Kewish Contemporary | Live Wedding Painting
VIC
About
“A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art.”
– Paul Cézanne
Hi. This is Harley of Kewish Contemporary; he’s an artist and a storyteller. It’s not a trade. It’s not a job, or a hobby. If you were to ask him how long he’s been doing this, you might get an answer along the lines of ‘Since I can remember.’
Art is a journey. We’re creative from the moment we’re born. It’s a collection of experiences and stories. It speaks to the soul, and if you listen closely, you might find in colours and shapes something that there are no words for. For that reason, Harley can’t wait to paint yours. A painting that melts two souls into the same story: your story of passion and longing; of wonder and mood; of vulnerability and romance.
It’s all you – the unapologetic, authentic You. The peaceful dance when no one’s watching, the inside joke that you had to be there for, the cheeky smile from across the room, and the world you’ve already filled with colour. Anyone can paint in a workshop, but it’s out there in the world with your people that his studio thrives. Like a moth to flame, this evocative authenticity inspires the unique style he brings to Live Wedding Painting, inspired by 19th-20th century impressionists and expressionists.
Arts communities and collectors in Gippsland (Gunaikurnai) have known and awarded his name for close to a decade. He’s created, mentored, collaborated, consulted, judged and exhibited. This is Harley, and on behalf of Gippsland’s own classically-trained Live Wedding Painter, this is our invitation to you.
Forget the icebreaker, you’re already welcome at this studio.
REAL WEDDINGS
2025 couple Chrissy & Brian style their world in a timeless black-and-white:
“The way Harley’s used blacks and greys is so visually surprising; where it sits on the wall, the portrait catches the sun at different times of the day, and those greys look like they change colour. There’s so much colour!”
2024 couple Tea & Josh show off their conversation piece:
“Such an amazing job on our painting – it’s hanging in our living room so that everyone can see it. I’ll be sitting down on the couch, relaxing, and just get caught by it. It’s crazy that we have a painting of us and the kids in our house. I can’t get over it.”
Friends and family at Ducky & AJ’s enchantingly boho celebration are obsessed:
“It’s so interesting, getting to watch the painting build over the day – but picking Harley’s brain about the process as well!”
Faq’s
Tell me all about the process!
Before the celebration even begins, you will be invited to a personal design consult to chat about the scene and composition, but more importantly, get a vibe for eachother so that your portrait perfectly reflects you, your space and your story. Harley will set up an hour before the wedding starts, and spends the rest of the night painting for you and your guests' entertainment as your Live Wedding Painter while your guests are invited to chat and enjoy the unique experience of watching the painting develop over time.
How long does a live wedding painting take?
After the easel is packed away, Harley will take your live wedding painting back to the studio to work the finishing touches, apply an archival varnish, and get your portrait ready to hang up and look amazing from the moment it's in your home. This can be up to an additional 40 hours, as determined by your desired package - expect a turnaround of 8-12 weeks to allow enough time for each layer of oil paint and varnish to set.
Does the live wedding painting come framed?
The Signature and Master Packages include a professional gallery frame made locally in Gippsland. This is also available as an add-on to the Studio Package. All paintings will be professionally prepared with wire to hang up from the moment they're delivered.
I'm not getting married in Gippsland!
Harley's focus as a Live Wedding Painter is within Gippsland, and any travel costs are included in quotes within 75km of his studio in Sale, Victoria. However, he also loves travelling. Affordable travel packages are offered for regions further out, such as South Gippsland, Yarra Valley, Melbourne, and Interstate.