At Live Artist Collective, every artist brings something uniquely their own to the easel. Some are romantics, some are storytellers and some, like Jo, carry an unmistakable creative depth that flows through every brushstroke.
This year, we welcomed Jo to Live Artist Collective as one of our talented live portrait artists, and we couldn’t be more excited to have her on the team.
An established abstract expressionist artist, art teacher and art therapy practitioner, Jo has spent more than 25 years immersed in creativity. While many guests now meet her through her elegant live portraits at weddings and events, her artistic world extends far beyond event illustration.
You can explore more about Jo and her live portrait services through her Live Artist Collective profile here:
https://liveartistcollective.com.au/jo-kaiser/
An Artist At Heart
For Jo, creativity began long before galleries, weddings or studio walls.
“Since I was a little girl, I’ve always been creative, but I have concentrated more so as an artist for the last 25 plus years.”
That lifelong connection to art has shaped a career built around expression, connection and helping others explore creativity too.
Alongside creating beautiful live portraits at events, Jo works full time as an abstract expressionist painter, art teacher and art therapy practitioner.
And perhaps the most beautiful part?
She already feels she is living her dream.
“I am doing my dream job, but in another life I would have liked to be jillaroo.”
We can see it.
Where Abstract Art Meets Live Portraits
There is something quietly captivating about watching Jo work.
As a live portrait artist, she slips into a calm creative rhythm, observing guests and transforming fleeting moments into meaningful keepsakes.
In fact, when asked about her favourite songs at events, her answer says everything.
“I can’t even remember the last song I heard at an event, my mind is in the zone when painting.”
Though one genre may not make her playlist.
“Maybe anything country orientated… eek.”
When it comes to event fuel?
“Anything that is meat free and easy to pop in my mouth quickly!”
And coffee is non-negotiable.
“Coffee! I am into cold pressed at the moment, that could change though!”
The Magic Behind Live Portraits
One of the reasons live portraits have become such sought-after wedding and event entertainment is because they offer more than artwork.
They create connection.
Guests don’t simply receive a favour, they experience the joy of watching themselves become art.
For Jo, this is the most rewarding part.
“Seeing the reactions to the artwork and the gratitude.”
And while the first few moments before painting can feel nerve-racking (even after decades as an artist), experience soon takes over.
“Thinking a moment before starting that I would forget how to paint, mind blank.”
Then comes her favourite moment.
“About a half hour in when the flow happens and guests start collecting their portraits!”
That is where the energy shifts and the magic of live portraits truly comes alive.
What Guests Don’t Realise About Live Portraits
Like all art forms, live portraits look effortless only because of years spent practising.
Jo is refreshingly honest about that.
“It takes practise to get your style and proportions correct. Time flies when having fun, and you just hope it all works out in the end. Hands are tricky to paint too!”
Behind every elegant portrait is preparation, skill and trust in the process.
Her pre-event ritual is proof of that.
“Triple check I have everything I need … make sure my phone is charged and have back up power. Also, eat incase no time at the event :)”
Professional, prepared and quietly calm… exactly what couples and clients hope for in a live portrait artist.
Beyond The Portraits
Outside of events, Jo’s artistic language speaks through abstract expressionism.
Her inspirations include Mark Rothko and Francis Bacon, artists known for emotion, atmosphere and fearless expression.
And while her live portraits use different techniques, her artistic heart belongs firmly to oil paint.
“Oil paints, I paint as an artist usually with oil. Love the consistency, blend and smell.”
Her go-to colour?
“Apart from skin tone, probably black.”
Strong, expressive and timeless.
If you would like to explore Jo’s abstract work and studio practice, visit her website here:
https://www.jokaiserart.com/
Cats, Mandarins & Island Dreams
We always ask our artists where they dream of painting one day.
For Jo?
“A beautiful island resort somewhere!”
And although she shares her home with both cats and a dog, loyalty lies with the felines.
“I have both, 2 cats and a dog, but being honest I am a true cat person. Don’t tell my dog, she would be devastated.”
Our favourite fun fact, though, might be this glimpse into her everyday world.
“I am truly a home body. I always play music in my studio when painting and love eating mandarins.”
There is something beautifully fitting about that image, music playing softly, paint moving across canvas and creativity unfolding naturally.
Book Jo For Live Portraits
Jo joined Live Artist Collective this year and has already become a much-loved part of our creative family.
With decades of artistic experience, a background in art therapy and a soulful approach to creativity, she brings something truly special to every event she attends.
If you’re searching for elegant live portraits, meaningful guest experiences and a talented artist who creates with both skill and heart, Jo would love to paint for you.
Discover more about Jo and enquire through Live Artist Collective here:
https://liveartistcollective.com.au/jo-kaiser/
