Why Live?
Over the past couple of years, I have had the honor and privilege of doing live paintings in front of a crowd at Agnes Scott. I find that some of the most interesting parts of art is the process of making it. It’s an intimate experience that most audiences don’t get to engage with. By making the art in front of them, I am bonding myself with the audience through our shared experiences. Additionally, it’s easier to reach out to an artist that you’ve seen and talked to in the past!
The entire process takes about a week. I create the subject of the painting on my own time (typically 3-5 days) and cover it with parchment paper. At the event, I finish the painting in front of the crowd and do a grand reveal by ripping off the paper to see the completed image.
The artwork I’ve created has been hung in the Alston Student Center at Agnes Scott similar to Agnes Alum Jordan Casteel.
International Night Market – Live Painting
The International Night Market is an event that allows students to celebrate their culture through food, dance, music, and art. I am proud to have represented my Dominican culture by performing a portrait of my abuela. It was wonderful to learn about the cultures of my peers and be celebrated by my community. An extra special thank you to my friend Cayla who documented the experience on my behalf. I’m so blessed with such wonderful friends <3
Black Excellence Banquet, 2025 – Live Painting
The Black Excellence Banquet is committed to highlighting the fantastic work that black students and staff members execute at Agnes Scott while also being a place of embracing black culture through art, dance, spoken word, and music. 2025, was my first live painting experience where I dedicated the piece to my Grandma and little sister. My grandma is from Sierra Leon and the Ivory Coast, and I am so grateful for her kindness and wisdom. Also depicted in the piece is my darling little sister and references to prevalent figures/imagery from Sierra Leon (such as the Cotton Tree).
Ileana Kuran,