Live painting is growing in the Athens music scene and allows artists to a different form of expression.
Instead of focusing on the band performing on stage, live painters are turned toward their canvases to depict the music and atmosphere of the night.
Live painting is a newer medium of expression added to the music scene that allows the creation of artwork reflecting immediate inspiration.
“It’s getting it out of the galleries and getting out of the old, old artist elite scene and bringing it where the music is and where the celebration is,” said Vince Krivda, a live painter from Columbus who got involved in the art form three years ago. “It has become a real part of the experience.”
Live painting deviates from the traditional artwork process — instead of only seeing a final product, the audience gets to see the work every step of the way. This results in an authentic connection between the audience and the painter, Krivda said.
Each individual painter takes different approaches to live painting and draws from different influences, he added. Even the styles of music that particular night can change the painting.
“(My approach) is less premeditative,” he said. “I’ll go without any preconceived ideas or any formula or approach and just kind go with the groove of the music and that has a lot to do with how the painting comes out.”
Krivda’s approach is more music driven and puts an emphasis on the creation rather than the final product, but this is not the same for all painters, he said.
Artists sometimes go outside of the traditional definition of fine art and use materials unrelated to painting, Krivda said. Krivda makes use of permanent markers in many of his works.
Live painting is incredibly flexible, Krivida said, adding there’s a variety of ways that artists approach the practice. For example, some come with preplanned designs, but others are completely spontaneous in the way they approach their painting.
Lauren Shea, a live painter from Columbus who performed at Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery, 24 W. Union St., said her mood is the biggest influence on her pieces.
“I take myself seriously, but when it comes to painting, I am pretty free with it,” Shea said. “I don’t really have a set idea. Occasionally, I’ll go in saying, ‘I want to paint this tonight.’ But usually, I start painting and the image finds itself.”
Shea said live painting provides a sense of community. Because people are able to see her process, they can ask questions and create a connection.
She added that she’s more expressive while live painting than in the studio because the focus is having fun. She is able to have a good time while being productive and growing as an artist.
“It’s a great way to put yourself as an artist out there, get exposure, meet new people while working on your practice,” she said.
But live painting involves more than paintbrushes and an easel, Krivda said. Plans are made ahead of time to coordinate the technical logistics such as having lights prepared that are not distracting for the painters.
“A lot of time, shows may start at 10 p.m. but I’ve been working on the show since 10 a.m.,” Krivda said.
Both artists painted at Jackie O’s on Saturday for a NORML fundraiser. The paintings made at the event will be auctioned off, said Eleanor Ahrens, president of the Southeast Ohio NORML, the local chapter of a national marijuana advocacy group.
“I’ve seen them paint live and they do really well,” Ahrens said. “They kind of paint with the flow of the music and they’re really an important part of our fundraising activity.”
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