Inspiring Conversations with Manzi Liu of Live Painting by Manzi

Today we’d like to introduce you to Manzi Liu.

Hi Manzi, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’ve been drawn to art for as long as I can remember. Growing up, I was known as the “art girl.” I was always the best in art class, created flyers and posters for school, and won numerous art awards from a very young age. Ever since I was a child, I knew I wanted to be an artist.

My artistic journey has been shaped by studying art in China, France, and the United States, where I earned my BFA in Painting from Florida Atlantic University.

Over time, my work began gaining recognition through exhibitions at galleries and cultural institutions. While gallery exhibitions formed an important foundation of my career, a major turning point came when I began painting live in front of an audience during a jazz concert at one of my solo exhibitions. I realized how much I loved creating art in real time and sharing that experience with people.

That moment naturally led me to live wedding painting. My work has always focused on people, atmosphere, and emotion, making weddings a perfect extension of my artistic practice. What started with one wedding quickly grew into a central part of my work.

Today, with over 20 years of professional painting experience, I am a visual artist, live artist, and live wedding painter based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Whether I’m painting a wedding, illustrating guests at an event, or original art, my goal remains the same: to capture real moments and turn them into lasting, meaningful art.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Looking back, the journey hasn’t been completely smooth, but it has been deeply meaningful.

I consider myself very lucky to have discovered my artistic talent at a young age. Art came naturally to me early on, so during my school years, learning and developing my skills felt relatively smooth. It was something I was good at, proud of, and deeply connected to.

The real challenges began after I graduated and moved to the United States. The biggest obstacle wasn’t my work — it was my confidence. Not speaking English fluently at the beginning made me doubt myself, and I often felt small in social and professional settings.

I remember an experience in college that stayed with me. There was a classmate who would look down on me and ignore me when I tried to speak with her. Later, as my professor consistently praised my work and I was selected for exhibitions she didn’t get into, her attitude changed. She began talking to me and complimenting my work. That moment made me realize something important: while language can be learned, I had something that couldn’t simply be taught — a natural artistic talent strengthened by years of hard work.

Art became my anchor during that time. Through critiques, exhibitions, and shows, I found a space where communication went beyond words. Being selected for exhibitions and receiving recognition gave me confidence when I needed it most and helped me rebuild my self-belief. Today, I speak English fluently, but that early experience shaped my resilience and confidence in a lasting way.

Like many artists, I questioned myself as I grew older. But those doubts eventually led to clarity. I learned to accept who I am, trust what I’m good at, and fully embrace the path I chose.

So no, it wasn’t always easy — but every challenge shaped my confidence and reinforced my commitment to art. Looking back now, I’m grateful for both the struggles and the journey, because they brought me exactly where I am today.

We’ve been impressed with Live Painting by Manzi, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Live Painting by Manzi is a fine-art–driven live art brand offering thoughtfully crafted, real-time painting experiences for weddings and events. I specialize in live wedding painting, live event guest portrait illustrations, live pet portraits, Chinese art live painting performances, pre-event and post-event portrait illustrations, and custom watercolor portrait paintings.

I serve couples and clients throughout South Florida—including Miami, Broward, Fort Lauderdale, Palm Beach, and Jupiter—as well as clients across the United States. My work is created for weddings, luxury brands, corporate events, and private celebrations that value artistry, professionalism, and intention.

What sets my brand apart is my background. I am not a hobbyist or self-taught artist, and I am not simply a live painter. I am a professionally trained fine artist with over 20 years of painting experience, educated in China, France, and the United States, with a BFA in Painting. My work has been exhibited in galleries, commissioned as public art, and featured on public television and in magazines across Florida.

Every live painting or illustration I create is approached as a true fine art piece. Whether I’m painting a wedding ceremony, illustrating guests during an event, or creating a custom portrait, the work is thoughtfully composed, emotionally grounded, and designed to be visually timeless. This is not decorative performance art—it is refined, gallery-quality artwork shaped by years of formal training and professional practice.

Brand-wise, I am most proud of the trust my clients place in me. Couples often choose me not just for the experience of live painting, but for the confidence that their artwork is being created by a professional artist who understands composition, storytelling, and visual balance at a high level. My process is deeply client-focused: I listen carefully, respect each client’s vision, and translate meaningful moments into lasting works of art.

For clients looking for something ordinary, I may not be the right fit. But for those who value real art, expertise, and professionalism, my brand offers an experience—and an artwork—that continues to hold meaning long after the event has passed.

How do you define success?
For me, success is alignment.

It’s the ability to do what I truly love, at a high level, while staying true to who I am. Success isn’t just about recognition or numbers — it’s about waking up excited to create, being proud of the work I put into the world, and knowing that my art genuinely impacts people.

Success also means sustainability: building a life and career where I can continue creating without burning out, where my work is valued, and where I have the freedom to choose projects that reflect my standards and vision.

Most importantly, success is when my art connects — when someone feels seen, moved, or remembered through a painting. If I can create meaningful work, grow as an artist, and live a life that feels honest and fulfilling, I consider that success.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://manziliuart.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manziliuart
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/manziliuart/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/manzi-liu-a4a87839/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@manziliuart
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@manziliuart

Image Credits
Manzi Liu Art