I turn events into fine art.

Let me show you.

Ready, set, sit!

Ready, set, sit!

I want to paint you and the people you care about.

I've been practicing the art of portraiture for over 20 years, and my preferred studio is out in the world.For most of the history of my craft, sitting for an artist meant you were either royalty, wealthy, or powerful enough that someone considered your likeness worth preserving.So I paint regular people, from life, in the midst of their lives. I want you to see yourself the way my tradition only ever saw the powerful: worthy of attention, worthy of time, and worth being framed. I want to change that.

You are worth being framed.

Let me prove it to you:

I want to paint you and the people you care about.

I've been practicing the art of portraiture for over 20 years, and my preferred studio is out in the world.Each painting takes 10 minutes or less, and you take it home the same day.Ditch the caricature booth. Let me place you and your loved ones in the canon of fine art.For most of the history of my craft, sitting for an artist meant you were either royalty, wealthy, or powerful enough that someone considered your likeness worth preserving.So I paint regular people, from life, in the midst of their lives. I want you to see yourself the way my tradition only ever saw the powerful: worthy of attention, worthy of time, and worth being framed. I want to change that.

You are worth being framed.

Let me prove it to you:

Danielle Cruit

I had such an incredible time during one of Danielle’s portrait pop ups!Sitting still for portraits has been intimidating in the past, but Danielle did an amazing job of making me feel comfortable with ease of conversation. Can’t wait to get another portrait !

~Madi

Ready to st(art)?

Fill out the form below, and I'll be in touch within 48 hours.
Let's create!(Psst - Bookings made before January 1st, 2027 are 10% off!)

Danielle Cruit

I had such an incredible time during one of Danielle’s portrait pop ups!Sitting still for portraits has been intimidating in the past, but Danielle did an amazing job of making me feel comfortable with ease of conversation. Can’t wait to get another portrait !

~Madi

Ready to st(art)?

Fill out the form below, and I'll be in touch within 48 hours.
Let's create!(Psst - Bookings made before January 1st, 2027 are 10% off!)

Hey! I'm Danielle, your live event painter.

"So, you do...caricatures?"

"So, you do...caricatures?"

I get that a lot, but no!

I'm a classically trained academic realist painter and illustrator.

The work I do does not exaggerate, poke fun, or embarrass.

Rather, I aim to honor and celebrate you and your people.Whether I'm working for 10 weeks on a 6 foot, life-size commission of a university president, or for 10 minutes on a sketch of your closest friend, I bring the same dedication, focus, and technique to honoring the person in front of me.

I get that a lot, but no!

I'm a classically trained academic realist painter and illustrator.

The work I do does not exaggerate, poke fun, or embarrass.

Rather, I aim to honor and celebrate you and your people.Whether I'm working for 10 weeks on a 6 foot, life-size commission of a university president, or for 10 minutes on a sketch of your closest friend, I bring the same dedication, focus, and technique to honoring the person in front of me.

My studio is
anywhere people connect:Weddings, galas, parties and soirees;
Fundraisers, wine-tastings, community events, and more.

My first favorite subjects to draw as a kid were dinosaurs and anime characters, but something happened to my mind in middle school art class (thank you Mrs. Porter!!) when I opened a book of pen drawings by the late 15th century German master Albrecht Dürer.I just happened to be holding a pen in my right hand.Realizing that what I was looking at was created with a tool literally in my grasp was a formative moment that led to over 20 years of intense fascination with drawing and painting the people around me.I learned that for most of the history of my craft, sitting for an artist meant you were either royalty, wealthy, or powerful enough that someone considered your likeness worth preserving.So I want to paint regular people, from life, in the midst of their lives. I want you to see yourself the way my tradition only ever saw the powerful: worthy of attention, worthy of time, with a story worth telling.

I want to tell your story.

My first favorite subjects to draw as a kid were dinosaurs and anime characters, but something happened to my mind in middle school art class (thank you Mrs. Porter!!) when I opened a book of pen drawings by the late 15th century German master Albrecht Dürer.I just happened to be holding a pen in my right hand.Realizing that what I was looking at was created with a tool literally in my grasp was a formative moment that led to over 20 years of intense fascination with drawing and painting the people around me.I learned that for most of the history of my craft, sitting for an artist meant you were either royalty, wealthy, or powerful enough that someone considered your likeness worth preserving.So I want to paint regular people, from life, in the midst of their lives. I want you to see yourself the way my tradition only ever saw the powerful: worthy of attention, worthy of time, with a story worth telling.

I want to tell your story.

Danielle Cruit

I had such an incredible time during one of Danielle’s portrait pop ups!Sitting still for portraits has been intimidating in the past, but Danielle did an amazing job of making me feel comfortable with ease of conversation. I can’t wait to get another portrait !

~Madi

Ready to st(art)?

Fill out the form below, and I'll be in touch within 48 hours.
Let's create!(Psst - Bookings made before January 1st, 2027 are 10% off!)

Danielle Cruit

I had such an incredible time during one of Danielle’s portrait pop ups!Sitting still for portraits has been intimidating in the past, but Danielle did an amazing job of making me feel comfortable with ease of conversation. I can’t wait to get another portrait !

~Madi

Ready to st(art)?

Fill out the form below, and I'll be in touch within 48 hours.
Let's create!(Psst - Bookings made before January 1st, 2027 are 10% off!)

Let me transform your wedding into a work of art.

Cherished gifts. Generational keepsakes.Whatever you want to call it, ditch the gift bags and party favors. Let me give both you and your guests something you'll treasure for the rest of your lives.

Let me transform your wedding into a work of art.

Cherished gifts.
Generational keepsakes.Whatever you want to call it, ditch the gift bags and party favors. Let me give both you and your guests something you'll treasure for the rest of your lives.

Select Events from the Studio:

Study #1: Union
The Wedding of Alex & Brent

Guest portraits: 10 pieces, Acrylic on hot-press watercolor paper, 5x7 in.
Alex & Brent: Acrylic and watercolor on board, 11x14 in.

Location: Saint Petersburg, FL
St. Pete. Shuffleboard ClubWedding Photographer: Jessica Cruz Photography

Study #1: Union
The Wedding of Alex & Brent

Guest portraits: 10 pieces, Acrylic on hot-press watercolor paper, 5x7 in.
Alex & Brent: Acrylic and watercolor on board, 11x14 in.

Location: Saint Petersburg, FL
St. Pete. Shuffleboard ClubWedding Photographer: Jessica Cruz Photography

The alchemical magic of painting is to condense memory into a physical object.

Couples have told me that when they walk past their painting at home, the love they have for their partner flares.Whatever argument or spat they were dealing with dulls, and the memory of that day, the day they became one, expands to make petty squabbles meaningless in comparison.

In every painting I create for you and your family, I infuse my intention to keep your connection burning bright.Watch the reveal! >>>

Video

The alchemical magic of painting is to condense memory into a physical object.

Couples have told me that when they walk past their painting at home, the love they have for their partner flares.Whatever argument or spat they were dealing with dulls, and the memory of that day, the day they became one, expands to make petty squabbles meaningless in comparison.

In every painting I create for you and your family, I infuse my intention to keep your connection burning bright.Watch the reveal!

Video

A truly experiential and communal event.

I offer something few wedding vendors can: the on-site creation of wedding favors that will never be forgotten, made in 10 minutes or less.Let me give your families a bespoke keepsake that holds the love of your closest friends, parents & siblings, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews.(Incidentally, I've been told that having kids and teens sit for paintings was an unexpectedly valuable daycare service!)If you're ready for an unforgettable day, captured in unforgettable works of art that will be passed down through generations, reach out:

(Psst: Take 10% off bookings made before January 1st, 2027!)

A truly experiential and communal event.

I offer something few wedding vendors can: the on-site creation of wedding favors that will never be forgotten, made in 10 minutes or less.Let me give your families a bespoke keepsake that holds the love of your closest friends, parents & siblings, aunts and uncles, nieces and nephews.

(Incidentally, I've been told that having kids and teens sit for paintings was an unexpectedly valuable daycare service!)If you're ready for an unforgettable day, captured in unforgettable works of art that will be passed down through generations, reach out:

(Psst: Take 10% off bookings made before January 1st, 2027!)

Congratulations on your engagement!

If you're here, so is love. It's time to talk about what your special day looks like!Send an inquiry with the date of your wedding, and if our calendars align like the stars (they often do– I'm lucky that way), I'll send you options and a scheduling link for your free consultation.Together we'll tackle some of life's biggest questions, like:

Does your wedding already have a theme?

Color-ways, flowers, favorite hues or motifs?We are creative partners in this adventure!Colored paper, custom-printed mats, a tiny cartoon of you and yours stamped on each piece– the possibilities are only limited by our imaginations.

How grand or tender could your couple's painting be?

A gorgeous, expansive 4x6 foot life-size tribute in an ornate frame?Or perhaps a sweet nothing: a small whisper in watercolor that you can hold together, and remember how much love you hold for each other.



Do you imagine a soaring chapel, or an intimate soiree?

For large events with many guests, packages can include paintings of every single guest in attendance, completed in my home studio before the event and brought as gifts.For a dimly lit micro-wedding, my set-up can be as small as 5x5 feet, lit by nothing more than a warm, antique table-lamp.

Does your wedding already have a theme?

Color-ways, flowers, favorite hues or motifs?We are creative partners in this adventure!Colored paper, custom-printed mats, a tiny cartoon of you and yours stamped on each piece– the possibilities are only limited by our imaginations.

How grand or tender could your couple's painting be?

A gorgeous, expansive 4x6 foot life-size tribute in an ornate frame?Or perhaps a sweet nothing: a small whisper in watercolor that you can hold together, and remember how much love you hold for each other.



Do you imagine a soaring chapel, or an intimate soiree?

For large events with many guests, packages can include paintings of every single guest in attendance, completed in my home studio before the event and brought as gifts.For a dimly lit micro-wedding, my set-up can be as small as 5x5 feet, lit by nothing more than a warm, antique table-lamp.

"What's it like working with a live wedding painter?"

Why, I'm glad you asked!

While you prepare to marry the love of your life, I'll be preparing my eye and my palette.

If the venue allows, I'll scout your chosen location beforehand, to suffuse my mind's eye with the light and color that will suffuse your love story.

I often work alongside your photography team to determine optimal lighting conditions for beautiful portraiture with intense and subtle color.

At this particular wedding, I worked with Jessica Cruz, a highly talented Wedding and Family Photographer. Weddings are always a team effort, and I consider myself part of your creative family (which includes your DJ, photographer, videographer, venue coordinator, and more), all with a single-minded focus on enhancing and elevating your special day.

For larger guest lists, I can paint some of your guests before the wedding and bring their portraits as favors.

At six or seven portraits an hour, there are only so many people I can paint live during an event. If you'd love for every guest to go home with a painting, you can send me photos of your guests in the weeks beforehand, and I'll finish those portraits in my studio.

On the day, they arrive matted, sleeved and ready, and can be set at each place setting or on a favor table while I paint at my easel. Everyone goes home with one, and the guests I paint in person still get their reveal!

Depending on chosen packages, I set up at your location early to begin blocking in the background for your finished painting later in my home studio.

Capturing light and color en plein air (the historical, and incidentally French, term for painting outdoors) aids in the faithful completion of your portrait once I'm at home in my studio, working from photographs.

Once your party arrives, the fun begins!

Friends and family excitedly gather round to experience something they've never experienced before.

Sitters wait around 10 minutes to see their portrait, and friends and family get to watch the work develop from seemingly meaningless shapes to a likeness while the sitter is completely in the dark!

Flipping the work around is always accompanied by joyous shouts of laughter and delight. Tearing up is common, as many people don't realize how much they resemble a relative until a trained eye has shown them.

(Oh, and between us– you don't have to tell your loved ones beforehand that we set this up. It could be a delightful surprise!)

Some packages include having the couple pose for an initial 10-15 minute sketch during the event.

You will never have to sit stock-still while I paint you, but it can be fun to try while others try to get you to move like British Royal Guards!

Other packages can skip this phase entirely and rely upon the photographer to capture a frame or moment that the couple will choose at a later date to have me immortalize on canvas.

Paintings can be hung to create an ever-growing gallery as time flows, culminating in a beautiful exhibition of your favorite people in the world.

Before the night has concluded, all paintings made will be placed in an acid-free, archival mat of a standard size, ready to frame, and enclosed in a protective sleeve for safe travels.

In the case of particularly large events where I simply cannot get to everyone, some packages can include the completion of remaining sitters, shipped directly and securely.

The days before

While you prepare to marry the love of your life, I'll be preparing my eye and my palette.

If the venue allows, I'll scout your chosen location beforehand, to suffuse my mind's eye with the light and color that will suffuse your love story.

I often work alongside your photography team to determine optimal lighting conditions for beautiful portraiture with intense and subtle color.

At this particular wedding, I worked with Jessica Cruz, a highly talented Wedding and Family Photographer. Weddings are always a team effort, and I consider myself part of your creative family (which includes your DJ, photographer, videographer, venue coordinator, and more), all with a single-minded focus on enhancing and elevating your special day.

For larger guest lists, I can paint some of your guests before the wedding and bring their portraits as favors.

At six or seven portraits an hour, there are only so many people I can paint live during an event. If you'd love for every guest to go home with a painting, you can send me photos of your guests in the weeks beforehand, and I'll finish those portraits in my studio.

On the day, they arrive matted, sleeved and ready, and can be set at each place setting or on a favor table while I paint at my easel. Everyone goes home with one, and the guests I paint in person still get their reveal!

The day-of

Depending on chosen packages, I set up at your location early to begin blocking in the background for your finished painting later in my home studio.

Capturing light and color en plein air (the historical, and incidentally French, term for painting outdoors) aids in the faithful completion of your portrait once I'm at home in my studio, working from photographs.

Once your party arrives, the fun begins!

Friends and family excitedly gather round to experience something they've never experienced before.

Sitters wait around 10 minutes to see their portrait, and friends and family get to watch the work develop from seemingly meaningless shapes to a likeness while the sitter is completely in the dark!

Flipping the work around is always accompanied by joyous shouts of laughter and delight. Tearing up is common, as many people don't realize how much they resemble a relative until a trained eye has shown them.

(Oh, and between us– you don't have to tell your loved ones beforehand that we set this up. It could be a delightful surprise!)

Some packages include having the couple pose for an initial 10-15 minute sketch during the event.

You will never have to sit stock-still while I paint you, but it can be fun to try while others try to get you to move like British Royal Guards!

Other packages can skip this phase entirely and rely upon the photographer to capture a frame or moment that the couple will choose at a later date to have me immortalize on canvas.

The days after

Paintings can be hung to create an ever-growing gallery as time flows, culminating in a beautiful exhibition of your favorite people in the world.

Before the night has concluded, all paintings made will be placed in an acid-free, archival mat of a standard size, ready to frame, and enclosed in a protective sleeve for safe travels.

In the case of particularly large events where I simply cannot get to everyone, some packages can include the completion of remaining sitters, shipped directly and securely.

Music, laughter, stories, and art.This is how art used to be incorporated into life, before it was relegated to white cube galleries and the halls of the powerful. But I want to paint for you, your family, and your community.In the tradition of my craft, there is a phrase for painting a subject while you're witnessing it in that very moment: Painting from life.We can only love each other in this moment.That is why I paint:

from life, with love.

Danielle Cruit

Ready to st(art)?

Take 10% off bookings made before January 1st, 2027!Fill out the form below, and I'll be in touch within 48 hours.Let's create!

Danielle Cruit

Make your next event truly unique.

Live art creates connection and generates buzz at any fling!Book me for: Fundraisers, galas, birthday and bachelorette parties, brand activations, competitions, corporate holiday parties, and anywhere people value novel ways to connect!

Make your next event truly unique.

Live art creates connection and generates buzz at any fling!Book me for: Fundraisers, galas, birthday and bachelorette parties, brand activations, competitions, corporate holiday parties, and anywhere people value novel ways to connect!

Select Events from the Studio:

Study #2: The NY Gala
A Celebration of Courage

Guest portraits: 29 pieces, Acrylic on hot-press watercolor paper, 5x7 in.
Laverne: Acrylic on board, 11x15.5 in.

Location: New York City, NY
Pier Sixty, Chelsea PiersEvent Coordination: Empire Entertainment

Study #2: The NY Gala
A Celebration of Courage

Guest portraits: 29 pieces, Acrylic on hot-press watercolor paper, 5x7 in.
Laverne: Acrylic on board, 11x15.5 in.

Location: New York City, NY
Pier Sixty, Chelsea PiersEvent Coordination: Empire Entertainment

Select work from the evening:

In 2026, I had the honor of being invited by Outright International, the global LGBTIQ human rights organization working in 100+ countries, to it's 30th annual awards and gala Celebration of Courage, hosted by LAVERNE COX. (yeah, I know.)Celebration of Courage convened activists, artists, philanthropists and business leaders to honor those fighting for democracy and the political representation of trans and queer people around the world.

In 2026, I had the honor of being invited by Outright International, the global LGBTIQ human rights organization working in 100+ countries, to it's 30th annual awards and gala Celebration of Courage, hosted by LAVERNE COX. (yeah, I know.)Celebration of Courage convened activists, artists, philanthropists and business leaders to honor those fighting for democracy and the political representation of trans and queer people around the world.

The event resulted in the creation of nearly 30 paintings between the hours of 6pm and 1am.I bring my background of academic realist art and illustration to our fast-paced digital age, using speed to my advantage to capture likenesses in a flurry of brushstrokes that bring your guests to life within minutes, in full color. They take it home already matted in a protective sleeve, ready to frame.For events like this with large numbers of guests, I am able to simplify my approach to create art of up to 30 people over the course of an evening.

The event resulted in the creation of nearly 30 paintings between the hours of 6pm and 1am.I bring my background of academic realist art and illustration to our fast-paced digital age, using speed to my advantage to capture likenesses in a flurry of brushstrokes that bring your guests to life within minutes, in full color. They take it home already matted in a protective sleeve, ready to frame.

Select work from the evening:

Packages can include larger, finished paintings of specific people that the community wishes to honor and celebrate.This portrait of Laverne Cox was started and finished before travel, and delivered the evening of the event.

Packages can include larger, finished paintings of specific people that the community wishes to honor and celebrate.This portrait of Laverne Cox was started and finished before travel, and delivered the evening of the event.

Danielle Cruit

I had such an incredible time during one of Danielle’s portrait pop ups!Sitting still for portraits has been intimidating in the past, but Danielle did an amazing job of making me feel comfortable with ease of conversation. I can’t wait to get another portrait !

~Madi

Ready to elevate your event?

Fill out the form below, and I'll be in touch within 48 hours.
Let's create!(Psst - Bookings made before January 1st, 2027 are 10% off!)

Danielle Cruit

I had such an incredible time during one of Danielle’s portrait pop ups!Sitting still for portraits has been intimidating in the past, but Danielle did an amazing job of making me feel comfortable with ease of conversation. I can’t wait to get another portrait !

~Madi

Ready to elevate your event?

Fill out the form below, and I'll be in touch within 48 hours.
Let's create!(Psst - Bookings made before January 1st, 2027 are 10% off!)

Let's connect!

Give your guests the gift of being seen as art!

DISCOUNT: Take 10% off bookings made before January 1st, 2027!Fill out the form below, and I'll be in touch within 48 hours.Let's create!

Danielle Cruit

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People are saying...

Danielle Cruit

Danielle has an incredible gift for capturing both the likeness and spirit of her subjects.

Danielle Cruit

Even after commissioning my first painting, she completely blew me away with the second - her work continues to exceed my expectations.Every time I see her portraits in my home, they fill me with joy. I am in constant awe that I get to live surrounded by such beautiful art.

I recently commissioned her for a second time, simply sending her a photo without any specific requests.She painted this one in a completely different medium and style that absolutely blew me away - it was better than anything I could have imagined. She is not only incredibly talented, but has a genuine passion for portraiture.

~Masha

Danielle Cruit

Danielle's work is wildly unique and masterful.She was so gentle and patient while painting my portrait, yet also really quick and efficient.I'm going to cherish it forever, and now I follow her to see when her next events are coming and take my partner and friends!

~Lalo

Danielle Cruit
Danielle Cruit

I had such an incredible time during one of Danielle’s portrait pop ups!Sitting still for portraits can be intimidating but Danielle did an amazing job of making me feel comfortable with ease of conversation. Can’t wait to get another portrait !

~Madi

Danielle Cruit