If you’ve spotted me out and about in Columbus, chances are you’ve caught me in action, live painting at an event or two! It’s funny—live painting wasn’t even on my radar at the start of this year, but it’s quickly become one of the most rewarding parts of my business.
This summer, I made it my mission to dive headfirst into the local market scene. My goal? To connect with more people, sell more art, and hopefully drive more traffic to my website and socials. Simple, right? Well, not exactly. Let me tell you, markets are no walk in the park—they’re a full-on marathon. The kind that leaves you wondering, "What am I doing wrong?" as you watch other businesses thrive while you’re breaking your back for a handful of sales.
It wasn’t until the Columbus Arts Festival that I had a breakthrough: Just because I’m at a market doesn’t mean I have to set up like everyone else. I could do things my way—a way that felt more authentic and manageable. My main goal this summer was to connect with the community and build a broader audience. And the best way to do that? Create an experience that truly reflects who I am and what I do.
Here’s the thing about me: I’m not the most organized person (but I try), and I’m pretty laid-back. I’m not a perfectionist, and I love keeping things casual. But when I’m passionate about something, I go all in. Painting isn’t just my job; it’s my passion, my daily joy. So, I thought, why not share that joy with others by painting live, right in front of them?
People often ask, "Aren’t you nervous?" But honestly, no. I’m my own toughest critic, so I won’t let myself create something I’m not proud of. And if I make a mistake? That’s the beauty of paint—it’s all fixable! You’d be surprised how many times I’ve painted over pieces that didn’t go as planned. It’s all part of the process, and the show goes on.
As summer winds down and we all start to settle back into our routines, there are still plenty of beautiful days ahead. I’ll be out there, live painting at markets and events for the rest of the year, and I’m excited to see what new opportunities come my way.
If you or someone you know is interested in booking a live painting session, feel free to reach out to me at abby@oiseau.co, or fill out the contact form on the Live Painting tab at www.oiseau.co.
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