Blind man’s paintings become sensation – selling to the likes of Elton John and Warren Buffet
Showing that hardship is no barrier to success, 21-year-old Jeff Hanson has become a wildly successful artist despite being legally blind.
When he was younger, Mr Hanson was diagnosed with neurofibromatosis, a genetic disorder that caused a brain tumour. This tumour eventually left him blind, but that hasn’t stopped the young man from following his passion.
Introduced to art by his mother, who wanted to distract him during chemotherapy treatments, Mr Hanson has now completed around 1,400 paintings, and counts people like Warren Buffet and Elton John among his biggest fans.
Original works by Hanson sell for around $5,000 each, a price tag that has benefited over 100 charitable organisations. At the age of 19, the artist announced he would give away $1 million by the time he turned 20. And he did so with flying colours.
Only able to vaguely make out shapes and colours, Hanson relies on texture to help him work. A thick, plastic substance, which he applies to each canvas, guides him around the pieces.
You can find out more about Jeff Hanson and his work by visiting his website or following him on Facebook.
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