Watercolor, Fashion & Real Weddings
Your Favorite Wedding Artist's Journal
Real weddings, behind-the-scenes studio life, and honest takes on the live art industry—by Portland wedding artist Danison. Because some of us like to read.
MY FAVORITE BLOGS
Your guide to live watercolor guest portraits.
New to live watercolor guest portraits? Start here, friend. I'll walk you through how guest portraits work, what’s included, and why they’ve become a favorite for stylish celebrations.
Guest Portrait Basics
What Is a Live Wedding Artist and How Does It Work?
A simple guide to what live wedding art is, how the experience works, and where it fits into your wedding day.
Start here
Live Art Options
Watercolor Guest Portraits vs Live Wedding Painting
Compare two popular wedding art experiences so you can choose the one that fits your celebration best.
Compare options
Investment Guide
Wedding Guest Portraits: What Your Investment Covers
Learn what goes into live watercolor guest portraits beyond the painting time, from prep to post-event delivery.
Understand the investment
Guest Experience
Wedding Guest Experiences: Favors Are Officially Out
A fresh look at why couples are choosing meaningful guest experiences over traditional wedding favors.
Rethink guest favors
Orchard in Bloom Styled Shoot: Live Watercolor Guest Portraits on the Oregon Coast
This one was something special, my friends. On April 29, 2025, I packed up my brushes and joined an insanely fun styled shoot at The Venue at Pelican Brewing in Pacific City, Oregon. The theme? Orchard in Bloom. Think rainbow fruit, breezy florals, and a splash of coastal charm—all inspired by those colorful Lenox plates you might've seen on your grandma’s fancy shelf (but make it modern wedding).
A Magical Night at Epping Forest Yacht Club
March 9th was one for the books—a wedding filled with love, laughter, and live artistry as I had the absolute joy of painting live watercolor guest portraits for Julia and Jesse’s big day. Their venue? The breathtaking Epping Forest Yacht Club in Jacksonville, a place so enchanting it felt like a cross between a fairy tale castle and The Princess Diaries mansion.
A Full-Circle Moment at My First Oregon Event
The event was a volunteer recognition night hosted by ASPET (American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics) in Portland’s Pearl District. I had my little watercolor station all set up at Hunt & Gather Catering, ready to create portraits.
Unique Wedding Activities That Keep Your Guests Engaged
Weddings are about love, celebration, and—let’s be real—making unforgettable memories. But beyond the gorgeous florals and delicious food, what makes a wedding truly stand out? The experience. Couples today aren’t just looking for a beautiful event; they want their guests to have a unique, interactive, and meaningful time. That’s where live art and personalization come in.
How to Choose the Perfect Spot for Live Watercolor Guest Portraits at Your Venue
Choosing the perfect spot for live watercolor guest portraits can make a big difference in creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for your guests. In this blog post, I’ll tell you how to select the ideal location at your venue to ensure your live portrait station is a hit!