Capturing the Connection Cover Artist Alex Harvie
FRESH OUT OF LSU in 2005, Alex Harvie insisted that he did not paint people. Over 15 years later, he’s now laughing at that insistence. Capturing and connecting with people is exactly what has turned his live painting career into what it is today. “When I first started painting live in 2006, the only other artist I could find that did it was Frenchy,” says Alex. “Now, there’s probably 40 wedding artists in the area to whom I can refer couples to when I’m booked. An industry has been created. Not just here, but all over the country.” Alex’s first live wedding “people” were silhouettes, except for the bride and groom. “If you don’t paint people and then you start, there’s this certain intimidation factor,” Alex reflects. “Is it going to look like them? Is it not? Will it do them justice?” Throughout college, Alex had a job catering weddings. Unknown to him at the 12
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time, that job prepared Alex for his future work atmosphere. “Before my first wedding painting, I had already worked at least 2,000 weddings.” So, needless to say, the festive and celebratory environment felt just right as more wedding live paintings began to fill his schedule. Alex thrives on that comfort in his surroundings as he prepares for guests to arrive. “The most important part of my process is being comfortable in where I paint. I like to get there, set up, do some sketches of the venue and have time to soak it in. I always set up my paint kit the same way. “My routine is very systematic, but when I start painting, I almost blank out and come to when it’s done. Occasionally, I will be in the middle of a painting and have a sobering moment where I realize ‘oh wow, this is happening right now. What am I doing?’ then I can flip that right back off >>
photos courtesy: ALEX HARVIE
by Leah Draffen
