Rooftop 101 Constitution Avenue Wedding Painting

Rooftop 101 Constitution Avenue Wedding Painting, 24x30", Patricia Bennett

Such a spectacular wedding with a view of the United States Capitol!

Congratulations to the Bride and Groom!

Rooftop View of U.S. Capitol from 101 Constitution Avenue, photo by Patricia Bennett

 I arrived early to find the tables laid out under a great tent

tent on the rooftop of 101 Constitution Avenue, photo by Patricia Bennett

and Bianca Ndlovu of A Beyoutiful Fete Events and I worked out the best place to set up.  There were gusts of wind, so the Bianca put down the clear plastic tent flaps. 

Painting before the guests arrived for the reception, by Patricia Bennett

Dusk Rooftop View of U.S. Capitol from 101 Constitution Avenue, photo by Patricia Bennett

End of the night Live Painting by Patricia Bennett

Evening Rooftop View of U.S. Capitol from 101 Constitution Avenue, photo by Patricia Bennett

Pretty flowers at the Wedding, photo by Patricia Bennett, flowers by Floral and Bloom Designs

Roof of:
101 Constitution Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20001

Planner:
A Beyoutiful Fete Events and Design, Bianca Ndlovu (really amazing)

Band:
Bachelor Boys (great as always)

Cake:
Buttercream Bakeshop

Catering:
Charlie Palmers

Photography:
Erin Krespan

Decor:
Fabrications Events

White Glove Rentals

Social Supply Events

Florals (really beautiful):
Floral and Bloom Designs

Hair/Makeup:
Style Me Bar

Cookies and Dessert:
Vaccaros Italian Pastry

Tocqueville Society Live Painting Inner City Baltimore School

Cover of Tocqueville Society's 2018 Book featuring Live Painting by Patricia Bennett

Inset of the Tocqueville Society's 2018 Book

End of Day, Live Painting of Maree Garnett Farring Elementary School Children Playing, photo by Patricia Bennett

Maree Garnett Farring Elementary School Children Playing, painted by Patricia Bennett

The United Way of Central Maryland's Senior Vice President and Chief Principal Gifts Officer Holly Hoey called me in March 2018 to see if I'd be interested in painting children playing on the playground at one of the struggling schools in Baltimore City, a school that the United Way has been involved with, The Maree Garnett Farring Elementary School.

sketch of the playground composition, by Patricia Bennett

I was thrilled and honored to be thought of for this.  The painting of these children playing was going to be used as the cover of the book for the generous people of the Tocqueville Society, a special group of donors to the United Way of Central Maryland.

My homework was to see the playground.  The playground depicted would be at the Boys and Girls Club next to the school, as it was a very nice playground.  Natalie Dixon showed me the area in April.  I took photos and did sketches and figured out a design for the painting which fit the format of the book (the center of the painting was to be the spine of the book, so I made that a pole on the playset, and there needed to be symmetry to the activity in the painting.)


May 3, 2018 was the day.  I arrived around 9:30am and started painting.  I had an umbrella to keep off the sun.  The children arrived with their teachers and Holly from the United Way and ran and played.  It was a very hot day.  They were extremely curious about the painting and enjoyed finding themselves and their classmates in it.

Patricia Bennett painting Maree Garnett Farring Elementary School children playing, photo by Holly Hoey

Patricia Bennett with some of the Maree Garnett Farring Elementary School children depicted in the painting, photo by Holly Hoey

It was a delightful experience for me to meet these children and to be involved in a small way in the wonderful work that the United Way is doing.

Thank you to everyone at the United Way, especially Holly Hoey and Natalie Dixon.  And whoever designed the book is incredibly talented. 



United Way of Central Maryland
1800 Washington Boulevard, Suite 340
Baltimore, MD 21230
Phone: 410-547-8000

Maree Garnett Farring Elementary School
300 Pontiac Ave, Brooklyn, MD  21225, United States

Boys and Girls Club
3560 3rd Street
Brooklyn, Maryland 21225

Hay-Adams Hotel Wedding and Reception Painting

On October 20, 2018, I was hired to paint a special wedding on the top floor of the Hay-Adams Hotel, located facing the White House in Washington D.C.

24x36", Wedding and Reception at the Hay-Adams Hotel, painted by Patricia Bennett

 Before I arrived I asked the Bride what she wanted captured in the painting, and she especially wanted the night view of the White House.

Live Painting at the Hay-Adams Hotel with View of White House, by Patricia Bennett

Since I arrive several hours before the wedding starts, I saw the day view, but painted it as if it was already dark.

I painted the ceremony and then the sun went down, and painted the reception for the rest of the evening, including their first dance.

Guests admired the stunning view all night.

Congratulations to the Bride and Groom!  

View of the White House from the Hay-Adams Hotel, photo by Patricia Bennett

First set-up by Patricia Bennett to get the view of the White House at the Hay-Adams Hotel

Hay-Adams Hotel hanging up candles for the Wedding that evening, photo by Patricia Bennett

Beginning of the Wedding Painting at the Hay-Adams Hotel of a night scene featuring the White House

Ceremony Musicians finding themselves in the Wedding Painting, photo by Patricia Bennett

Glowing White House at dusk, view from the Hay-Adams Hotel, photo by Patricia Bennett

Hay-Adams Hotel: https://www.hayadams.com/
address: 800 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20006

Thirtieth Birthday Party Live Painting at Oakdene in Baltimore County, September 10, 2016

Thirtieth Birthday Party Live Painting at Oakdene in Baltimore County, September 10, 2016, painted by Patricia Bennett

I was really thrilled to paint this, honored to be hired.  If you look closely you can see a horse on the right.

A lovely dinner with Beck n Call servers, Beck n Call is owned by Tammie Monaco, who is in the painting on the right.  And the food and wine were provided by Wit and Wisdom, who are located at the Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore, with their Sommelier present to explain the wines and spirits.

Linens provided by Dulaney Noble's Gala Cloths, and flowers organized by Stiles Colwill, owner of Halcyon Antiques.

Process: Before the event I visited the space to determine with the host where the best place for me to set up would be.  I needed to be out of the way of the dozen servers and wanted to center the focus on the star of the event.  Centering the mantle seemed like the best option.  I chose to leave out several feet of the room so that the view outside could be seen; Oakdene has a stunning view.

After the event I placed a missing important guest on the left of the host and added their dog, Pippa.

Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore Wedding and Reception Live Painting, June 4, 2016

Four Seasons Hotel Baltimore Wedding and Reception Live Painting, painted by Patricia Bennett

Congratulations to the Bride and Groom and to their families!

A stunning wedding and reception at the Four Seasons Baltimore, showing the view out of the windows of the Cobalt Room.  Organized by Stephanie Bradshaw, Rachel Avera, and team.  Vendors included Flowers and Fancies and many others.

I combined the ceremony and reception into one painting, even though they took place in the Cobalt Room and the Grand Ballroom respectively.

The wedding is featured in world famous blog Style Me Pretty.

Enoch Pratt Free Library Waverly Branch Annual BookFest September 17, 2016 Live Painting

Enoch Pratt Free Library Waverly Branch Annual BookFest September 17, 2016, painted by Patricia Bennett

Ann Giroux invited me to take part in this Annual Event at the Waverly Branch of the Enoch Pratt Public Library.  I set up my easel and painted for several hours.

Baltimore has a lot of personality, it was so much fun to meet people and talk to children about how anyone can paint.  Many people say that they cannot draw a straight line, well who can.  That's what rulers are for.  Art is for everyone.  

The painting is on display at the Waverly Branch of the Public Library.

Waverly Branch Address:
400 E. 33rd Street
Baltimore, MD 21218

Park Savoy Wedding Reception Live Painting

Park Savoy Wedding Reception Painting, November 19, 2016, painted by Patricia Bennett

Congratulations to the Bride and Groom and to their families!

The Park Savoy is https://www.theparksavoy.com/ located in Florham Park, New Jersey.

Gallop to the Garden, Old Line Society at Ladew Topiary Gardens, Concert Live Painting July 17, 2016

Painted for the Old Line Society at Ladew Topiary Gardens "Groovin in the Grass" concert series July 17, 2016.  Painting was auctioned September 16, 2016 to raise money for the Ladew Education Fund.

Ladew Topiary Gardens Concert 2016, 24x30", painted by Patricia Bennett for the Old Line Society

Patricia Bennett painting at Ladew Topiary Gardens Concert, photo by Jeremy Batoff

Process:
Unfamiliar with Ladew, but aware that Gallop to the Garden would involve guests walking from the polo fields to the Barn, I ran to the polo fields and back and determined, with the guidance of Emily Emerick, the Executive Director, that polo, the Barn, and the Sculpture Garden Tour would not work for a live painting: too much movement.  Therefore Ladew Staff set up a tent in the Bowl so I could paint the concert and the estimated 800 guests, due to start at 6pm.  The sun was beating down; without the tent it would have been impossible to paint: Ladew Staff went above and beyond to help me.

After starting the painting at 3, I drove to the adjacent Polo fields to watch part of the exciting Polo match with the Old Line Society.  There I took a few photos, which were later used to add polo players to the painting.  Then, back in the Bowl, I painted until the concert ended at 8pm.

I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Old Line Society for raising the funds for the 2013 Artist in Residence Program at Cylburn Arboretum.  As Artist in Residence not only did I find inspiration in the nature and gardens at Cylburn, but I met the people, Karen Smith and Nancy Hill in particular, who make Cylburn what it is.  It was a wonderful life-changing year for me, and the Old Line Society's generosity and philanthropy made it possible.

Address of Ladew Topiary Gardens: 3535 Jarrettsville Pike, Monkton, MD 21111

Website: ladewgardens.com

Hillendale Country Club Painted Wedding Reception, September 27, 2014

Wedding Reception at the Hillendale Country Club, September 27, 2014, painted by Patricia Bennett

Congratulations to the couple!

Their wedding reception was profiled in the Baltimore Sun Life and Travel section, written by John-John Williams IV, Sunday February 1, 2015 , and I was mentioned: "Special Touches: Artist Patricia Bennett painted the evening sunset and first dance live during reception."

The wedding reception was at the Hillendale Country Club where the mother of the bride is a champion golfer.

View at the Hillendale Country Club, 3pm, photo by Patricia Bennett

I arrived before 2pm.  Tables were already set up inside, but country club guests were still using the bar room and on the veranda was a family having lunch.  Elle instructed me to set up on the outside veranda, where the band and dancing and cocktails would be.  There were going to be outside bars, and a fire pit later.

I started painting by 3pm.  The sun was out, so the view was a little bright.  As I painted, the sun descended on my left, and by six, the sun was blinding!  Then there was a lovely sunset.

Vendors:
The band was the "Bachelor Boys".  They sang on-key and were real musicians.
Elle Ellinghaus was the Event Coordinator, carrying everything out with ease and grace.
The Hillendale Country Club staff provided excellent service.
Event Pro did the lighting and the drapery.
La Cakerie did the gorgeous cake.

Cake:

 Tables: designed by Elle

Brightside Gardens, beginning Bull Mastiffs at Elysium, and continuing Hercules at the Aegean Stables

Yesterday I had the pleasure of returning to Brightside gardens in the morning to begin a painting of the two striking Bull Mastiffs guarding the Elysium, garden #15 (where Stanley the beloved pug, and other animals rest).  It was a little chilly, but I had two sweaters.  Lots of chipmunks ran around.

Painting Elysium at Brightside Gardens, Patricia Bennett

First Sitting on Elysium at Brightside gardens, 24x30, Patricia Bennett

 Next, after two hours of painting, I cleaned my brushes, and enjoyed speaking to Mr. Newhall about his gardens and the history of the pug.  The Bull Mastiff was bred into the pug!  Very unexpected!  Then I moved back to Augeas's Stables to continue work on the Hercules painting.  I adjusted the perspective so that more of the frieze on the side could be seen in the painting.

Second Sitting on Hercules in Augeas's Stables at Brightside Gardens, 24x24", Patricia Bennett

Set-up at Brightside Gardens, Patricia Bennett

Then it was time to return to the city!

September 13 Wedding Reception at the Baltimore Country Club

September 13, 2014 Wedding Reception at the Baltimore Country Club, painted by Patricia Bennett

Congratulations to the couple!

Painted Wedding & Reception at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, July 20, 2014

July 20, 2014 Wedding and Reception at the Chesapeake Bay Beach Club, painted by Patricia Bennett

The Chesapeake Bay Beach Club is located just off of the Bay Bridge.  Throughout the day, the view of the water from the club was stunning.  The staff were really helpful and very pleasant.

The wedding took place next to the water.  Then the guests went up to the deck for cocktails.  I moved into the Tavern Ballroom, painting the couple's sweetheart table and the balls hanging from the ceiling before guests arrived for the reception.

Flowers and decor were by Intrigue, they were lovely deep reds, and the photographers were from Baltimore.

Congratulations to the couple!

List of Vendors:

Flowers and decor: Intrique (based in Annapolis)
Catering: Chesapeake Bay Beach Club
Location: Chesapeake Bay Beach Club
Band: New Solutions Entertainment  from Perkasie PA Joel Chodoroff,
They were great!
Photographers: Belle's Dream from Baltimore MD. Rachel Kim and Steve Lee

Painted Wedding and Reception in Glyndon, Maryland, June 7, 2014

Wedding and Reception, Glyndon, Maryland

Patricia Bennett painting live in Glyndon, Maryland, photo by the Loop band

Congratulations to the couple!!  I had the privilege of painting their wedding June 7, 2014.  I think that the word fairy tale describes it.

Most of the painting was done on location and some was done in the studio.

How the painting was created: People like to know how this was done, and if it was prepared in advance.  So, I'll briefly describe the process.

I arrived at 3:30 pm with a blank 2x3' canvas, and saw the venue for the first time.  I met with the planner (Stephanie Bradshaw) and couple earlier and heard it described.

It was an enormous green lawn with one space for the wedding ceremony, and another lower space with an amazing tent, complete with 12 chandeliers and an grand entrance for the reception.  At the ceremony space, I chose a location that had shade.  Then, I walked to the tent and talked to the planners about where to set up there.  It was crucial that I have access to electricity b/c when the sun goes down I need light.  Luckily, there was a free 50 foot extension cord connected to the generator.  Next, I drew simple sketches in a notepad to design the painting.  Then I covered the canvas with the lovely view: the green grass, the blue sky, the clouds, the trees, purple flowers.  After this preparation, the event officially began, and it was an intense 30 minutes of capturing the ceremony...  This is my favorite part, and most importantly painted the beautiful bride as she stood next to her future husband.  After the ceremony ended, the guests moved to the pool house for cocktails, and I carried my easel, tables, etc... over to the reception tent to begin painting the tables and flowers and chandeliers.  The flowers were breathtaking, especially the blush peonies next to the blue hydrangeas.

How to combine both the reception and the ceremony into one painting, and indicate the amazing tent.  A few strips of drapery over the sky worked well.  Then, I painted the reception below the ceremony, scaling fairly accurately.  The closest tables got the most detail because I literally cannot see other tables when people are sitting down.  I made sure to add the fabulous band.  And the final part of the wedding, the sparklers at midnight, I put in the upper right corner.

There was a moment when the planner rescued me: it was dark, and the extension cord didn't work!  She tracked the cord over to the generator and plugged it back in.

The band, the Loop, was awesome.  Stephanie Bradshaw and her girls were fabulous, and the band was fabulous.  The catering staff was great, and they brought me coffee at the end when I was exhausted.  I make it through the last couple of hours on coffee:)  And I wish the couple every happiness, they are so charming and lovely:)

List of the Vendors mentioned:

Event Planner: Stephanie Bradshaw
Band: The Loop

Painting of a Wedding reception next to Boordy Vineyards!

24x36, acrylic on canvas, painted by Patricia Bennett

This was a stunning wedding reception.  It was on the family property.  I had to choose between beautiful huge trees and the tent.  However, the tent itself was a work of art (it's amazing how they put them up), and had giant lanterns hanging in it.  As it was the solstice, I chose the lanterns: they look like suns or moons, and showed the corn rows and the striking yellow house and some hints of the magnificent trees under the tent.

The cake was carefully constructed by Jason Hisley, the owner of La Cakerie.  He spent several minutes leveling the table and examining the cake from every angle.

Congratulations to the bride and groom!

Wedding and Reception at the Engineers Club, painted by Patricia Bennett May 25, 2014

Wedding and Reception at the Engineers Club, painted by Patricia Bennett May 25, 2014

Congratulations to the Bride and Groom!

I arrived at noon to begin painting.  The mother of the bride showed me where the ceremony would be and explained the set-up for the reception: the wedding and reception were in adjoining rooms, so I could paint both, I just needed to move my easel about 50 feet.  The bride wanted the focus to be on the celebration, so I placed the ceremony on the far right, rather than centering it.  We found a nook in the courtyard where I could set-up to paint the ceremony and the coordinator quickly moved a giant potted plant for me.

Next, I did a few sketches in my notebook to decide on composition: how to combine the wedding with the reception space, and how to make the rectangular room fit on the canvas.  Then I began with the reception room: absolutely gorgeous and covered with gold leaf.  An hour before the wedding ceremony, I moved my easel into the courtyard, also stunning, and painted the Chuppah.  After painting the ceremony, I moved my easel back into the reception room and painted through the rest of the evening.

Really really great party and celebration, very joyous, great food.  The Event Planner was Mango Productions, Rachel Fineberg did a great job.  The coordinator for the Engineers Club was also great: very helpful, very efficient, friendly.

The Engineers Club is stunning and used to be someone's house/palace.  The House of Cards TV show is filmed there sometimes.  It has to be seen to be believed!

Painted Wedding Reception at the Governor Calvert House, Annapolis

Wedding Reception at the Governor Calvert House, painted live by Patricia Bennett

Congratulations to the Bride and Groom.

The reception took place in the Atrium and the Ballroom.  The Atrium is two multi-storied brick walls topped with a roof, at the entrance is a black and white photograph of the Capital.  The back end opens to a lovely outdoor area where there was a bar set up for cocktails.

I arrived at 1:30 pm and began painting in the Atrium, where I focused on the image of the state capital and the globe string lights.  I wanted it to look like it was outside.

The cake arrived around 4pm and I painted that in.  Around 6pm guests arrived and I moved my easel into the ballroom and added the the tables into the painting, in preparation for dinner at 7pm.  The first dance was before dinner in the Atrium.  With the help of staff, I moved my easel, drop cloth, paints, painting, etc... just in time to paint it.  After guests were seated, I returned to the Ballroom to paint the dinner.  It is unusual that I move three times in one night, but it worked, thank you to the Staff at the Governor Calvert House for their help!

Address of the Governor Calvert House:
58 State Cir, Annapolis, MD 21401