Art therapy is proven great for healing process. Jeff has experienced it firsthand. while going through chemotherapy and radiation process he started painting watercolors on note cards. He is visually impaired from an optic nerve tumor (he nick-named CLOD) associated with a genetic condition called neurofibromatosis. The tumor caused severe vision loss in 2005, requiring chemotherapy and radiation. His imagination of world dipped in bright colors is proudly displayed in homes of art collectors across the globe—including Sir Elton John, Warren E. Buffett, Susan Sarandon and so many more. His commissions include paintings for Fortune 500 corporations, hospitals, and private collectors. Jeff has been honored often with prestigious awards and recognitions such as “Young Philanthropist of the Year,” PEOPLE Magazine “Hero Among Us” and CNN’s “Impact Your World.” His artwork has generated $1 million for charity in the seven short years since he began painting. Jeff’s inspiring story of art, philanthropy, and entrepreneurship is now featured in a book, Lessons From CLOD.

At this young age you are already an accomplished artist, philanthropist and entrepreneur. Which role is closest to your heart and why?J: Philanthropy is very dear to me. It is far better to give than to receive. My art business was founded on a philanthropy-first model. Not intentionally, but that is how it played out. And, my parents also found joy in the process. More than joy- I caught the philanthropy-first fever! I really cannot explain it. It wasn’t planned, it just happened. In fact, I have become consumed by it. I can’t imagine my daily life without an emphasis on giving. I am thrilled to be defined by generosity, instead of my brain tumor. In 2008, I wrote a mission statement, “Every act of kindness helps create kinder communities, more compassionate nations and a better world for all ... even one painting at a time.” I live by it!

Can you share with us one unforgettable moment during your journey from the days at the Lemonade stand selling note cards to becoming a successful entrepreneur?J: On May 18, 2013, at the Make A Wish® North Texas Gala, during the live auction, my artwork reached my milestone goal of “ONE MILLION BY 20!” It was an amazing accomplishment that I will always remember. Before age 20, my art had generated one million dollars for many local, national and international charities.

What was your first painting that was auctioned for charity?Did you have a special connection with the painting?J: My first charity auction painting, Visions III was a 40” x 30” acrylic on canvas abstract in orange, yellow, red and green. It sold for $400. and I was thrilled.
No, I do not have a special connection with that particular painting. However, there is one painting that I still miss and think about every day. In January 2008, Sir Elton John invited me and my parents to his concert in Dubai. The trip was part of my Make A Wish®. I took a painting on the trip as a thank you gift to Elton. I love that painting for many reasons and I am so happy Elton John has it in his home.

Your art is known for being full of bright vibrant colors?Can you imagine drawing one of your existing paintings in black, white and grey shade?Do you think it will do justice to your style?J: Yes, I love to paint with explosively bright colors. For me, art is bright, happy and colorful. My art transforms a space into a happy place. No. I do not enjoy working with “earth tones.” They make me sad. Neutral colors do not “pop” in my visual field. Remember, I am visually impaired. I need color—bright color. In big—bold patches. No. In fact, I say, “a painting is not done until the purple goes on.” Purple is my favorite color.

Which of your paintings do you like the most and why?Do any of the paintings reflect your personality?J: I answered this in question 3. However, there is one painting that I still miss and think about every day. In January 2008, Sir Elton John invited me and my parents to his concert in Dubai. The trip was part of my Make A Wish®. I took a painting on the trip as a thank you gift to Elton. I love that painting for many reasons and I am so happy Elton John has it in his home.
Yes, I believe the heavily textured, bright colored, large abstract paintings reflect my personality. Texture makes the art more interesting. Bright colors pop in my visual field. Big paintings with large areas of bold color are easy for me to see. I do not create any detailed art because of my limited vision and skill.

You seem to have special connection with the color purple?Can you tell us about this fascination?J: Instead of a “purpose-driven” world, I like to say I live in a “purple-driven” world. I have purple walls, purple socks, purple shirts, purple glasses and purple shoes. I love purple.My favorite shirt as a toddler was purple. The first HOT WHEEL car that I carried around as a little boy was purple. What more can I say? I love purple.

What is the genesis of your campaign “ONE MILLION BY 20!”?J: As you already know, I love giving to others. I started giving back to the world at a young age. The giving did not quit, so by age 18 1/2, I realized I could probably generate ONE MILLION dollars to charity with my artwork by age 20. I set out to reach this milestone and I achieved my goal at age 19 1/2.

What is one special thing you would like to do for your parents?J: I hope that my art business continues to be “wildly successful.” I want my parents to know that I will be fine. They have worried a lot about me living with Neurofibromatosis and an optic nerve tumor. I want them to be able to enjoy each day.

How can art play an important role for our special children?J: Art is therapeutic. Art is happy. Art gives people purpose. Art can turn a gray day into a rainbow. Your question makes me think of my art in the Kansas City Children’s Mercy Hospital Oncology/Hematology Clinic. Listen, the children in that space are not there for a “happy” reason. Something is really wrong in their world or they would not be there. I painted a collection of 30 canvases titled Summer Vacation for the Children’s Mercy Hospital Oncology/Hematology Clinic. It totally transforms the space every day. Crying children see my art and soon they are smiling. The bright colorful art distracts kids and immediately takes them to a “happy place.” Thus, I hope to continue Changing the World Through Art.

Any special message for our community?J: 1) We all face challenges. It is not the challenge, but rather the response to the challenge that defines you. Don’t let your CLOD define you!
2) Generosity Begets Generosity. Generous acts encourage others to become generous as well.
3) Focus on what you can do, not what you can’t do. Get creative. Focus on your passion. Find something to do.
My art, philanthropic and entrepreneurial story is told in a book titled, Lessons From CLOD. It is available on Amazon.com

Enjoy Jeff's favorite artwork