Crafting family tree paintings is a journey of discovery, especially when celebrating a person’s rich cultural heritage. This vibrant illustration, created as a surprise 50th birthday gift for a Filipino-American woman, captures the beauty and individuality of her family’s story. Commissioned by her coworkers for her 50th birthday, the artwork required thoughtful research to honor her roots without direct input from the recipient, making it a uniquely meaningful tribute.
Inspired by the Philippines’ natural splendor, I chose the Katmon tree for the family tree, its five-petaled blooms symbolizing the five family members, with each petal delicately inscribed with a name. This poetic touch replaced my usual leaf inscriptions, reflecting the family’s unity. To celebrate their Filipino-American identity, I incorporated the Filipino and American flags at either end of a family banner, their vibrant colors blending seamlessly to symbolize dual heritage. The backdrop, painted with warm, tropical hues, evokes the Philippines’ lush landscapes, tying the scene to the family’s origins.
Personal details brought the artwork to life. With insights from the woman’s coworkers, I included objects reflecting each one of her children’s passions, infusing the painting with each family member’s individuality. The birthday woman’s profession and hobbies were subtly woven in, ensuring the illustration felt deeply personal. The coworkers’ care in sharing these details underscored the strong bonds they shared with their boss, which I found very touching! I think it’s wonderful when coworkers know so much about each other’s lives. Makes for a great work environment!
The painting was done in watercolor on premium aquarelle paper.
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