Live Watercolor Portraits

Carmen creates pencil-and-watercolor illustrations of your guests during the celebration. Each original is painted on high-quality 5×7-inch watercolor paper and placed in a clear protective sleeve—a personal keepsake to take home.

No long sitting is needed. Carmen takes a quick reference photo, then guests can return to the celebration or stay to watch. Finished portraits are displayed for collection at their convenience.

Plan for approximately five portraits per hour with one artist. Each illustration can feature one, two, or three guests. A portrait typically takes around 10 minutes, but group sizes, detail, and the pace of the event affect the total. These are estimates, not a guaranteed guest count.

Carmen completes as many portraits as possible during your booked time; a standard booking does not guarantee every guest a portrait. Additional trusted artists may be available for an extra fee if you would like more guests illustrated. Share your priorities before booking so the coverage can be planned.

Live guest portrait packages begin at $900 for two hours. Longer bookings are available at an effective rate of $400 per hour. Travel outside of the KC metro is quoted separately. Additional trusted artists may be available for an extra fee. Contact Carmen with your date, location, guest count, and desired coverage before purchasing to confirm availability and your exact quote. Bride-and-groom canvas paintings are a separate option; contact Carmen for pricing.

The standard package covers portraits completed live at the event. Optional portraits for selected guests can be finished afterward in Carmen’s studio at $250 per hour, plus shipping. Arrange this separately with Carmen; it is not automatically included in your event package.

Your booking includes on-site illustration, professional art supplies, 5×7-inch watercolor paper, protective sleeves, and a sign explaining how guests can join the portrait list and collect their artwork. Carmen arrives approximately 30–45 minutes before the guest start time to set up.

Please have a table at least three feet wide, a tablecloth (preferably dark), and a comfortable chair ready before Carmen arrives. Choose a well-lit spot or one near a light source, with access to a working electrical outlet if needed.

Carmen is based in Kansas City and available to travel. She serves the Missouri and Kansas sides of the metro and welcomes inquiries for celebrations farther afield. Include your venue and city so travel availability and any additional fees can be confirmed.

Yes! Carmen also creates live watercolor portraits of just the bride and groom on an 11 × 14 or 16 × 20 canvas. This is a separate option from the smaller guest portraits. Contact Carmen with your date and location for availability and pricing.