About

Based in Milwaukee, WI, Nina Lee Avis is an award-winning artist with over 20 years of painting experience. Working primarily in oils and acrylics, her pieces have been displayed in museums and galleries across the country. Nina earned a BFA in painting from the University of North Florida and an MA in Arts in Medicine from the University of Florida, demonstrating her dedication not only to artistic mastery, but to sharing the joy and meaning the arts bring to our lives. Using her extensive experience in figure painting and portraiture, Nina has started painting weddings with a detailed and realistic style that is unique among live event and wedding painters. With technical skill and an eye for subtle shifts in value and color, she brings her subjects to life with an essence that can only be captured in paint.

A photo of the artist painting live on an easel at a wedding venue.

FAQs

Prices vary by canvas size, location, and special requests (such as the addition of persons other than the couple). Portraits of the couple in the scene of their choice (first look, first kiss, etc.) start at $1,280 for a 14”x18” canvas.
Before your wedding, we will have a conversation via video call, phone, or email to discuss the vision for your painting. On your big day, I will show up early to set up, and take a photo of your desired scene for the painting (or use a photo taken by your photographer if arranged). I will paint at the venue for 6-8 providing entertainment and a one of a kind experience for you and your guests.
Most paintings will be finished by the end of the night. Paintings of the first look allow for the most onsite painting time. If you would like a painting of a moment occurring later, or if the canvas size is larger, the painting may need to be brought back to the studio for the final touches. You can arrange to pick up or have the painting shipped to you if it is finished in studio.
Please ask your venue to provide a small table, such as a cocktail table for my paint and brushes. A space near an outlet where guests can view the process is ideal. All painting materials will be provided.
If booking for live guest painting please ask your venue for a table (large enough for the finished guest portraits) and chair for me to paint and display finished pieces.
Live paintings and commissions are painted on your choice of standard or gallery wrapped canvas. Standard has a depth of ¾ of an inch and is perfect for displaying with a frame. Sizes available on my price sheet reflect standard sizes that can easily be placed in any store bought frame and secured with frame/canvas clips. Gallery wrapped has a thicker depth of 1 ½ inches and is typically displayed without a frame.
Live paintings on canvas are painted with Golden heavy body acrylics, which are fast drying, allowing you to take home a finished painting at the end of the event. For larger, more complicated, or paintings started later in the evening, final touches will be completed in studio and may be done in acrylic or oil. For paintings finished in oil, there may be an additional two weeks of drying time required.
Live guest portraits are sketched with Copic pens and painted with watercolor on your choice of 4”x6” or 5”x7” paper.