A dream of mine is to travel the world and create family portraits for the likes of Elton John and George and Amal Clooney in their private homes. I’d also like to illustrate a wedding or a party at a tropical destination like the Maldives, which has always been on my list. Or perhaps have a Christmas residency at Eden Rock, St. Barths!”
Lucy McLoughlin, Artist
Lucy McLoughlin is a talented British-based live event artist who brings a unique flair to weddings, celebrations, and various events by creating stunning portraits of guests in real-time. With her artistic eye and creative spirit, Lucy captures the essence of special moments, transforming fleeting interactions into beautiful, lasting memories. As guests mingle and celebrate, she deftly paints their likenesses, all while adding an element of excitement and surprise to the occasion.
Lucy’s work not only entertains but also provides a cherished keepsake for attendees, making each portrait a personal piece of art that reflects the joy and atmosphere of the event. Lucy’s style is elegant and contemporary, appealing to a wide range of tastes while ensuring that each piece is unique to the individual. Whether it’s a romantic wedding, a lively birthday party, or a sophisticated corporate gathering, Lucy’s presence adds an artistic touch that elevates the overall experience for everyone involved. Guests love the opportunity to see their portraits come to life right before their eyes, creating a fun and memorable interaction that enhances the celebration…
I studied Textile Design at the Royal Academy of Art in the Hague, the Netherlands before moving to England to undertake an MA in Textile Design at Winchester School of Art. I fell in love with England, so I decided to settle here permanently. Two weeks after making that decision, I met my now husband, and we’ve lived in Winchester for 26 years. Last year I became a British citizen, so I’m now the proud owner of two passports!”
Lucy McLoughlin, Artist
C&B: “Lucy, you’re so accomplished and well-travelled; what first attracted you to illustration as a career?”
LM: “Instead of studying textile design, I initially applied for an illustration degree but didn’t secure a place. It was a huge disappointment. I was too young and hadn’t developed a strong enough portfolio, so life took a different course. After years of working as a textile designer and artist, I decided I wanted to return to drawing and painting. A short course at Central Saint Martins in London opened my eyes, and I realized I wanted to focus on fashion illustration. I researched live painting and wrote a business plan. This was nearly nine years ago, before live painting gained mainstream popularity, particularly through platforms like TikTok.”
C&B: “How did you develop your unique and very distinctive style?”
LM: “It happened naturally and organically. When I did my first ever event, I didn’t have enough time to paint the faces, so I left them out. I tried to add the facial featured in my studio afterwards, but it didn’t look right. My friend, who’s also an artist, suggested I should leave out the facial features. I prefer the timeless and stylised feel as it allows me to focus on capturing the essence of the subjects. I enjoy highlighting the outfits and their intricate patterns.”
My background in textile design – studying knit, weave, embroidery, and print – gives me a deep understanding of textiles and I believe this comes through in my work. My mum was a tailor and fashion designer, and we designed many outfits together, so fashion is simply in my blood and a huge passion of mine!”
Lucy McLoughlin, Artist
C&B: “What would you say is your USP over and above other event illustrators?”
LM: “Sophistication. I aim to capture the essence of a person, so every single painting is unique. I don’t use templates or create generic body shapes. I spend time on the detail, especially when it comes to the beautiful outfits, and I think this makes my style of painting sophisticated and personal. I focus on people’s mannerisms, and I try to capture those special nuances that make the person unique and recognisable…”
I have a small but mighty team of people around me and I learned early on that it is important to outsource as soon as this is possible. I have a handful of great assistants who help me when I paint live at events. Taking photos, scanning and editing artwork and mounting the paintings. Finch Studios designed my website and they create all my brochures and graphics. Style and continuity are important to create that professional look.”
Lucy McLoughlin, Artist
C&B: “What type of projects do you typically undertake?”
LM: “Apart from weddings, I also paint live at parties and celebrations, as well as corporate events. This can be a product launch, a milestone celebration or sporting events. I love the variety, and I feel very blessed to work in events. There is never a dull moment! I paint individual A5 guest portraits, but also big group portraits. I recently started creating montage paintings and it is so much fun to capture all the highlights in one large painting.”
C&B: “Do your clients find you via word of mouth or by other means?”
LM: “Most clients find me through Google and Instagram, and I am also a member of various clubs including Adoreum and RSVP Club. I’m also featured in the Tatler Address Book and I recently partnered with the Miss Jones Group. Of course, there is lots of word of mouth and repeat clients, especially with some of the amazing planners in the UK!”
C&B: “Where does your work take you and which venues are your favourites, summer and winter?”
LM: “I travel all over the UK and Europe, which is just wonderful. In the UK, a wedding ceremony at sunrise in the Roman Baths in Bath has to be on top of my list of awe-inspiring locations. I am also a huge fan of Euridge Manor, which is tucked away in the Cotswolds down a long drive and it’s the ultimate party venue.”
Abroad, there are some incredible venues in the South of France, like Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild in Nice. I regularly work in Switzerland, and Claude Nobs’ chalet during the Montreux Jazz Festival was one of the highlights for me. So many artists have visited this unique home over the decades, and you find yourself surrounded by instruments, art, and collectors’ items. The view is stunning, and it’s truly a magical place.”
Lucy McLoughlin, Artist
C&B: “Besides travel, what do you most enjoy about your work?”
LM: “The surprise element and the positive energy. I never know where my next event will take me or who I’ll meet and paint. Events are joyful occasions where people dress to the nines, eager to enjoy delicious food and fantastic music in breathtaking settings. For me, going to work feels like going out. Immersing myself in that uplifting atmosphere and creating personal keepsakes is a true privilege. I capture special moments for people to treasure, spreading joy along the way…”
C&B: “What are the biggest challenges of working at live events?”
LM: “It’s always a race against the clock – and demand is always high, because who wouldn’t like to receive a hand-painted portrait of themselves! I perform better under pressure, though, as it helps me to focus!”
C&B: “There are so many amazing events that take place every weekend around Europe – how many projects do you typically undertake over the course of the year?”
LM: “I made a conscious decision to limit the amount of UK weddings I do each year to 15, to make sure that each couple gets my full and undivided attention. I will travel to up to 5 destination weddings a year. On top of this I will do approximately 15 corporate events and maybe another 10 celebrations. My work involves a lot of travelling and I avoid doing events back-to-back. It is important for me to be present and enjoy what I do!”
CONTACT: http://www.liveeventartist.co.uk
