New Orleans, LA | kevs.kitty@gmail.com
YEAR OF THE EUCHARIST AND ST. JOSEPH CONTEST WINNER
~ 2021 ~
About the Artist
Artist Bio:
Sarah Elizabeth Bachemin is a contemporary New Orleans artist and art educator with diverse skills in many media. Though best known for her stunning portraits and live event painting, she has also designed and created many local murals, book illustrations, and graphic logos. Her artwork tends toward realism, but she has delved into minimalism, impressionism, and abstraction with great success. Her work reflects the artistic influences of fantasy art, the classical beauty of the Pre-Raphealites, the innovative vision of Georgia O'keeffe, and the passion for inclusive teaching of Bob Ross. Sarah is also a cosplay costume designer, seamstress, and prop maker. When she is not teaching or creating art, she volunteers her time with the 501st Legion.
The detail and beauty in her work is indicative of 20 years of experience as a professional artist and more than 17 years as a certified art educator. She studied art and art education at the Smithsonian Art Institute, George Washington University, and Seattle Pacific University. After receiving her board certification as an art educator in Seattle, Washington she moved to Louisiana where she has taught and directed the Fine Arts program at Archbishop Chapelle High School for the last 15 years. Sarah currently works with Vieux Carre Events as a live event painter as well as offering her services independently.
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In 2020 Sarah was honored to receive the Artist of the Year award by the Metairie Art Guild. She has also received several awards for Artist of The Month. More information can be found in the links below.
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Metairie Art Guild Recognition
Jefferson Art Guild Recognition
Artist’s Statement:
By creating art, I offer a brief glimpse of the world through my eyes. I draw inspiration from the history of the DC area where I grew up, the serenity of the Pacific coast where I studied and now the jazzy streets of New Orleans where I reside.
Drawing and painting are the media I use most often, but I thoroughly enjoy using non-traditional media such as Sumi-e (Japanese watercolor) painting, cut paper collage, fused glass melding, book binding and many more. I never want to stop learning, growing and sharing the joy that creating art brings to my life with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you come up with your prices?
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My pricing is based upon the cost of materials and the average number of hours it takes me to complete a drawing or painting. Hourly rates fluctuate down as the size of the surface goes up to help keep my prices competitive, while still compensating me for the time it takes to complete each piece.
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Do you work with budgets?
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I can work within budget constraints by adjusting detail to cut down on production time.
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What is live event painting and how is it different from regular painting?
Live event painting consists of 3 stages: pre-painting, live painting and studio completion. Pre-painting includes location scouting, photos and painting of the location background in the studio when possible. Live painting includes set-up and painting of the setting before the event begins. For weddings, the bride and groom are painted during the first dance and some guests may be added in. During the event, reference photos will be taken of all the guests you would like included in your painting. Post-event painting is where the details and additional guests are added. Unlike most event painters, I provide realistic detail and recognizability in my portraits which takes time. This may take up to 6 weeks depending on work backload and the number of guests.
Why are the prices so much higher for live paintings?
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Live event painting is my most expensive service because of the additional time, travel and work that goes into each creation. The cost of your painting is determined by the size, complexity and amount of time it will take to complete. Unlike other event painters I add realism and exquisite details after blocking out the figures live during the event. I spend time perfecting your painting in the studio so that each figure is a recognizable portrait. Before your event I will scout out the site and make preliminary drawings and suggestions. In the studio I will create the background for the live wedding painting. During the event I will paint in the decorations and figures, as well as take photographs for later reference. After the event I will make any edits and final touches required before delivering your memory to you. For a complete list of costs and price breakdown, see https://bachemin.wixsite.com/sarahbachemin/copy-of-pricing-and-faq
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How can I pay?
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A deposit of 25% is due before the service and is non-refundable if the service is cancelled less than 7 days before the event. Payments may be broken down into increments. I accept cash, check, Venmo or Paypal. Full payment is due before receipt of the painting.
Why are the prices different for drawings and paintings?
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The hourly rate which varies between the different types of artwork reflects the level of difficulty and the amount of time put into each type of piece.
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Can I combine several photos together or request editing?
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Absolutely. Several of the drawn portraits displayed on my website use multiple reference photos to create an original design. This can also include adding or removing objects/people from a composition.
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How long will it take to complete my piece?
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The prices here reflect the average amount of time required to complete a project. However, I often have several commissions that I am working on at the same time. I will let you know how long it should be before I can begin working on your project and when to expect its completion. I can also send in progress reports and images. My general turnaround is 6-8 weeks or less.
How far do you travel for live paintings?
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I work within 60 miles of the New Orleans area with no additional cost. Further travel requires gas mileage and/or overnight accommodations to be covered. An estimate and quote will be rendered before you commit to booking.