First Commissioned Work: Art on a Canvas Bag

I would just like to share to you the first commissioned work that I made for my aunt, although technically the first commissioned work I had was way back 2006 when my sister asked me to make a poster in one of her courses way back high school. This would just be a quick blog as we go through the process.

I made this a month ago and it was my dad's cousin, Auntie Agnes, who asked to make this for her. I suppose she saw one of my works on my dad's Facebook as my dad is fond of sharing my works to others on his Facebook account.

I immediately messaged my aunt when I saw her comment on my dad's post. I asked her what she wanted and she told me that she would want me to paint on a canvas. I was like, sure! I would be thrilled. I am just so lucky that a day ago before that happened, I was able to buy a canvas bag. I showed it to her, named her the price, and she was like sure! I love that bag and I know you would be able to make something really lovely on

As you can see, I painted it on my easel. I just ordered that wooden easel online and I was very ecstatic that it was only sold for the amount of Php550.00 or a less or more likely $10.00 over Shopee.

I already made a design prior to the commission. Since my aunt loves it, I used as my basis. I tweaked the design a bit though so that it would suit the personality of Aunt Agnes.

When all the paints and brushes are ready, I started sketching the image on the canvas bag. I then painted the shaded area with dark blue, a mixture of little black and blue. In making artworks, I usually start painting on bigger surfaces so that I could check whether or not the colors look okay.

I then proceeded to painting the background (plants, arch, and the floor) because I know I would be taking a lot of time blending colors and choosing colors that would suit for the dresses of the subjects.

Anyway, before I forget, I also decided to paint on the other surface of the canvas bag. I was being a little extra though because I want to leave a good impression even though I am not sure she would ask me for another commissioned art work.

It took me awhile before I could finish it because I was waiting for other paints to dry on the canvas.

And since I am always up to a good branding, I decided to careful wrap the bag and put it inside a bag. I also wrote a thank you note together with two watercolor paintings. For the original copy of the artwork though, I was planning to give it to my good friend, Chef Jeff, since he gave me a nice set of 18colors Miya Himi gouache. I love them!

P.s. I will do a review on it and show some of my works using that gouache set.

I hope you all enjoyed the commissioned work that I made. There is more to come! Stay safe always and enjoy the rest of your day!

Love,
Gail

---