Today, I'd like to tell you about an amazing young man. His name is Christian Dwyer, and he lives in Seguin, Texas. In his younger years, becoming an artist was initially never considered by Christian Dwyer. Being in a wheel chair, at the age of 20 with a TBI and spinal cord injury, was also the farthest thing from Christian Dwyer's mind. Yet through God's divine plan both situations are now a part of Christian's life. Following two horrific accidents, Christian embarked on a long journey involving extensive therapy, which eventually included art lessons. To read more, and to see examples of his artwork, please click HERE to visit Christian's website.

Christian and his art teacher, Liz Jerkins chose oils as the medium for his paintings because oil is less quick drying than acrylic and thicker in application than water color. Both qualities allow for easier manipulation of the oil paints which make the medium more user friendly in coverage and correcting mistakes. They decided that the two techniques would be hallmarks of his work: highly textured areas on his paintings and completing the paintings on the sides which give it a "wrap around" appearance and can eliminate the need for framing. Christian puts his brushes in a utensil holder of his right wrist brace. He primarily uses his upper arm and forearm to make his strokes as his wrist and fingers have limited voluntary movement. His subject matters are primarily landscapes and seascapes which doesn't require too much use of fine motor skills for their completion. It usually takes Christian about six weeks to complete a picture. He has art class 2-3 times a week and usually has at least two pictures going at any one time so that he can alternate on paintings based on how dry they are and how well they will accept additional paint. Many of his paintings have specific Scriptures upon which they are based.

    Presently, Christian lives in his boyhood home south of Seguin with his parents and his sister, Elizabeth. His current activities include computer training, physical therapy, Bible correspondence courses for a degree in Biblical studies and of course, art classes. He also enjoys weekly visits with friends, attending church and Bible studies. His greatest joy is giving his testimony to various groups. When not doing class work, Christian enjoys RC Sproul videos, Focus on the Family videos and of course, some old John Wayne videos.