I’m excited to announce a new series that we’re doing called Pittsburgh Introductions.
The whole goal of this series is to help you meet new neighbors, discover new places around town, find fun things to do, and just get an overall glimpse of some of the cool things that locals do.
If you’d like to introduce yourself to the community, you can take the questionnaire.
What’s the name of your business or organization?
Love's Palette
What made you decide to start your business?
I have been a painter for as long as I have had access to paint. I would say, "for as long as I could hold a brush," but I used to do finger painting. My mom has photos, I have receipts.
But I have only been a live event painter since 2023. I honestly had no idea that it was a thing until I was planning my own wedding and came across it. As soon as I was introduced to the idea, it was like my passions all clicked into place, and I immediately got to work.
What excites you most about what you’re doing?
I love painting, I enjoy spending time with people, and I love love. Painting at weddings and events is a true joy, since it allows me to engage with art without being hidden away in my studio. Guests and couples are often a real pleasure to work with — kind, fun, and excited to see me work — and I often find myself in some of the most beautiful venues, on beautiful days, painting something that is truly one-of-a-kind.
If you weren't working on this, what would you be doing instead?
To be entirely honest, I still don't have enough of a customer base in Pittsburgh for this to be my full-time job. I have a mortgage to pay, and frankly, most event painting work happens on the weekends, so it doesn't interfere with my normal 9-5 (which is science writing).
That said, even if I didn't have this little business, I would need to find some way to incorporate art in my life to be perfectly happy. Even when I don't have wedding painting jobs, I tend to seek out plein air events, art festivals, and lead paint-and-sips for friends. I have at least three works in progress in my studio at any one time, and I am constantly thinking of what I want to paint next. So, I guess I would still be painting. I just wouldn't be getting paid for it.
What's something that your neighbors would be surprised to learn about you?
I'm a bit of an open book, so as soon as I got the chance to meet my new neighbors (we just bought a new house in Squirrel Hill last summer), the fact that I have this painting business came up right away.
Maybe they would be surprised to know that we recently adopted a cat. We only had two bunnies before.
Is there a business or project you'd like to take on if you had more time?
I would love to expand my work, both in terms of offerings and my portfolio; build my artistic community in Pittsburgh; and become more ingrained in the art scene here.
Although I grew up in Pittsburgh, I had left for Houston and then DC, and only recently came back home. I feel like I need to reestablish myself here after having been gone for so long.
Who are the people in the community that you respect or look up to the most?
There are so many wonderful artists in Pittsburgh! I was happy to reconnect with an old friend of mine, Christopher Boring, who recently showed his work during the latest First Friday event. His wife's (Heather Heitzenrater) work is also stunning, which I have seen hung in the Dick Blick store on Walnut.
I have also met some other artists at festivals, all of whom have been more than happy to chat about their work and techniques.
What businesses are your favorite in Pittsburgh?
I love the Manor Theater and the Rowhouse Theater, Coven and New Amsterdam, the CLP system, museums, parks, and the various businesses putting out free concerts.
I think my favorite place to go in Pittsburgh, though, is Con Alma. Last I heard, they were struggling, but their food, drinks, and jazz are all amazing. Go support them if you can, so we can keep them in Pittsburgh.
What's your go-to restaurant right now?
Fet Fisk is top notch!
What do you like to do in your free time?
Paint, read, run, garden, bike, and play with my pets. I have two bunnies (Hank and Toast) and one cat (Oliver).
What local place do you think more people should know about?
Not really a place, but every summer, there's free jazz downtown every other Tuesday. This has been going on for years, but so many of my friends have never heard of it. It was previously in Katz Plaza, but it looks like it will be at Arts Landing this year, which is exciting.
If you had an out-of-town friend visiting for a day, where would you take them?
The last time we had a friend in from out of town, it was Oktoberfest, so we took him there (the weinerdog race was incredible), walked around downtown and along the river, grabbed tacos at tako, and got martinis at Olive or Twist.
What's a small thing about Pittsburgh that brings you joy?
From my house in Squirrel Hill, I can get to my parents' house in the North Hills, my friends' houses across the city, Kennywood, Lawrenceville, etc., within 40 minutes, and I don't need a car to do so. Buses, bikes, and walking are all valid options in such a compact city.
What would you tell someone who is thinking about moving to Pittsburgh?
I tell people to move to Pittsburgh all the time. It's a really charming city, punches above its weight culturally, and, most importantly, has some of the friendliest people and warmest communities I've known. It's easy to make friends in Pittsburgh.
How can readers find more about you or hire you?
Follow me, and consider hiring me to paint at your event, or to complete some art on commission!
My event painting website is lovespalette.com, my email is [email protected], and my instagram is @loves_palette.
Someone forwarded this to you? Subscribe here.
Want your event featured? Submit it.
Interested in giving your business a boost? Advertise with us.