Acrylic Automobile Painting on Canvas, "Work Hard"

“My name is Budu Larbi Ernest, born to Mr. Edward Larbi Budu, a teacher, and Mrs. Mary Budu, a trader, in 1989. I am a creative person and I seek to motivate people to be creative in every aspect of their lives. I seek the optimistic side in every situation and always seek to be patient. I am a painter from Anum Apapam, in the eastern region of Ghana.

“I am the last of four children. I grew up in a very humble home with my parents and my siblings in Asamakese, a town in the eastern region of Ghana. We lived in love and harmony. I realized at a very tender age that art was my thing, but my dad wasn't supportive of it. He wanted me to study agricultural science instead, so I stopped making art for three years.

“One of my siblings went to the university and the other two are traders. In the university, I decided to study art. Even though my dad was not in support of the idea, my siblings encouraged me to follow my dreams, and I am proud that I did. Aside from attending the university, I am a self-taught artist; I watch videos online and I experiment with colors to understand them better.

“In the early stages of my art studies,I drew and shaded with pencil. But when I saw paintings on canvas at the university, I became more interested in painting, even though I majored in Graphic Design. I'm always happy whenever I see bright colors in paintings, and this influenced me to start painting with warm, bright, and rich colors. I constantly practiced what I was taught in school, and that is how I got better.

“I paint with acrylics on canvas. My friends have been my greatest source of inspiration. They urge me onward and sometimes even purchase my works. I have had the opportunity to teach others in my community how to paint. One of my greatest challenges has been finances. I often had to go to sleep on an empty stomach, but with time I had lots of purchases. I am proud that I never gave up. It is my pleasure to grow here with you and reach out to the international world.”