30 paintings in 30 days, American Samoa, Day 8

Samoan cooking is a long day of hard work starting with climbing coconut trees and hauling wood for the umu fire. Traditionally men do the cooking (cool eh?). 

Lana asked:
How did you learn to paint?

      Our parents encouraged us from the time we were  young. They provided art supplies, classes and a room in the house where we could make a mess. My sister (mernie.com) is also a painter as were many of our relatives. I don't think talent is something you are born with. All kids love to draw and paint, but many quit as they grow older because they aren't encouraged. It's never too late to learn. I've taken classes, but the best advice is to practice. Don't get frustrated when they don't turn out the way you see them in your mind, eventually they will. There is always more to learn so it never gets boring.
      Doing these painting marathons make me learn a lot faster simply because I have to work four to six hours every day without stopping. It's like exercise, if you do it regularly you will see improvement.


These are the steps to creating this painting. I used a digital projector to enlarge the photograph onto the gesso board, then I drew the basic lines with a pencil. The first coat is roughed in quickly with a lot of loose color, then I spend the next 3 or 4 hours adding detail with smaller brushes.

Making palusami with luau leaves and coconut cream (the best!)

One tough chef!

 Many thanks to the Feleti Barstow Library and Sadie's Hotels for making this project possible!