We were lucky to catch up with Natasha Rubinetti-Kul recently and have shared our conversation below.
Natasha, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
I have created art my whole life. The women in my family were all very artistic, whether they created paintings and drawings, or sewed garments and quilts. When I was a child I would recreate my mother’s drawings just for fun.
When people find out what I do, they ask how I got into doing live wedding paintings and say I must have gone to art school. Well, yes, I DID go to art school. However, I went for filmmaking. Specifically I did stop motion animation! My roots before college were mainly in drawing people and animals in pencil and charcoal. Otherwise I dabbled in many other art techniques and mediums because I thought it was a fun challenge every time!
When I found out about live wedding painting, I was excited about the idea! My first thought was “can I paint that fast?” so I decided to paint my own wedding from a photo and record myself to know exactly how long it took. I could also see where I struggled, what took too much time, etc. After trying it three different times, I decided I could do it and launched it as part of my business that was previously just painting pet portraits. Quickly after that, I booked my first wedding painting!
Knowing what I know now, I would have refreshed myself on some of the basics. I have taken color theory courses throughout my life, but refreshing them as an adult earlier in my painting career would have helped me tremendously. Most of my work before I started painting was in black and white. I used to be a little nervous about color and skin tones, but that is why I have worked very hard to focus in on any part of my art that might need improvement. As an artist, you can and should always want to grow and improve your art and techniques. You do not know what you do not know until you know about it!
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I love weddings. I love LOVE. All forms of love. I used to do wedding photography and I already knew I loved weddings, so when I found out about live wedding painting, I realized I might be able to put two of my favorite things together to create a real career.
I create paintings in real time at weddings and special events. I capture the emotion, movement, and vibe of a couple’s most meaningful moments as they unfold. I also offer commissioned paintings from photos for couples and families after the moment has passed! These make wonderful anniversary gifts!
I didn’t originally set out thinking, “I am going to be a live wedding painter.” I only found out about live wedding painting in late 2022! I have always been creative and drawn to storytelling with people and animals being the focus of my art. What really pulled me into this was the idea that art could be experienced, not just delivered. There is something incredibly powerful about painting a couple’s big moment while guests gather around and watch as the canvas goes from blank to full color! It is part entertainment and part fine art, the intersection where I thrive!
What I provide is more than just a painting, it is an experience. Guests get to witness the art come to life throughout the evening and the couple gets a one-of-a-kind art piece that holds the feeling and vibe of their day! Or if I am creating guest portraits, guests get to leave with their own little piece of artwork from the wedding!
Weddings go by in a blur. Couples spend months planning a day that feels like it is over in seconds. My work slows down a moment. It captures not just how it looked, but how it felt. I provide a unique guest experience that feels elevated and interactive at the same time, something that stands out beyond traditional wedding entertainment.
What sets me apart is the balance of luxury and personality. My style is refined and romantic but there is energy and life in my brushstrokes. While my style does not change, the vibe of each painting is carefully curated to each couple. I have a consultation to get to know each couple and really understand their vibe, both as individuals and a couple. I care deeply about inclusion and authenticity, and I work with couples from all walks of life. I want every client to feel seen, celebrated, and honored in their own story!
I am most proud of the trust that my clients and the wedding community place in me. When someone chooses me to capture their wedding, they are handing me a once in a lifetime moment. That is not something I take lightly. I am proud of the community I have built, the reputation that I have grown in Kansas City and beyond, and the fact that my business reflects my values.
What I want potential clients and followers to know is this. I am intentional. I care about the details. I care about the story. I care about you feeling fully represented in the artwork. My brand is fun and expressive, but also deeply rooted in the meaning behind the moment. If you value art that feels alive and personal, we can create something beautiful together!
How did you build your audience on social media?
I still do not know if I am doing social media correctly! My advice on creating a presence on social media is to just keep posting. Also depending on what kind of work you do, post a little bit about yourself! It took me a while to be comfortable posting photos of myself and not just perfectly finished paintings. Depending on your brand and what you do, your clients might want to see more of your and your personality. My brand is fun and expressive, so why should my social media feed be any different!?
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I have not always been the best at expressing myself through words. So being able to express myself through my art is such a huge thing for me. I get to paint a moment and create a whole art piece that expresses how I experienced it, instead of just saying how I felt or viewed the moment! Its awesome and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
My absolute favorite and most rewarding aspect of my business specifically is when I get to see the reactions of the couples and guests. As an artist a lot of the time you do not get to see how your art impacts people in the moment of them viewing it for the first time. That moment is typically private and distant. With live wedding painting, I get to stand there and watch the realization wash over them. I see the pause, smiles, tears, and the way they recognize not just the image but the feeling behind it. Sometimes couples will hold each other and just stare at the painting, sometimes they point and giggle at their puppy that I added into the corner, sometimes they cry because I have added a little memento to a grandparent that passed. It becomes more than paint on canvas. Knowing that I created something that can make people feel emotional and connected in that way is incredibly fulfilling. It reminds me that what I am creating isn’t just art, it is a permanent reminder of one of the most meaningful days of their lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kulandkrafty.com
- Instagram: @kulandkrafty
- Facebook: @kulandkrafty
- Other: TikTok – @kulandkrafty
Image Credits
Erishyll Mae Photography, Kalena Photography