Nola Live Painting LLC  by  Kristen Schenck 

I was born in New Orleans and raised in St. Charles Parish.  My  grandfather (pawpaw) was a sign painter by profession and artist.  Art was something I was always around and something I loved from my earliest memories. 

I recall during my grammar school years, between school and gymnastics, I would draw gymnasts and other people.  I would bring my drawing to my Paw Paw as he relaxed in his recliner, after a long day of sign painting.  He would critique my work by offering advise and suggestions on how to improve my drawing and shading skills.  I can remember watching in amazement as he drew cartoon characters for me.  He would create wonderful images in seconds which back then would take me hours to draw. 

My love for art continued throughout my High School years.

After High School I had various jobs that had nothing to do with art but I never lost my desire to create and draw.   I was commissioned to draw murals for businesses in the New Orleans area, sketched out t-shirt designs for other entities and I even painted slates for the Ursuline Sisters. 

While attending the University of New Orleans, I came to enjoy using acrylic paints.  While at UNO, I studied art, marketing and history graduating with a Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies. 

A family friend had seen a live wedding painter in Colorado in 2006 and had mentioned the idea to me, it sounded very intriguing. 

 It wasn't until 2016 when a work friend , who heard me talk about my desire to paint live multiple times, offered for me to paint her wedding.  Within that same week, another friend who worked for a wedding venue, asked if I would like to paint their open house.  March of that year Nola Live Painting came into existence. 

I am now in my 10th year of painting live, for hundreds of couples and thousands of guests. 

Painting live has been the most enjoyable and exciting adventure.    It has blossomed into a wonderful career.  I give all the credit to my husband, family and friends for helping me follow my dreams. 

Kristen

my story

Photo courtesy of Collin Richie