Samuel Lartey

"Samuel Lartey is my name. I was born in 1982 in Accra. My friends say I'm talented and creative. <br><br> "Art comes to me naturally. My interest started in infancy. <br><br> "When I decided to pursue painting as a career, I trained with an artist named Mr. Forson. I find that nature attracts me and I work in a realistic style. However, I love colors and sometimes give an expressionistic twist to my work. <br><br> "It was not easy starting out on my own. To raise money to buy more materials, I had to sell some of my paintings and often it's not easy to find a buyer. Even today, it can still be a challenge to sell enough art to keep a supply of acrylics, canvas, gesso and brushes. <br><br> "Determination, concentration and a commitment to my teacher and to my creative vision helped me master this art. <br><br> "One day I was painting a plein air village scene with the last paint I had. I took a break to visit the washroom. By the time I returned to my easel, a child had poured the paint all over him and started laughing. As I stood there watching the small boy all covered with my last paint I just couldn't hold my breath ? I burst into laughter as well. What else could I do? <br><br> "Another time, I had accepted a commission for a portrait of a lady that was to be her birthday present. I had to stay awake all night to finish in time for her birthday celebration the following day. <br><br> "In addition to nature, I find inspiration in meditation and in reading art books. <br><br> "Although I usually work alone, I often organize the kids in my area and I teach them how to paint, which is fun for them and also a benefit to the community. <br><br> "My dream is to open a small school one day teach children who are interested art."