This website was developed for people wounded in war, with movement disorders. chronic illnesses and disabilities. 

As a Parkinson Disease patient and two decades ago a cancer patient, I discovered what the brain can do to cope with health challenges.  And research has shown similarities in some symptoms experienced by those wounded in war and people with PD.

Actually, the brain appears to insist on doing something creative if given a chance. With PD you lose dopamine cells in part of your brain, which causes a variety of symptoms, including movement control and often autonomic nervous system problems. Coping involves a kind of retraining of our brains. 

People who are blind often hear better than most.  The brain, in this sense, is utilized differently.  Many PD patients find themselves becoming painters -- once again parts of the brain allowing a new talent to emerge.  Inside you may be a painter waiting to be released.  Really!  No need to be a Renoir, or, for that matter, to have ever painted before.  I’ve only been at this for a few years.  Most of the techniques I’ve learned came from being with other painters, ones who’ve shared their techniques and also from experimentation. 

My own dealings with health challenges have given me some insight into how creative endeavors can help.  Much of what I know about painting is still fresh -- few ingrained habits.  So, I can share from the beginning things I’ve learned. 

I’m going to start with techniques that allowed me to become an amateur painter rather quickly -- ones that will do the same for you.  Sometimes we’ll focus on watercolor, at other times oil.  Feel free to substitute acrylic or other media and we’ll have some painters using those give us some tips along the way as well.  If you’re already a painter, by all means join us.  Also, as time goes on, we’ll feature some of the paintings created by those of you willing to share.  None of what you read here is etched in stone.  Every painter has preferences. That’s on of the beauties of art. 

Occasionally we’ll take a look at a particular painter’s works -- see what we can learn and give some of his or her techniques a try.  Why not?  Nothing to lose, everything to gain learning and enjoying in the process.  If you have limitations in terms of holding a brush, experiment there too.  Someone else can hold it for you and it will still be your work as you guide them.  If you’re thinking, “I can’t paint,” drop that idea.  You can!  And don’t feel constrained by what I paint.  Learn the techniques and do your own thing.  Soon people will notice you have a style, even before you notice yourself. 

Click on “Get Started” on the bar at the top of this page to go to the next page and we’ll get underway.