Most people just see an outdoor wedding. An artist sees an outdoor wedding … and a plein air painting opportunity.
Marc Dalessio was attending a friend’s wedding in Sweden and evidently found the scene so beautiful he was moved to paint it. The artist says he finished only two quick sketches, and explained that predicting where paintworthy activity would take place was somewhat difficult.
“Wedding Sketch #2 (Afternoon Coffee),” by Marc Dalessio, 2013, oil on linen, 9 7/8 x 13 3/4 in.
As a guest, Dalessio was formally dressed, without even an apron to protect his best threads. (He didn’t report any stains on his suit.) Is this the start of a new gig? No. But Dalessio seems pleased with the experience. “I only got a couple of sketches done, but it was a fun experiment nonetheless,” he says. “Plus it was the first time I’ve painted in a suit and tie.”
“Wedding Sketch #1 (The Ceremony),” by Marc Dalessio, 2013, oil on linen, 7 7/8 x 11 7/8 in.
In this blog post, Dalessio further explains his thinking. “This is an idea I’ve wanted to try for a while. Everyone knows that 150 years ago, painters had all the image-making gigs. Today those have all gone to photographers, but one thought I’ve often had at outdoor weddings is that it would be a great occasion for a plein air painter. They can be very picturesque events. Also, since often a great deal of effort goes into making memories of the event for the couple, what better way than non-fugitive paints on oil-primed linen which will last a thousand years while decorating their descendents’ walls?”
