Meet Kate
Co-Founder & Head Artist of Blue Surf Art
Brief Profile
- Name: Kate Thamonpunn W.
- Role: Co-Founder & Head Artist
- Founded Blue Surf Art: 2007
- Studio Location: Bangkok, Thailand
- Specialties: Oil Painting Reproductions, Custom Portraits, Commission Paintings
- Experience: 18+ Years
- Medium: Oil on Canvas
- Services: Reproductions, Portraits, Pet Portraits, Custom Commissions
Kate is the Co-Founder and Head Artist of Blue Surf Art, a studio specializing in hand-painted oil painting reproductions and custom commission artwork. Since co-founding the studio in 2007, Kate has played a central role in helping clients transform their favorite masterpieces, cherished photographs, and creative ideas into hand-painted works of art.
Blue Surf Art began on the island of Koh Samui, Thailand, where Kate worked alongside a small team of talented Thai artists who shared a passion for traditional oil painting. What started as a modest studio has grown into an internationally recognized art business serving collectors, homeowners, interior designers, and art lovers around the world.
Throughout the years, Kate has remained closely involved in every stage of the creative process. As both an artist and creative director, she oversees commissions from concept development through to final approval, ensuring that every painting meets the quality standards that Blue Surf Art has become known for.
One of Kate's greatest strengths is her ability to understand the unique talents of each artist within the Blue Surf Art team. Over nearly two decades of working together, she has developed a deep understanding of which artists are best suited for different styles and subjects. Some artists specialize in abstract paintings, while others excel in portraiture, pop art, Asian-inspired artwork, or highly detailed oil painting reproductions. By carefully matching each project with the most suitable artist, Kate helps ensure the best possible outcome for every commission.
As an artist herself, Kate has experience painting a wide range of subjects and styles. Her work includes reproductions inspired by some of history's most celebrated artists, including Vincent van Gogh, Gustav Klimt, Claude Monet, and Rembrandt. She also enjoys working on contemporary commissions, custom portraits, and pop art projects, giving her a broad understanding of both classical and modern artistic approaches.
Beyond painting, Kate brings an additional layer of expertise through digital design and composition planning. Many custom commissions require more than simply reproducing a photograph. Clients often request modifications such as adding family members, removing unwanted objects, changing backgrounds, or combining multiple photographs into a single composition. Before a painting begins, Kate frequently creates detailed digital mockups that allow clients to visualize the final artwork and request adjustments before the painting process starts. This approach helps reduce uncertainty and creates a smoother experience for both the client and artist.
One principle has guided Kate's work since the founding of Blue Surf Art: every client should feel confident about their artwork before it is shipped. For this reason, client approval is an essential part of the studio's process. Whether reviewing a digital mockup or examining photographs of a completed painting, clients are given the opportunity to provide feedback and request reasonable revisions before delivery.
In 2015, Blue Surf Art relocated from Koh Samui to Bangkok. The move provided greater access to professional art materials, specialty suppliers, and international shipping services, allowing the studio to expand its capabilities while maintaining the same commitment to quality and craftsmanship. Today, Blue Surf Art continues to create hand-painted oil paintings for clients across North America, Europe, Australia, Asia, and beyond.
For Kate, painting is more than a profession. It is a lifelong commitment to craftsmanship, creativity, and continuous improvement. Each commission presents a new opportunity to learn, refine techniques, and help clients bring meaningful ideas to life through art.
After nearly two decades in the industry, Kate remains passionate about creating artwork that people are proud to display in their homes, offices, and collections. Whether working on a museum-quality reproduction of a famous masterpiece or a deeply personal family portrait, her goal remains the same: to create beautiful hand-painted artwork that will be enjoyed for years to come.
