The Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports: A Live Painting Tribute to the Kentucky DerbyBy Heidi (HiD) Schwartz | Paint Your Event

When they call it “the most exciting two minutes in sports,” they aren’t exaggerating. The Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs is a rush of adrenaline, tradition, and spectacle—where elegance meets intensity and every second counts.

And this year? All eyes were on Sovereignty, who galloped to a legendary win and stole the show in a moment that felt almost cinematic.

As a live event painter, it’s moments like these that fuel my work. This painting wasn’t just about capturing a horse race. It was about bottling the feeling of the Derby: the rhythm of pounding hooves, the swirl of designer hats, mint juleps clinking, and the roar of the crowd as the horses made that final stretch.

Painting the Energy of the Derby

Set up with canvas and brush at Churchill Downs, I let the atmosphere dictate my strokes. Colors collided in motion—roses, silks, and flashbulbs—each layer adding emotion, not just form. The final piece became a whirlwind of color, chaos, and celebration. And honestly? It’s still one of my favorite paintings I’ve ever created.

Live painting at events like the Kentucky Derby is part performance, part documentation, and part storytelling. Whether I’m at a gala, fundraiser, or major sporting event, I aim to turn fleeting moments into timeless art.

From Derby Vibes to Lasting Legacy

Based in Nashville, Tennessee, I travel around the world painting live at unforgettable events—from New York to Los Angeles, Vancouver to Europe, and Sydney, Australia. But there’s something especially iconic about the Derby. It’s not just a race; it’s a cultural moment, and to paint it live is an honor I don’t take lightly.

So here’s to Sovereignty, to Churchill Downs, and to the thrill of creating art from the heartbeat of history.

Want to add a live painter to your next high-profile event or gala?

Visit www.PaintYourEvent.com to learn more about booking Nashville-based live painter Heidi (HiD) Schwartz for your next unforgettable experience.