Behind the Canvas:
Inside Annika Wooton's Speed Painting World

September was a month of contrasts -painting in chilly Michigan under sherbet skies and explosive fireworks, then jetting to sunny Orlando for Miss America finals. Back home in Kansas, I dove into the whirlwind of prepping for Ballet Wichita’s Dracula after a sudden venue change, while gearing up for a packed October of conferences, travel, and performances. Cozy fall vibes, a little magic, and a lot of momentum carried me through.

August was one of those months that felt like a blur. I’d been gearing up for this month for a while, prepping mentally for basically a marathon, and it flew by so much faster than I expected. It was stacked with travel, shows, and some really fun firsts; the kind that make you pause, look around, and realize, wow, Little Annika could only dream of this.

I’ve been speed painting since I was 18, but until recently it was my side hustle squeezed in between Zoom calls and late nights. Now it’s the thing I do—the only thing. Quitting my full-time job wasn’t reckless; it was the leap I knew I had to take. With freelance clients, a part-time role, and a safety net I built, I finally went all in on my dream. And for the first time, I feel exactly where I’m meant to be.

I landed back in the US from Greece with sand still in my shoes and a painting due in five days. No time to ease back in—this is the part of speed painting that feels like an elite sport. I prepped on my honeymoon, ran rehearsals through jet lag, and locked in the design before hitting the stage. People ask how I pull it off with so little time, but the truth is: I’ve already put in the time. This is the thrill of it all. This is what I train for.

A few days ago, I painted at Meals on Wheels’ sold-out “Dine with Chefs” event in Northwest Indiana—450+ guests, incredible food, and a canvas reveal that lit up the room. The weekend was full of art in every form: chefs plating masterpieces, Chicago’s Bean reflecting the skyline, and even staying with an art teacher whose home was a gallery of inspiration. This trip reminded me that art is never just about the canvas—it’s about connection.

Most people see the final painting, but the real magic happens in the in-between moments and the stories behind the canvas.

Why your conference opening deserves more than stale coffee and awkward small talk. Let’s talk about setting the tone  for a conference....

Discover what it's like to book a live speed painting performance with Annika Wooton.