Signed Painting of Faces in Yellow from Ghana, "Heads of Wisdom"

"I was born with an innate creative mind. I explored my ability as a young boy when I lived in a house with an artist named Sam Otu, who painted houses and created hand-painted signage for a living. I was fascinated by the colors and brushstrokes. I always loved to watch him at work and begged him to let me have a go at it. He was very kind, allowing me to have fun playing with his colors. I used to come up with very exciting images using the colors.

"I was encouraged by the artist to continue practicing to improve on my talent. I pursued visual arts at secondary school and then went on to obtain a bachelor's degree in painting at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology.

"I am a Ghanaian painter, popularly known as 'Olukus' which is also my brush name. I was born at Kwadaso, a town on the outskirts of Kumasi.

"People say I eat and breathe colors, which can be seen in the many hues found in my works. Some also call me Mr. No-Limit, which shows in the different kind of styles I use in my paintings — realistic, abstract, impressionist as well as post modernist styles. I am also known to create my own style of painting.

"I am the type who always explores in diverse ways before coming out with a style or new painting. This can sometimes be challenging because of my meticulous thought process. I can eventually come out with something great, so that is rewarding.

"I love to teach and share ideas on all fields of art and other subjects. I have trained a few painters who are now practicing art commercially in Kumasi.

"I have also accumulated a number of distinctions, which shows in my versatile nature as an artist and enthusiastic creations on local scenes, dream and fantasy world scenes.

"My preferred media are acrylics, oils and enamel for local advertising signs and car branding. As a brush painter, I explore palette colors and other materials used for painting. I work on self-prepared canvas.

"My favorite thing about painting is the use of colors. My inspiration comes from dreams and my God-given imagination. I am also greatly inspired by the great artists and painters of our time.

"It has not been easy to get to where I am today. I had to work to pay my way through most of my education. It has taken a lot of hard work and determination to succeed in what I love to do. I sell my paintings at local galleries and fairs. More recently, I am trying to turn my painting into installation art, which shows the post modern aspect of my painting.

"My plans and hopes for the future are to become internationally recognized as an artist. I would also like to operate a gallery for my works and those of others. In the near future, I would like to pursue further studies to become an art professor." Luqman Boateng has exhibited his works in various Ghanaian venues.