Kitty Smothers is an artist. She has been painting since she was a child.

As she grew up, she not only painted, she fell in love with the art of painting. Smothers soon became known for her artwork, especially her ability to capture the moment; whether it was a rural landscape or the face of a young child.

A few years ago, Smothers was asked to do a live wedding painting.

“Live wedding painting has its roots far into the past,” Smothers said. “Long before cameras, kings and queens and other wealthy people commissioned artists to capture a special occasion on canvas. Those paintings were passed along to future generations as special mementoes.”

Smothers said today some traditional artists set up their paints and easels during a wedding and reception and paint the bride and groom at the venue to create a unique and customized piece of artwork that will last long after the honeymoon.

“Live wedding painting captures the beauty of the moment,” she said.

Several years ago, a friend asked Smothers if she would consider painting at her niece’s wedding. Ultimately Smothers declined.

“I was afraid that I wouldn’t be able to deal with the pressure of completing a painting in such a limited amount of time,” Smothers said. “A little time passed and someone else asked me to do one and I decided to give it a try.  That evening I fell in love with live wedding painting.

“Artists often experience something called ‘flow,’ which occurs when you get into a groove and the inspiration is literally flowing off of your brushes. You lose track of time. This just happens to me at weddings. It is exciting and scary at all the same time.”

For Smothers, a routine is most important.

“I arrive a few hours before the ceremony starts,” Smothers said. “I set up my easel, paints and other supplies and create a beautiful ‘studio area’ that adds to the whole aesthetic of the venue. I begin painting the background on my canvas based on what the bride and groom have chosen.

“As guests arrive, they often gather around my easel and watch me work.  I snap a photo of the moment the couple would like painted; their first kiss or walking down the aisle.”

Then Smothers said she paints the couple onto the canvas and spends the rest of the reception completing the work.

“One of my most favorite moments is revealing the painting to the newlyweds,” Smothers said. “Usually, I can complete the painting on the same day and leave it with the family.”

 Smothers said painting faces and figures has always been a focus of her work.

“I think those years of experience have really prepared me to be a live wedding painter,” she said. “I look forward to continuing to share this gift with more couples around the Southeast. I love going to new places. Who wouldn’t want to spend time doing what they love at gorgeous chapels, historic mansions and scenic overlooks?”