About Artist Till Death

watercolor wedding portrait created by Artist Till Death

Meet The Artists

Hey y'all, I’m Erika! I’m an artist, a recent bride, and someone who knows firsthand just how much love, energy, and (let’s be honest) stress goes into planning a big event. I also know how meaningful it is when every little detail feels just right—and I’m here to help with one of those unforgettable touches.

I hold a BFA from the University of Alabama and feel incredibly lucky to live off my art full time. Based in Dallas, Texas, I specialize in live watercolor portraiture—quick, charming, fashion-style illustrations that double as both entertainment and keepsake. Whether you’re hosting a wedding, corporate event, baby shower, girls’ trip, or reception, I’d be honored to help make your day extra special.

My amazingly talented husband is a skilled airbrush artist with over 35 years experience in the industry. If requested, his talents really elevate my artwork - whether it's refining with the airbrush or using his eye to take great photos of your guests for me to paint from, we make an amazing team.

From simple sketches to more detailed pieces, there’s an option for almost every budget. And yes—we travel! We’re passport-ready for your destination wedding or event abroad.

Booking Info

A 50% deposit secures your date. Final payment due one week prior to event.
Ready to wow your guests and get something totally you? Shoot us an email at thornton@artisttilldeath.com or message us through the website chat to check availability.

Make your wedding unforgettable—book live guest portraits today!

I’m happy to meet in person (if local), or we can hop on a FaceTime and brainstorm together.

Let’s make something beautiful together!

We look forward to creating a one of a kind watercolor painting for you. No matter the event - everyone loves having a custom portrait painting done. Watercolor painting portraits are a unique keepsake that can be cherished for years to come. We can paint live or create you a portrait painting from photo! We can fit into most budgets and while we are in Dallas Tx we love to travel.

Watercolor Portraits, Watercolor Painting Portraits live or from Photos

Simple Guest Portraits

Simple Guest Portraits (Live)
Quick, quirky fashion-style watercolor portraits painted live at your event! Each takes about 10–15 minutes and makes the perfect keepsake your guests will treasure. We snap a photo of each guest, so they don’t need to stay still and can go enjoy your event—unless they want to hang out and watch the magic happen! Watercolor Painting Portraits, Portrait Painting from Photo, Live Portrait Painting, Custom Portrait Painting.

Couple Portrait

Live Painting of the Couple or Guest of Honor
A show-stopping live painting created at your event, featuring the newlyweds or VIP. We work from a photo you choose (taken at the event or beforehand), and guests can enjoy watching the piece come to life in real time. This is a more detailed portrait—completion time depends on the size and complexity.

Detailed Portrait

Studio-Painted Detailed Portrait
Prefer something polished and ready to display at your event? Commission a fully detailed portrait painted in advance at Erika’s studio. Completion time varies based on size and detail level, but the result is a timeless piece that’s ready to impress on the big day.

Some HapPy Clients and Bonus Info

Hourly Prices for Live Event Painting

Hourly Rate (Simple Fashion Illustrations):

$200–$300/hour (2–3 hour minimum)

Quick, fashion-style watercolor portraits painted live on-site—each takes about 10–15 minutes and becomes a charming keepsake your guests will treasure.

Includes materials, setup/teardown, and as many guest portraits as I can fit into your time block
Guests are painted in the order they sign up
All portraits done in Erika’s signature fun, whimsical and expressive style

Will be painted on high end, Cold Pressed, heavy watercolor paper from Arches. 5"x7" unless otherwise specified

Minimum Booking:

2 hours = $400–$600
3 hours = $600–$900

Custom quotes available based on guest count, timeline, dates and travel.

Flat Rate Options

Live Painting of Couple or Guest of Honor (at Event)
Base Flat Rate: $800

Painted live at the event from an approved photo
Final price based on size and level of detail
Frame-ready, entertaining for guests to watch
Will be painted on high end, Cold Pressed, heavy watercolor paper from Arches. 18"x24" unless otherwise specified
Travel and rush fees may apply depending on requests.

. Detailed Studio-Painted Portrait (Delivered at Event)
Base Flat Rate: $750

Completed in studio prior to the event
Based on your photo, with optional consultation
Includes time for drying, packaging, and delivery
Will be painted on high end, Cold Pressed, heavy watercolor paper from Arches. 18"x24" unless otherwise specified
Rush fee may apply if needed within 14 days

Watercolor Guest Book Options

Watercolor Guest Book

Base Package: $1,200–$1,800

Includes as many watercolor portraits as i can do in the requested block of time.

Portraits painted in advance from guest photos you provide, or live-painted from photos taken at the event
Includes bound guestbook with space for guests to sign next to their portrait
Guests receive digital downloads of their portraits
You keep the original artwork in the guestbook
Great for weddings, milestone birthdays, baby showers, or retirement parties

Upgrade Option: Dual Copy Package – $1,800–$2,200

Guests receive their original watercolor at the event
Erika provides a professionally printed guestbook using scanned digital versions of the portraits
Includes basic layout design for guestbook print (upgrades for custom design available)

Process

Optional Add-Ons:

Custom Event Signage – $150 (for an eye catching “Get Your Portrait Here!” setup)
Personalized Paper – $75–$150 (featuring event name, couple’s name, wedding date, or custom border design)
Digital Scans – $250 flat fee (get high-res scans of every portrait after the event)
Travel Fee – Applies outside DFW area (billed by mileage or flat rate + accommodations if needed). Our passports are ready if you are having a destination event.