Meet Maggie Kuhn of iamnotmaggie fine art in Grant Park

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maggie Kuhn.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always wanted to be an artist. My mom saw early on, that I really loved art and could concentrate on paintings for hours even as a toddler. Luckily we had Carolyn Hisel, a famous southern painter, as a family friend. Carolyn and my mom (who is a photographer in her own right) conspired to let me study art in Carolyn’s old Victorian house in the summer, starting from the age of nine, and she really taught me what life as a working artist was all about. I never occurred to me that being an artist was a longshot, because my upbringing made the impossible seem possible. Thank you, mom!

After art school at School of the Art Institute of Chicago and UGA’s Lamar Dodd, I began live painting, and I’ve never looked back! Going viral a few times has made my business explode in ways I never could have dreamed. I’ve gotten really lucky!

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My job has required a huge time investment, but every second has really been a joy. I have spent thousands and thousands of hours drawing and painting from life, practicing my accuracy and speed. I honestly did it for pleasure, so it’s incredible that I get to use this skill now as a profession. It’s hard to call the process challenging because it’s been so enjoyable for me. I imagine a lot of people would not like it, though.

For example, one time I was at an event painting a brick structure, drawing brick upon brick for hours. A guest came up to tell me how sorry he felt for me, haha! I had to blink and look up because honestly, the time had flown by- I get very zen when I paint, it’s almost like meditating.

Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about iamnotmaggie fine art – what should we know?
I am a live event painter. I set up at special events like weddings, corporate galas, fashion shows, private parties, etc and paint the scene around me as it’s happening. It’s exactly the way you would have commemorated a special event in 1790, before the advent of the photograph. I

Live painting has had a major resurgence in popularity, which I think might be due to the prevalence and accessibility of good photography these days. When everyone has an iPhone in their pocket and can snap every moment, how to do elevate an image of something important in your life? Paintings seem to have a special place in the answer to that question.

I’m known for starting and completing the entire painting on site, in front of guests. I think it’s an important part of the performance; who doesn’t love a before & after?? I’ve worked for years to be extremely accurate in my paintings while working at a high speed. I love impressionism, so I also think my work looks very classically impressionist. I’m a little bit proud of that, I’ll admit.

I’m also really proud of my brides & grooms. I know that sounds super cheesy, but I have yet to have a bad experience with the families I document.

It’s very easy to feel set apart in this job- there aren’t very many of us haha!

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I constantly critique my work and am trying to get better. I think there’s always room to improve. I really focus on the excellence of the painting- at the end of the day, that’s the heirloom that families will keep for generations, so it has to be excellent.

Pricing:

• 16×20 inch acrylic painting with 5 live performance hours: $1600
• 18×24 inch watercolor painting with 4 live performance hours: $1600
• 22×30 inch watercolor painting with 5 live performance hours: $1900
• 22×28 inch acrylic painting with 5 live performance hours: $1900

Contact Info:

• Website: iamnotmaggie.com
• Phone: 770-547-4352
• Email: https://iamnotmaggie.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamnotmaggie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/iamnotmaggiefineart

Image Credit:
All taken by me, Heidi Chowen Photography, Hunter Ryan Photography

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