the event; to create a piece of art that reflects the joy that is there.”

Taylor says one of the most rewarding aspects of her career is seeing the reactions of the people when they see the final painting. “It’s like giving them a tangible memory of the day, something they can hold onto and cherish forever.”

Live painting requires not just artistic talent, but also the ability to think on your feet. Taylor must work quickly and efficiently, often under tight time constraints, to capture the key moments. But for her, the challenge is part of the thrill. “I thrive on the spontaneity of live painting,” she explains. “You never know exactly how the painting will turn out. Every event is different, and every painting tells a unique story.”

Learn more at taylorannedesign.com.