Painting Moments into Memories

Peoples
Entertainment
The Buzz Nepal
August 20 , 2025

The Journey of Gideon Sagar

In a world where photographs dominate wedding memories, one artist has been quietly transforming ceremonies into timeless works of art. Meet Gideon Giri, professionally known as Gideon Sagar, an artist who has spent the last seven years capturing emotions on canvas. From commissioned portraits and murals to live wedding paintings, his journey is nothing short of inspiring.

From Hobby to Career

Gideon’s artistic path began like many others—through passion and curiosity. But one defining moment changed his perception of art forever.
“I remember one of my first paintings sold for 5 lakh at an auction in the States. As a young artist, I was blown away. Even though it was for charity, I saw the potential. That moment made me realize this hobby could actually become my career.”

Since then, he has committed himself to improving his craft every single day, sharpening his skills, and building a name for himself in Nepal’s art scene.

The Discovery of Live Wedding Painting

The concept of painting live at weddings wasn’t something Gideon initially imagined. “One of my customers once asked if I could paint live at their wedding,” he recalls. Curious, he researched and discovered it was already gaining popularity in India. “I wasn’t confident at first, but I gave it a try. Barely finished on time, but I learned a lot. Today, I’ve done over 50 weddings—and counting.”

For Gideon, the thrill lies in creating under pressure. “People reacting live as I paint is a huge motivation. It pushes me to keep leveling up.”

Capturing Emotions on Canvas

What sets Gideon’s work apart is the intimacy of his art. He doesn’t just paint events—he paints emotions.
“Everyone wants their wedding to be special. A live painting captures the emotions of the day in real time—it’s more than just colors on canvas; it’s a memory preserved forever.”

The reactions of brides, grooms, and guests are what inspire him to keep going. “That surprise, that joy—it’s priceless.”

Tools of the Trade

When it comes to live wedding paintings, Gideon prefers acrylic paints for their fast-drying and vibrant qualities. “A medium-sized canvas works best—it’s big enough to capture details but manageable in limited time. Too small and it loses impact, too big and time becomes your enemy.” Through trial and error, he has curated a set of tools that work best for these high-pressure, high-reward moments.

Memorable Moments & Challenges

Every wedding carries its own stories, both joyful and challenging. One of the many unforgettable memories was his first wedding commission outside the valley, in Nepalgunj.

Not all memories are easy, though. “I even had a scary moment when I almost lost both my hands,” he shares, hinting at the risks and sacrifices behind his journey.

Growth, Goals, and Giving Back

Being a self-taught artist, Gideon has carved his own path through trial, error, and resilience. Live painting has not only expanded his career but also his vision. “I never thought I’d spend so much time painting weddings. As a child, I never even liked attending weddings, but now it’s my career.”

Looking ahead, his dream is to travel internationally for live wedding paintings. “Imagine painting at a beach wedding somewhere abroad—that would be amazing. More than the venue, though, it’s about who I get to paint for.”

Advice for Young Artists

For aspiring artists in Nepal, Gideon has a message:
“If you think there’s no future in art here, you might be wrong. Be smart, keep showing up, and keep improving. It’s said it’s never crowded at the top—so aim for it. I know the pain of working hard and not getting attention, but don’t stop. Stand up for yourself, and you’ll get there.”

With his brushstrokes, Gideon Sagar transforms fleeting moments into eternal memories. His journey is proof that passion, persistence, and creativity can build a career—and more importantly, touch lives in the most beautiful way.

Instagram: gideonsagar_art