People and Portraits Black or Gray Paintings

I was born in the Central region of Ghana. I am a simple, hard-working and God-fearing person. I think that my painting skill is an innate gift. When I was about 6 years old, I used to draw on walls the pictures I saw in magazines. After the completion of my basic education, I was walking at the Madina market and saw a man painting. It caught my attention. I approached him and inquired more about what he was painting. He said it was an abstract painting. The man told me about an art school called Ghanatta where I could learn more and get a certificate. I learned a little more from this man, and later enrolled at the art school. While at school, I sold some of my paintings to help me pay my school fees.

After college, I improved on my skills, and painted more semi-abstract paintings. I sold some of my paintings at the Art Centre. I had to donate my paintings to friends and family members just to become known as an artist. I had to sacrifice my time with friends to be able to focus and practice more to improve and master my skills. I work with acrylic paints on canvas.

One major difficulty I had to deal with was my parent’s disapproval of me pursuing an arts career. I remember when I invited my parents to my first exhibition in 2010. It was a moment when I proved to them that it was worth pursuing what I loved. They looked surprised at the paintings exhibited. From that day, they felt proud of me.

My favorite thing about my art is my choice of colors and themes. I find my choice of colors challenging, because I sometimes have to mix them over and over again to achieve them. I get my inspiration from daily life activities, children and life experiences. I work in partnership with an NGO to train under-privileged young people in rural communities in the creative arts. I have worked in several communities over the past 3 years, working with this foundation.

It is my dream to be one of the most influential artists on earth.