Ben Keys

International Fine Art Live Wedding Painter based in Charleston, SC

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The live Wedding Painting

Experience

From the initial creative vision to the final piece, Ben Keys Fine Art Studio delivers artistry, professionalism, and heirloom quality.

"Having Ben Keys paint our ceremony was truly the most unique detail we could have had on our special day!"

"The painting was such a fun part that our guests loved and we are still hearing compliments of how special it was. We had an outdoor ceremony under oak trees in a park and Ben captured it so perfectly! Ben and Jennifer Keys were both so personable and professional with us and our guests that we couldn’t be happier. Now we have a gorgeous painting that was created right where we said our vows to remember our special day!"

"If you want to make an incredible impact with your guests, and have the additional benefit of a truly memorable and creative moment from your wedding, commission a painting with Ben & Jen Keys."

Melinda

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How Live Wedding Painting WORKS

OUR PROCESS

Planning + Consultations

It all starts with a plan. We plan a creative call one month before the event to walk through the key people and details to include in the painting. (All of them, we know!)

01

Your Wedding

Ben will arrive a few hours early to set up and begin painting live. As guests arrive, they see the beginning stages of the sketch and watch the painting come to life. The biggest crowd forms around the easel the moment Ben adds you into the painting!

02

Back to the studio

... for in studio finishing touches! Ben values this time refining the details ... and this is usually when he adds in the pups!

03

Delivery

The best part. We send a digital preview of your finished live wedding painting 8-10 weeks after the big day. Once we hear you love the piece, we arrange to have the painting shipped or coordinate local pickup.

04

Style your painting

Pop the Bubbly ... or Bourbon, it's time to find the perfect wall in your home to style your wedding painting.

05

What medium do you paint in?

Ben uses acrylic paint for his live wedding paintings.  They are fast drying, odorless, and so vibrant in color!

Do you offer finishing touches?

After each wedding, Ben brings the live painting back to our studio in Charleston, SC, for finishing touches.  

How is the painting shipped?

We use a local shipping company that specializes in packaging fine art for the premier Charleston art galleries.  They paintings arrive to you "ready to style": stretched, wired, and ready to hang!

Can you travel to our wedding?

Yes! For the last 10 years, the majority of our weddings have been out-of-state. True Story: Ben can breeze through TSA faster with a paint kit than Jen can her makeup bag. 

When do we decide the moment to be painted?

Our Creative Call is planned about one month leading up to the wedding. We do not need to know the subject of the painting in order to book your date.

Can we gift Live painting as a surprise?

Yes! Could there be a more special wedding gift for a newly married couple? We love sharing successful SURPRISE live paintings pulled off over the years!

Are guests able to talk with ben?

Yes! Ben can talk and paint at the same time, and loves engaging with your guests. We absolutely embrace the entertainment side of the live painting!

How much space does been require?

We are flexible with your ceremony or reception space! Plan on a 10x10ft area for guests to comfortably gather to view the painting throughout the night. 

Does Ben require a table or chair?

No! We love keeping Ben's setup minimal! Ben actually prefers to paint standing and his easel holds everything he needs to create the painting.

Will I need to purchase a frame?

Framing is completely optional! The painting arrives "ready to style" with edges painted and properly wired. Canvas Floater Frames are available as an additional purchase

Can you assist with additional prints?

Yes! We are happy to assist you in bringing your painting to life through additional printed pieces, such as thank you cards and personal stationery.

How soon should we book our date?

Our couples book as much as 10-18 months in advance. His calendar fills quickly as he typically only accepts one out-of-state wedding per weekend.

Frequently asked questions

"He is extremely talented...

at capturing what scenery and people truly look like while still putting his own unique touch on the painting. As a bonus, he and his lovely wife Jennifer are a pleasure to work with and our guests really enjoyed watching the painting progress during the reception. I know this is something that we will always treasure."

Tammy

Our couples

cherish moments with loved ones

Our couples

have an eye for the finer details

Our couples

treasure lasting family heirlooms

"We hired Ben before our daughter was even engaged!"

When trend becomes tradition. Quite possibly the highest compliment we could ever receive is being hired by families to create live paintings for each sibling. After painting for her sister years before, Rhett's mom knew she wanted to have Ben return to paint another.

Rhett & robbie

Ready to book?

Let Us Paint Your Love Story.

If you're looking for an unforgettable guest experience on your wedding day, and an heirloom to have and hold forever... we would love to share more about Ben's live wedding paintings. Inquire with us to learn more and reserve your date.