Welcome, I’m so glad you’re here!
My name is Shelby, and I am a live illustrator artist based in Maidstone, Kent, South-east England. I will help make your day even more magical and unique, with elegant, hand-painted portraits of your guests in real time, turning moments into memories.
Perfect for couples looking to add a personal, creative touch to their celebration, or planners looking to add something fun and unique to their event.
Taking bookings for 2025, 2026 and 2027 special events, enquire now!
“I can’t thank Shelby enough for these beautiful paintings! You were amazing yesterday, and I am so glad we had you there to celebrate with us!”
Art has always been at the heart of my life. As a child, I was drawn to anything creative, and would spend hours drawing and crafting. Growing up in a semi-rural area, I loved being outside amongst nature, surrounded by my love for animals, many of which now feature in my commissions.
I decided to pursue my passion in 2022 and became a
Art has always been at the heart of my life. As a child, I was drawn to anything creative, and would spend hours drawing and crafting. Growing up in a semi-rural area, I loved being outside amongst nature, surrounded by my love for animals, many of which now feature in my commissions.
I decided to pursue my passion in 2022 and became a full time artist. I now have the most beautiful studio space, creating treasured pieces for the loveliest clients, and capturing once in a lifetime moments.
Every painting tells a story x
My hand-painted guest portraits bring a sense of elegance, charm, and personal connection to your special day. Inspired by fashion, they feature hand drawn silhouettes with long lines and soft details.
Each sketch is unique, brought to life through personal touches such as attire, hairstyles, and even the little things, a bow on a shoe, a
My hand-painted guest portraits bring a sense of elegance, charm, and personal connection to your special day. Inspired by fashion, they feature hand drawn silhouettes with long lines and soft details.
Each sketch is unique, brought to life through personal touches such as attire, hairstyles, and even the little things, a bow on a shoe, a bold lip, or a fashion accessory.
Personal, lighthearted, and made to be treasured.
My wonderful assistant will take a photo of your guests as they arrive, which will then be sent to my IPad. I then use the photo as my point of inspiration, so that your guests can go and enjoy your special day with no interruptions.
And a small bonus… is that they get a lovely photo to keep too (for when we forget to take one!).
£900
4 hours of live painting
Approximately 40 individual guests painted
Packaged in protective sleeves ready for them to take home
Ideal for intimate weddings, or short receptions
Option to give me 10 VIP guest names to prioritise painting their portraits
1 hour early arrival to set up
20% deposit to secure date
£1,000
6 hours of live painting
Approximately 50 individual guests painted
Packaged in protective sleeves ready for them to take home
Option to give me 20 VIP guest names to prioritise painting their portraits
Personalised framed sign with your names and event date
A complimentary painting of the newlyweds/client (received by post after the ev
£1,000
6 hours of live painting
Approximately 50 individual guests painted
Packaged in protective sleeves ready for them to take home
Option to give me 20 VIP guest names to prioritise painting their portraits
Personalised framed sign with your names and event date
A complimentary painting of the newlyweds/client (received by post after the event)
1 hour early arrival to set up
20% deposit to secure date
£ Upon Request
Please get in contact to discuss your bespoke package
Ideal for large wedding’s and events
Tailored to match your guest count and event style
1 hour early arrival to set up
20% deposit to secure date
From £2,900
Includes Travel and accommodation for me
and my assistant
Perfect for abroad Weddings and Events in Europe only
Personalised framed sign with your names and event date
A complimentary painting of the newlyweds/client
Early arrival to set up
Please get in touch to discuss your destination package
30% deposit to secure date
Travel 1 hour outside of the ME19 postcode is available at an additional cost.
Framing each portrait in a colour of your choice.
Gift wrapping available with a ribbon of your choice
If guests missed the opportunity of having a portrait done, then this optional add-on allows me to finish their portraits in my studio after the wedding. This way, no one misses the chance to take home a beautiful keepsake!
Why couple’s love this:
What is included:
£20 per additional guest portrait.
Please mention your interest when enquiring.
Postage calculated at time of enquiry based on quantity and delivery preferences.
Make your day even more personal with a size A5 hand-painted illustration of the couple or guest of honour. Whether it's the bride and groom, a milestone birthday guest, or the person at the heart of the celebration, this keepsake is a beautiful way to mark any occasion.
Painted from your photos in my studio, I will capture that special moment with little details that make it uniquely you, with a touch of glitter and sparkle.
£
Please fill out the form above, and I will get back to you as soon as possible. Remember to look at my ‘additional extras’, and read the t’s and c’s.
Thank you x
- A non-refundable deposit of 20% is required to secure your date.
- Final payment is due no later than 1 calendar month before the event.
- Cancellations made after 7 days prior to booking will forfeit their deposit.
- Cancellations made after paying the final payment will not receive a refund, but may reschedule to a new date.
- In the rare event the Artist must cancel, a full refund will be issued.
- Events that are cancelled or postponed for any reason
- The client is responsible for providing a table and two chairs, access to power, and preferably shaded if outdoors (to prevent paint from drying).
- Each portrait is an illustration painting, not fine detailed art.
- It is a first come first served experience, but I can offer as an additional service to paint all guests and send in the post after the event (please enquire about this).
- If there is unused time, I will paint an illustration of the venue and surroundings.
- Travel 1 hour outside of the ME19 post code may incur travel fees.
- Accommodation may be required for long-distance or late-night events (to be discussed when booking).
- The artist retains copyright to all illustrations and may use them for her portfolio, marketing, or social media.
- If you would prefer your event to remain private, please inform the artist.
- Guests receiving their portraits May use them for personal use only.
- Bespoke, or large scale packages are tailored to your event’s size and requirements.
- Additional materials may incur extra fees.
- The artist will wear a neutral colour to your event, but if preferred otherwise please let her know.
- The artist is not liable for delays or failure to perform in unseen circumstances (e.g. extreme weather, illness, emergencies, etc). In such cases, the artist will do her best to reschedule.
- The artist will take care to operate safely and professionally at all times.
- The artist is not liable for injuries, loss, or damages incurred by guests during the event.
Any questions, clarifications, or special requests, please email info@shelbynewsteadart.com.