Bold In Situ Painting Experience
A Vibrant Jazz Experience at Kingfly Distillery in Pittsburgh’s Strip District
In Situ Painting at Kingfly Distillery: Jazz, Art, and a Little Controlled Chaos
Painting live is not for the faint of heart. It’s like trying to capture a lightning bolt with a paintbrush while standing in the middle of a jazz band. For me, that chaos is exactly what makes In Situ painting so exciting. And when the venue is Kingfly Distillery, nestled in Pittsburgh’s Strip District, you get the perfect combination of live music, great vibes, and, let’s be honest, the occasional cocktail.
What is In Situ Painting Anyway?
First things first—In Situ is a fancy way of saying “I was there, and I painted it on the spot.” No stuffy studio (not that my studio is stuffy), no planning, just me, my pochade box (which sounds much fancier than “portable paint kit”), and a canvas. The best part? I was painting jazz musicians in real-time. They improvise; I improvise. It’s like a high-stakes artistic jam session where there’s no second chance to catch that perfect brushstroke.
The energy is electric. You feel the rhythm, see the movements, and somehow, all of that translates into a painting that captures not just what I saw but what I felt. It’s art in motion, baby!
The Kingfly Distillery Vibe: Music, Spirits, and a Paintbrush
Let’s talk Kingfly. If you haven’t been, you’re missing out on more than just their killer spirits. The distillery is a hub of creativity and craftsmanship—whether they’re crafting cocktails or hosting live performances that pull in a crowd. Every Sunday afternoon, pre-pandemic, I’d set up shop in the middle of it all. It was my version of a weekend routine, only instead of Netflix and chill, it was paint and jazz.
Picture it: a room buzzing with conversation, jazz melodies floating in the air, and me trying to catch the groove on canvas while dodging the occasional spilled drink. That’s the Kingfly Distillery experience in a nutshell.
Live Painting: A Balancing Act of Jazz and Chaos
Painting live comes with its challenges. You’ve got to match the pace of the music—when the tempo picks up, so does my brush. When it slows down, I can take a breath (but only for a second). It’s a bit like trying to dance and paint at the same time. There’s no chance to go back and fix anything—what you get is raw, spontaneous, and totally in the moment.
People watching? Yeah, that’s part of it too. Painting in a public space means you’re part of the show. Everyone’s curious, asking questions, offering a “helpful” tip or two, but that just adds to the fun.
Capturing Pittsburgh’s Musicians One Stroke at a Time
One of the greatest parts of this project was the chance to meet some incredible Pittsburgh musicians, and let me tell you, the talent was off the charts. I had the pleasure of painting to the rhythm of Cuban drummer Hugo Cruz, whose beats are as vibrant as the colors on my canvas. Then there was the amazing saxophonist Foolish Frankie, whose improvisations danced right into my brushstrokes. And how could I forget Pittsburgh legend Roger Humphries, whose jazz legacy practically fills the room on its own? And there were more. SO many more!
Their improvisation, their energy, and their passion became a part of each painting. It’s not just a snapshot; it’s a living, breathing moment captured on canvas.
Whether you’re into jazz, live art, or just want something that’ll make your walls look way cooler than your neighbor’s, these In Situ paintings have you covered. They capture the pulse of Pittsburgh’s musicians, the vibe at Kingfly, and a little bit of the chaos that comes with painting while dodging cocktails. Bring home a piece of that magic—and maybe some bragging rights.