Hi Krystyna! Let’s start at the beginning — can you tell us a bit about yourself and Nowa Art Studio?
I’m a live wedding painter with a background in architecture, blending artistic detail with heartfelt storytelling. For the past few years, I’ve been capturing romantic moments from weddings and special events as they happen, turning them into paintings on canvas. My live painting experience not only creates a one-of-a-kind keepsake for couples, but also offers a beautiful and memorable form of entertainment for guests. Each piece is created in the moment, with a focus on emotion, atmosphere, and connection.
Live painting is still quite a new idea for some couples. Where should they start when thinking about entertainment or live art for their wedding?
I always suggest starting with how you want your guests to feel. Every part of your day — from music to décor to entertainment — should reflect your story and the atmosphere you want to create.
Live painting is perfect for couples who want to bring a sense of artistry, emotion, and theatre to their day. It’s not just entertainment; it’s a living memory being created in real time. Imagine your guests pausing between toasts to watch the painting develop, especially if it’s capturing a key moment like the first dance or having their custom live guests sketches done. It becomes both entertainment, a lasting memory and a keepsake they can take home.
That sounds like such a special experience for guests. If a couple is interested in live painting, what information do you need from them to put together a quote?
To provide a tailored quote, I usually ask for a few key details:
• Your wedding date and venue (to confirm availability and travel)
• The moment you’d like captured, for example, the ceremony, first dance, or reception
• Whether you’re interested in live guest sketching, and how many hours you’d like covered
• If you’d like a second service added on the day, such as a studio-style couple portrait
• Any style preferences
I offer different packages depending on the level of detail, from more relaxed, impressionistic portraits to highly detailed and realistic pieces.
You clearly think a lot about the overall feel of the day. From your experience, what do you think is most important for couples to consider when planning their wedding?
Think about the experience you want to create, not just the timeline. Your wedding should unfold like a beautiful story, with art, music, food, and emotion flowing seamlessly together. Having suppliers around you who understand your vision — and can adapt if plans change — makes a huge difference. That way, you can stay present and actually enjoy the day.
That makes a lot of sense. And when it comes to wedding day timelines, is there anything couples should keep in mind — especially if they’re considering live painting?
Ensure there’s enough breathing space to enjoy each moment. Live painting, for instance, thrives when there’s time to observe, absorb, and interpret. Allow space in your schedule for your painter to capture the atmosphere organically — the flicker of candlelight, a whispered laugh, a fleeting embrace. Don’t rush art; let it unfold alongside the magic of the day.
If couples want to make it extra special, I also recommend including a painting reveal in the schedule. This is where the finished piece is presented to the couple in front of their guests, which often becomes a really memorable moment.
That painting reveal sounds like a really memorable moment. How would you describe your painting style?
My style is romantic impressionism with a realistic feel. I focus on capturing light, emotion, and connection rather than rigid realism (which is not less important in my work). Every brushstroke is intentional — layered with depth, texture, and warmth — so the finished painting feels like a visual memory rather than a photograph. My palette often features realistic colours of the venue and the couple; and reflects the rhythm of the celebration.
It must be incredible to watch a piece come together during such an emotional day. What’s your favourite part of live painting for a couple?
Witnessing love materialize in real time and the intimacy of creating art surrounded by laughter, music, and emotion. Guests are always curious and engaged, which makes them part of the story too. But my favourite moment comes later, when I present the finished piece to the couple and see their reaction. It’s pure magic: a tangible heirloom born from one unforgettable day.
Is there anything else you’d recommend to couples who are currently planning their wedding?
Choose suppliers who make you feel calm, inspired, and understood. Trust their artistry and let them elevate your vision. And remember, your wedding is a reflection of you, not a checklist. Prioritise joy, meaning, and connection. The best celebrations always feel personal, not perfect.
Finally, what is it about working at Hylands Estate that you enjoy most?
Hylands Estate is a dream canvas. Its architecture, sweeping grounds, and luminous interiors offer endless inspiration — from the romantic symmetry of the Banqueting Room to the soft natural light spilling through its grand windows.
Every corner feels cinematic. The atmosphere there allows me to blend elegance with authenticity, creating artwork that feels timeless and utterly bespoke to each couple.
Thank you, Krystyna, for sharing your story and insight with us. We can’t wait to welcome you back to Hylands Estate for our next Wedding Showcase on Sunday 18th January.