When it comes to creating unforgettable wedding experiences, it’s often the little details that leave the biggest impact. Britt Schoenmaker from Britt Shoo Art is a Brisbane-based artist bringing a unique and personal touch to weddings with her live watercolour guest portraits.
Specialising in custom live illustrations, Britt provides couples and their guests with not just entertainment, but also a cherished keepsake to remember the day by. Guests have the opportunity to visit Britt’s station and be painted from a polaroid photo ensuring no one misses out on the festivities. Her ability to create art, personalisation and professionalism makes her service a true standout addition to any wedding.
I recently interviewed Britt to learn more about her journey, the process behind her live portraits and the heartfelt reactions that make her work so rewarding.
- How did Britt Shoo Art come about and how did you transition into creating live wedding guest portraits?
Britt Shoo Art started in June 2023 when I came down with a very mild case of Covid. I was unable to work in my nursing job and became confined to my home for a week. I found some old art supplies and began experimenting with watercolours, painting miniature renditions of iconic Australian treats like Iced VoVo’s and Bubble O’ Bills. Over the following weeks, I kept painting and started posting them on Facebook Marketplace to sell. To my surprise, they were very popular and I began accepting commissions for everything from portraits to pet and house paintings.
Then in July 2023, a couple reached out asking if I would consider painting live guest portraits at their wedding. Inspired by live artists I had seen online, I welcomed the challenge. I practiced a lot in the lead up to their wedding and fell in love with the experience on the day. It is a lot of fun! Now here I am over a year later and almost at capacity for weddings in 2025!
- What does a typical wedding day look like for you as a live portrait artist? How do you setup and prepare?
A typical wedding day for me is spent getting ready and travelling to the venue in the afternoon. I will arrive at a wedding before the ceremony and set up. I have a small table and chair that I bring with me, with my paper and paint ready to go – I start to capture the guests. I spend 2-3 hours at a wedding, usually during cocktail hour. - How do you balance capturing each guest within a limited time frame? Do you continue working after the wedding or do guests get to take their portrait home with them on the day?
I am very upfront about time frames with couples when we are in the preliminary stages of planning. For larger weddings, I may take some portraits home to complete and later mail them to the couple. However, for the majority of events, guests can take their portraits home on the same day. Most guests are incredibly understanding and willing to wait if I run out of time during the event.
- Do you work with specific materials that are ideal for your live sketches and paintings?
Yes, I use a high quality watercolour paper with a selection of different watercolour paints. I have trialled many different products but feel I have found the perfect combination for my live portraits. I have also started offering customised embossed paper for my couples, a great way to personalise the portraits to their wedding date. - What is a memorable moment or guest reaction from the last year that has stood out to you the most?
Guest reactions to their portraits are always so fun to watch, I really do need to get better and try to capture their reactions to share. One standout memory isn’t tied to a single moment but rather the messages I receive afterward. People often send me photos of their framed portraits, displayed in their homes. It’s surreal to know my work becomes such a cherished keepsake. - How long does it typically take you to create each guest portrait?
Each portrait takes approximately 5–7 minutes to complete. If a guest is wearing an intricate outfit, I may spend a bit more time to capture the details accurately. - Do you have any favourite artists or influences that inspire your art style?
My art style is varied as I do not like to be confined to one niche or one medium. Outside of painting at weddings and events, I gravitate to working on hyper realistic drawings and paintings. This interest was sparked when I came across Cj Hendry’s work many years ago. Her work is awe-inspiring! - What is one piece of advice you would give to couples considering live wedding portraits for their wedding day?
Live guest illustration is still a relatively new concept in Australian weddings, but it’s a unique and interactive way to entertain your guests and provide a keepsake from your day that they will want to take home. My advice would be to trust the process and embrace the experience—there are a few live artists around now and we all offer different skills, so I would recommend finding one whose style you really love.
Britt’s live guest portraits are more than just artwork—they’re a meaningful and memorable way to entertain your guests while giving them a keepsake they’ll treasure forever. If you’re looking for a unique addition to your wedding day that combines creativity and personalisation, Britt Shoo Art is an incredible choice.
To see more of Britt’s beautiful work and to stay updated on her latest projects, follow her on Instagram at @brittshooart.
