My name is Bernhard Kreissl. I am 51 years old and live in Munich’s beautiful Westend.

As everyone can see, I am a paraplegic due to a vertebral fracture to my neck after a sports accident in 1985.

For about 20 years, I have dedicated much of my life to painting.

After a few experiments, I decided only to paint using oil on canvas.

My autodidactic character – intensified by my paralysis – has allowed me to develop my individual technique. The foundation for my work is a joy in colors and I paint while listening to music.

Immersing myself in the interplay of colors enables me to lessen subtle symptoms of pain.

I can thus state that painting is therapy for me. My choice of motifs arises from inspirations.

That is, I select an idea and then construct an image in my mind. Or an outline. Then I have a plan for the method as well.

Next, I get a canvas that meets my expectations, begin to paint, and enjoy as the work unfolds.

 I only paint for about 2 to 3 hours every day, on the same painting. Depending on the size of the painting, this can take up to 6 months. When I am unable to paint, I don’t feel well.

Once I have chosen a motif, I add color to it and incorporate elements that come to my mind intuitively. Then I follow my intuition without judgment.

Often, I am surprised by the result and only notice much later that my paintings are telling me something.