My Creative Process Behind a Custom Artwork

Late last year, my college blockmate messaged me about painting a custom artwork for her. She recently moved to the US for work and she wanted to spruce up her apartment walls with art. I am happy that she thought of me to do this for her! She is a repeat client for my artwork. She ordered watercolor artworks with motivational quotes from me before which she gave as gifts to her friends for Christmas. I really appreciate her for trusting me again with this task.

She wanted 6 or 9 pieces of A4-sized artworks that she can display side by side and everything would look like a continuous piece. I love her idea. It was quite clever. Shipping one large artwork would be expensive. Having small pieces is easier to pack and move should she need to transfer residence. She hoped I would be able to send the artwork to her family in Manila before they leave for the US to visit her.

I asked for pegs so I have an idea of what she wants. She gave me free rein over the art work so I just bounced off ideas to her. I told her I thought of painting something tropical to remind her of home. She said tend to like green and orange colors and she preferred the mountains over the beach. I remembered the photos on Facebook of all the climbs she did. She also sent me a poem that she loved. I told her I will find a way to incorporate the poem into the painting.

So I looked for photos of Philippine mountains. I picked Mt. Batulao for its lovely ridges. I thought about painting from a vantage point similar to Katy Perry’s Roar video where she looked over Taal Volcano.

Katy Perry’s Roar Video

For the artwork, I decided to make 6 pieces. Mt Batulao would be at the center.

It was framed by trees and tropical plants and flowers. So I picked the following flowers to paint:

Angel’s trumpet and Hibiscus (Gumamela)


Lobster claw (Heliconia) and Taro leaves (Gabi)

Wild orchid


Plumeria (Kalachuchi)

Birds of paradise and Tahitian Ginger

I filled the blank areas with palm leaves and green vegetation.
Individually, the artwork can be displayed on its own.

Collectively, it is one large artwork.

Oh, I did not forget the poem. The verses are hidden somewhere in the painting.

I am really happy with the result. The whole process took 25 days from the time she messaged me until she received the artwork. I had other work to do in between. I paint when I have enough time to enjoy the process. Painting is my happy pill. Every work of art from me comes from a happy place. I do not paint to express sadness.

I am glad the my friend loves the painting. She found acrylic frames being sold online so it appears like the artwork is floating on her wall. The paintings now hang in her bedroom wall. She posted this on Facebook.

Thank you, Hannisel!
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For custom artwork, just message me here or in any of my social media pages.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/katrinacenteno/
Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/katrinakarenart/
Youtube:    https://www.youtube.com/c/katrinacenteno

Oh, I also have paintings for sale through Artfinder. I also accept commission work through Artfinder.