Written by These wonderful doodlewashes are from Christoph Schneider, in Engadin, Switzerland (you can see more work by Christoph on Google+). Christoph was born in Germany in 1968 with a functionally blind right eye, no depth perception, and red/green and blue/yellow color blindness. “So I got a good reason not to paint as child,” he says.
As he grew up, Christoph kept telling himself he couldn’t paint and says he got “more and more into the wrong excuses: I can’t do it, for I am half blind.” The worst part of all of this excusing was that he didn’t believe in himself. And the more he would tell himself that he couldn’t paint, the more he would believe it – “I just can’t.”
As a teacher in religion and as reverend of a protestant parish, one day he finally decided to try. On this pivotal day, he took a box of watercolors and two brushes home from the school. This is where his unique art journey begins – as a Reverend in Engadin, Switzerland.
“I had to work out my own way,” he says. “There were a lot of pictures in my head. Loving art, I had a certain idea of what a picture is. How it should look to me.” After years of telling himself this wasn’t possible, he was determined to prove to himself that he could do it.
So, he just started, ignoring his previous excuses. Over the next two years he would paint and sketch regularly, learning all he could and practicing daily. It wasn’t easy, but he kept working at it, and soon something truly remarkable happened. He had ignored his fears about making art and trained so hard, that his “blind” eye was now beginning to make connections with his brain to let him see stereoscopically (in 3D).
“It was amazing,” Christoph says. “So I took up my sketchbook, ink and colors. And more and more I took it with me – at least one sketch each day. Nowadays, I like to sketch people on the streetcar, silly things and landscapes.” His remarkable journey is one of persistence and courage and a testament to what can happen when you choose not to give up. Be sure to visit his Google+ page to see more of his wonderful art.
Thank you so much for sharing your art and story with us Christoph! It’s truly inspiring and we’ll be watching to see what wonderful things you’ll make next. And if you’re out there wondering if you have what it takes to make art, just remember what Christoph says, “Sketching isn’t about technique, color or perspective, but about getting your excuses out of your brain and trusting in the colors you choose.”
Just as Beethoven could write music as a deaf person, Christoph can paint/draw as a half-blind person. 🙂 I have no depth perception either since I have one near-sighted eye and one far-sighted eye and therefore lack binocular disparity. I swear that actually helps me draw better. That’s my story and I’m sticking to it! 🙂 Good for Christoph for shaking off the negative thoughts and tackling art!
Thanks for responding Teresa! 😃😃Glad you like this post! And I had no idea about your eyes, but stick to the story, because it must be true! Your drawing is wonderful!!
LOL! I’ll do that! x
Gorgeous – the story as well as the art. Truly gorgeous.
Thanks friend!! I’m so happy you liked Christoph’s feature!
What a wonderful, inspiring story. thanks for sharing Charlie O! You are a spreader of love buddy!
Awww…that’s so sweet Jodi!! ❤️😃I’m so happy you liked Christoph’s story. It really inspired me! 😊
Hey Charlie can you please do a collab blog with me?
Jishnu…it’s all I can do to maintain this one! Hehe…And, btw, if you want to reach out to me on something unrelated to the post, use my Let’s Connect link rather than the comments! 😉👍🏻Thanks!
What a wonderful guest and post! It truly is amazing what determination can accomplish. I have a friend who is color blind and is a wonderful artist. Will be following on G+.
Awesome Kari!! 😃So glad you liked it! I met another artist who is as well, but is still afraid of using color, so hopefully this post inspires them. 😊😊And definitely follow Chrisoph on G+, his work is awesome!
It just goes to show, if there is a will there is a way! Great uplifting post, Charlie! 🙂
Thanks Jill! So happy you liked Christoph’s feature!
So heartfelt!!! Spectacular courage & impressive works of art 🙂
So true!! Christoph is amazing! Thanks for commenting Nicole!! I’m so glad you liked this feature!! 😃
I love the spontaneity of your drawings Christoph, such fun and energy. Thanks Charlie.
Thank you Sharon!! I’m so happy you liked them!
What a fabulous story! I love a great story of overcoming difficulties and adversities to achieve a fulfilling life goal. And what wonderful work–it makes me even more certain that I have NO excuse worthy of discussion!! Thank you for bringing Christopher’s story to us. 🙂
You’re so welcome Jill! Happy you liked it! I must admit I started thinking through all of my excuses for things. There’s really no good reason for them, ever! 😉👍🏻
Wonderful story matched by the art. Thanks, Charlie. (K)
So happy you enjoyed this feature Kerfe! 😃
Wow, this story almost brought me to tears… I´m so happy that Christoph started painting. He´s a true artist, because an artist will create art no matter how contrarious circumstances are. Love his pictures, they are full of energy and light! Thanks for sharing, Charlie!!! ❤️😊
You’re so welcome Ann! I was just so inspired by Christoph’s story I had to share it! Happy you liked this one! 😃
Lovely and inspiring. Great attitude and wonderful sketches filled with movement. Awesome feature. Thanks for sharing.
Christoph is amazing! Glad you liked it friend! ❤️😃
A special story with special pictures! I believe Christoph is special himself, a real artist.
robert