We recently connected with Abbi Kaiser and have shared our conversation below.
Abbi, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?
My husband Jordan is the most optimistic and kind human I have ever met! He has taught me how to stay encouraged and always look at the brighter side in every situation. My family has even nicknamed him “positive encouraging Jordan” haha! He really has brought a light into my life and I enjoy staying optimistic about our future together and my future as an artist. Life will always put you through trials but relying on those close to you for support and leaning on Jesus is the best way to stay on track towards your goals.
Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?
I am an oil painter based in Buda, Texas, I specialize in creating unique pieces of life’s special moments. I paint live at weddings and other events, as well as create artwork in my studio. My passion for art began when I was a little girl, and I pursued it professionally after earning my BBA in Marketing from Texas State University. I started selling my paintings at local craft fairs and galleries, and that’s when I got engaged to my now-husband, Jordan. As I planned my wedding, I discovered the art of live wedding painting and was immediately hooked. I love romance, marriage, and the idea of a “happily ever after,” so why not translate that love to canvas? Since then, I have been painting weddings in the Austin area, connecting with other vendors and creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces.
Live event painting is a unique specialty service where the artist paints the scene around them as it unfolds. This requires a painter who is extremely fast, makes quick decisions, and is comfortable with an engaged audience. With an understanding of your overall vision and attention to detail, I will create a piece of art that my couples will treasure for years to come!
Apart from painting live events, I also enjoy the quiet space of my studio. I accept commission work of all kinds, from photo recreations to new concepts and ideas. I love brainstorming and creating something new and exciting for my collectors.
Currently, I am working on a body of work that celebrates my life. Many of these new paintings are self-portraits, family members, landscapes, or of my dog Pepper. I have enjoyed exploring the use of bold colors and varying my brushwork. My goal is to share these pieces online and in a local gallery this year!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Developing Your Artistic Voice and Style: It takes time and practice to find your artistic voice and style. When I first started painting full-time, I was eager to speed up the process and often felt discouraged with my work. I struggled to translate my ideas onto canvas and was hesitant to step out of my comfort zone. As a result, I created pieces that I thought would sell, but they were never truly authentic to me. My advice to other artists is to ignore the opinions of others! Put in the time, experiment with different styles, and don’t give up! Eventually, you will have that breakthrough moment! Remember that not everything happens instantly, and creating art that resonates with you will attract the right audience and keep you motivated and fulfilled. Never stop learning!
2. Develop hobbies and new skills: If you ever feel in a rut with your creative practice, schedule in time to learn something new or just play. It is important to experience life and have things that you enjoy outside of your art. By doing this, you will have new experiences that you can translate into your work. It allows you to take a step back, breathe, and return to your painting with fresh eyes. I have really been enjoying baking sourdough, trying new recipes, and have even have dwelled into embroidery. I also make it a point to be out in nature, sketch, spend time with loved ones, or watch videos and listen to podcasts on topics I am interested in that help to keep the creative juices flowing!
3. Have confidence in your artistic ability: Social media can make it tempting to compare yourself to other artists, but it is so important to separate your practice from what you see online. Art is a personal journey, and it looks different for everyone. Each artist is unique in their career, and what you see online is just a glimpse of their progress. If you ever feel the pressure to keep up with others, take a step back and reflect on your own journey. Take some time away to play and focus on your work. I know it’s easier said than done, but recognizing behaviors that hinder your creativity is essential to growing in your practice!
One of our goals is to help like-minded folks with similar goals connect and so before we go we want to ask if you are looking to partner or collab with others – and if so, what would make the ideal collaborator or partner?
I would love to connect with local wedding vendors and learn more about their corner of the industry. I think it is so beneficial to have genuine relationships with other small businesses. I am open to grabbing coffee to just chat, bounce ideas, and discuss new ways to grow our clientele. I’d love to share my art and hopefully collaborate on future projects and weddings! In addition, I think it would be great to also connect with other local artists and talk about what inspires them or what is unique in their art practice. It is so important to have connections with other creatives to keep your passion alive and learn about new trends locally and on a broader scale.
Contact Info:
- Website: abbispalette.com
- Instagram: @abbispalette
- Facebook: @abbispalette
- Other: tiktok: @abbispalette
Image Credits
Nikk Nguyen Photo Moody Bleu Photography
