American Artists

Ronald Tabor was born in 1948. He lost the use of his legs and hands after being injured in a car accident when he was 21 years old. Ronald has had work exhibited in many art shows. His favorite subjects are animals, including birds and butterflies. Ronald does not limit his paintings to canvas, he has recently painted several wooden cabinet doors, one of which received a second place award at the Ozark Heritage Art Center show. Ronald currently resides in Harrison, Arkansas, with his wife and three children. He is an active member of his community, where he often visits local schools and church groups to give demonstrations. Ronald also enjoys talking with graduate students before they begin their occupational and physical therapy residencies. In his spare time, Ronald enjoys playing chess, collecting antiques, raising farm animals, fishing and visiting with friends and family. Ronald was promoted to Full Member in 2013.

Pictured above: “Sailing Out to Sea” by Tabor.

Will Barton, from San Diego, was studying to follow in the footsteps of his Artist parents when a tragic incident left him paralyzed in both arms and one leg. After leaving friends, Will was walking home talking to his cousin on the phone when a stranger ran up behind him and shot him at point blank range in the shoulder, neck and head. The stranger, who later went on a rampage throughout the city, left Will for dead.

Will was given only a 1% chance of survival, and Doctors said he would most likely be in a permanent catatonic state should he live. Despite these extraordinary odds, Will pulled through and after months of extensive therapy Will can speak, sit upright and even take a few steps.

Determined to continue his dreams of becoming an artist, Will (with the help of his artist parents) began mouth painting filling the appetite for creativity he had prior to his injury. Using tragedy as a tool for recovery, Will uses his art for recreational therapy and one day hopes to become a recreational therapist himself.

Will was accepted as a Student Member of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting in 2015.

Pictured above: “Devargas” by Barton

Cindi Bernhardt became a quadriplegic at the age of 18, when she broke her neck in a fall from a second-floor window. While in the hospital, she learned to write using a specially adapted pen between her teeth. Her writing soon progressed to sketching, then to painting. Following physical therapy, Cindi attended Mount San Antonio Junior College in Walnut, California, and received associate degrees in Child Development and Mental Health. She was working in a school for at-risk children when she decided to pursue her passion for art. In 1991, she joined the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists as a student member and remains in this position while continuing to work in the field of social services.

Today, Cindi’s works are featured in private collections throughout the United States, including one owned by William E. Simon, the former president of the U.S.A. Olympic Committee. During the 2002 Winter Olympics, Cindi carried her wheelchair-mounted Olympic torch through the streets of Pasadena, California, as part of the relay team that carried the flame throughout the country to the Salt Lake City Games.

As a special tribute to those who died on 9/11, Cindi painted an emotive image of a red, white and blue American eagle shedding a tear. MFPA created this piece as a tribute to the anniversary of 9/11 in 2002, and inserted it into 730,000 copies of the New York Times.

In her spare time, Cindi shares her story of triumph over adversity as a motivational speaker. She currently resides in West Covina, California.

Pictured above: “Crying Eagle” by Bernhardt.

FranciscoEstrada was born in Los Angeles. When he was teenager, he was caught in the cross fire of a drive by shooting, which left him quadriplegic. He was moved to Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center where he was encouraged to try mouth painting as a form of therapy. At first he was skeptical, although he had enjoyed art prior to his injury, he couldn’t see how mouth painting would work. It wasn’t until one his social workers told him about the many mouth painters who had started through the Rancho art therapy program that he began painting in earnest. Francisco began with paint by numbers, before realizing that he wanted to create his own artwork, the kind of subjects and styles he would like to see hanging in his own home. At one of the exhibitions at Rancho, he met Ann Ruth, Esvin Rodriguez and Robert Thome who encouraged him to apply to the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists. . Francisco was accepted as a Student Member in 2023. .

Pictured above: “Leopard” by Estrada.

Frank Espinosa was born in West Covina CA in 1972. At 18 years old Frank was shot in the head and neck leaving him quadriplegic. Even before his injury, Frank had a strong affiliation toward art but had never before applied pencil to paper. As part of his personal rehabilitation he decided to put a pen in his mouth and began drawing. Diligently working at his craft, Frank soon flourished as a mouth artist. After a brief hiatus for medical reasons, Frank resumed drawing and applied to the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists and began painting with the help of Full Member Robert Thome. In 2014, Frank was accepted as a student member to the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists.

Pictured above: “Brownie” by Espinosa.

Dennis Francesconi was 17 years old when he broke his neck in a water skiing accident. This injury left him paralyzed from the chest down. A few years later during his rehabilitation, he met his future wife, Kristi. Kristi encouraged Dennis to find an outlet to express his emotions. He chose writing, which began as a need to write his name and to recapture his identity. “I grew tired of being known as ‘X’ which was all I could scribble with a pen wedged between my fingers. So one day, in an act of frustration, I grabbed the pen between my teeth and just wrote my name,” said Dennis.

Writing then turned into doodling, and over time, his talent developed. Dennis became an MPFA student artist in 1993, when a chance meeting with a fellow MFPA artist led him to apply to the Association.

As his talent progressed, he took on more difficult art subjects and experimented with untraditional paint media. In 1999, when Dennis was promoted to a full member MFPA artist, he was able to fulfill his lifelong dream of coming off Social Security support.

Dennis has participated in about 70 exhibitions, which include shows in Los Angeles, New York, Chicago, and Atlanta, as well as Europe, Asia, and Australia. He currently lives in Madera, California and attributes much of his success to the MFPA.

Pictured above: “Birds of Paradise in Abstract” by Francesconi.

Jesus Montoya was born in Michoacan, Mexico in 1977. He came to America at the age of 13 to better his life. Sadly enough, at the age of 21, he was in a serious car accident which left him with a severe spinal cord injury. He has no use of his legs and very limited use of his arms.

While attending school, Jesus began painting by holding the brush in his mouth. He soon realized he had a passion for art. Jesus plans to further his education while mastering his ability to paint. He enjoys painting flowers in watercolors and is currently living in Santee, California.

Pictured above: “Autumn” by Montoya.

Bill Morales was born in El Salvador in 1954. At only 14 years old he developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome, a rare autoimmune disorder that damages the nervous system. Shortly after his diagnosis, Bill moved to California to continue his rehabilitation at the world renowned Rancho Los Amigos Rehabilitation Hospital. In 1969, the effects of his condition rendered Bill completely paralyzed. Bill was first introduced to mouth painting by MFPA member, and fellow Rancho Los Amigos’ ex-patient, Robert Thome. After many years of encouragement, Bill picked up a paint brush and discovered a new found inspiration in his life, and is dedicated to his craft as a mouth painter. Bill lives with his wife of 29 years in their home in California and is the father of two sons. Bill became a student member of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists in 2013.

Pictured above: “Pelican Bay” by Morales

Paul O’Lone was born in Philadelphia. Paul body building when he was seventeen years old and fell in love with the sport, earning the title of Mr. North America in 1993. However, everything in Paul’s life changed when he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in his early 30’s. In 2001, Paul moved to California to open his own accessible personal training gym, focusing on all levels of disabilities. When his gym was forced to close during the Covid-19 pandemic, Paul began mouth painting as a creative outlet and found a new passion and talent. Paul was accepted as a Student Member in 2023. .

Pictured above: “Humming Bird” by O’Lone.

Kenzi Robi, from California, has loved to paint for as long as he can remember. As a small boy, his father would return home from his job at a paper factory with giant spools of paper that Kenzi and his five brothers and sisters would spend countless hours drawing and painting on.

As a young adult, Kenzi embarked on a career in art and enrolled at City College in San Francisco with a major in Graphic Design. In 1992, when he was only 19 years old, Kenzi was assaulted while at a party and was shot 3 times. One of the bullets struck Kenzi in the neck immediately rendering him quadriplegic.

Kenzi struggled to accept his new life as a quadriplegic, now totally dependent upon someone else to help him with every day to day task. However, one day (after many attempts to use complicated apparatus) Kenzi decided to grasp a paint brush between his teeth and began to paint. The creative ability he thought he had lost blossomed and his life no longer seemed so bleak.

Kenzi was accepted as a Student Member of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists in 2015.

Pictured above: “Pink Wallpaper” by Robi

Esvin Rodriguez was born in 1979. Gunned down in a gang-related shooting at the age of 16, Esvin was fortunate enough to have been exposed to mouth painting while rehabilitating at All Saints Healthcare in North Hollywood.

Under the tutelage of celebrated MFPA member artist Robert Thome, Rodriguez is quickly gaining a reputation as a talented artist. His playful abstracts, portraits of flowers, animals and landscapes show a maturity that only comes from natural ability. Esvin credits Thome and the All Saints’ activities director, Gye Di Capua, for bringing out the art.

“When I started to paint, I slowly moved away from all the hate and the anger I was carrying as a young man,” he says. “You can see how it has gone from dark images to lighter as I became lighter inside. Painting is saving my life.”

Esvin lives in Santa Monica, California, and is often asked to speak to young people in the community about overcoming adversity.

Pictured above: “Snowcovered Night” by Rodriguez.

Ann Ruth, from Rolling Hills Estates CA, was only five years old when she suffered a spinal cord injury whilst playing with her brother on a gymnastic beam. The injury she sustained was similar to that of late actor Christopher Reeve resulting in complete paralysis from her neck down and left her to depend on a respirator. With the help of her devoted parents, Ann maintained a positive attitude despite her disability. Ann began painting in junior high at the encouragement of a friend. Later in her life, Ann resumed her passion for painting. For Ann, painting is a break from reality; an opportunity to focus on creating beautiful paintings to bring herself and others joy. Ann was accepted as a student member to the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists in 2014.

Pictured above: “Orange Blossom” by Ruth.

Peter Soby was born in 1967 in Chicago, IL. For as long as he can remember, art was a large part of his life, from painting and sketching to playing a variety of musical instruments. In high school, Peter was well known among his peers as an active member of the school community as both the vice president of the student council, year book editor and the voice of the high school radio. Peter had a bright and promising future ahead of him and enrolled in the communications program at the local community college after graduation. Then, in the summer between his freshman and sophomore year in College,while hanging out with friends, Peter dove into a lake that was too shallow instantly severing his spinal cord between the 5th and 6th vertebrae. Despite this tragic setback, and after months of rehabilitation, Peter’s drive and passion remained undeterred and he never lost focus of his love of the arts. Peter continued to DJ, and although he could no longer play the piano or guitar, he taught him self to play the harmonica using a brace to hold the harmonica in place (just like Bob Dylan!). Peter later moved to LA and emmersed himself in film, theater and music- directing short films, plays and music videos for local artists. It wasn’t until he was having a conversation with a good friend, and fellow MFPA artist Mariam Paré, that he was encouraged to return to his roots as visual artist and start mouth painting. After a period of trial and error- Peter found his inspiration and blossomed as a mouth artist, before at Mariam’s encouragement, applying to the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists.

Peter was accepted as a Student Member of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists in 2015.

Pictured above: “Cat Art Gallery’ by Soby.

Alana Tillman, from California, was born with Arthrogryposis; a birth defect that left her without the use of her arms and hands. Alana quickly learned how to write using her mouth, but it wasn’t until she was introduced to painting, while recovering from multiple surgeries in a children’s hospital, that she was given the drive to succeed. Alana began seriously painting at the age of 12, and earned her Associates degree in fine arts and liberal science from the Santa Rosa Junior College of California, where Alana not only creates art, but is also an assistant curator at the college’s art gallery. Alana uses many different media to paint haunting and beautiful landscapes, as well as vibrant pop art images. Alana became a student member of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists in 2013.

Pictured above: “Berry Branch” by Tillman

Alex Biagi developed a rare autoimmune neuromuscular disease called CIDP that left him without the use of his arms or hands and limited use of his legs. Before his disease, Alex was extremely active and enjoyed playing a vairiety of sports. He was also a gifted pianist and guitar player, but his first love was art. Alex had begun a degree in 3D animation, but was forced to end his studies when his disease progressed.

Determined to continue his passion, Alex began mouth painting to continue his artists endeavors. Alex’s favorite subjects are animals and portraiture, especially portraits of his sporting heroes. Alex also continues to work on his adaptive computer, producing graphic designs and animation as well as music. Alex became a Student member of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists in 2021.

Pictured above: “My Best Friend” by Biagi.

Donna Smith was born in 1954. She became a quadriplegic during a boating accident in 1990. Donna has learned from many painting instructors, including courses from the Famous Artist School and a marine painting course. In 1995, she joined MFPA, and has been recognized for her work at the Sister Kenny International Art Show. She enjoys painting animals, scenery and flowers.

Donna lives in Colchester, Connecticut. In her spare time Donna enjoys reading and crafts.

Pictured above: “Harbor View” by Smith.

Mrs. Quintero Bealer was born on the 11th of September 1972 in Bogota, Colombia without arms and legs. After Primary School she completed the sixth year of secondary school in a long-distance study program. Since the age of 5 she has been painting Oil and Acrylic pictures. She has participated in several paint competitions in schools. Her hobbies are Music and Lectures. Everin spends her time between her native country of Columbia and Florida, USA.

Pictured above: “Cottage by the brook” by Bealer.

Christopher Kuster was in a tragic swimming accident which left him a quadriplegic in 1992. During his long months of recovery in the hospital, Chris searched for a focus for his new life living in a wheelchair. He spent most of his life enjoying the outdoor lifestyle of the West Florida coast and he somehow wanted to capture that feeling of peace and tranquility which surrounded him. Learning to paint by holding the brush in his mouth was a long, slow process which Chris eventually mastered. His paintings are so realistic, you can almost hear the waves crashing on the shore.

Chris hopes that his paintings will transport his viewers to the places he has been, and capture the serene essence that is the Florida landscape. Chris’ works have been featured on television, represented in galleries and nationally published. He was easily accepted into the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artists in 2009.

Pictured above: “Regatta” by Kuster.

Sara May from Florida, had always been artistic, spending many hours Scrapbooking and engaging in arts and crafts. However, Sara was diagnosed with Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis in 2005 which forced her to leave work and drastically limited her ability to be creative.

In her youth, Sara had been a painter. She had won many awards and was selected to attend a prestigious art program at Hendrix College in Arkansas. Now as an adult with little to no movement in her arms and hands, Sara began painting again, this time as a mouth painter and found that her old talent still remained. Thanks to her journey into mouth painting, Sara is once again able to express her creativity.

Sara was accepted as a Student Member of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists in 2015.

Pictured above: “Lighthouse” by May.

Tony Ryals was born May 28, 1959 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He was born with arthrogryposis, a rare disease which cripples the body. He is therefore unable to use his arms and legs. Tony was placed in a foster family at an early age. Under the guidance of his foster parents he learned to paint with his mouth using crayons and chalks. Tony eventually moved to Jacksonville, Florida where he attended art classes in high school and at Jacksonville University. Tony calls his works “Art of Hope”, as he strives to inspire hope through his art. The mouth painting artist’s favorite topics are sea views and lighthouses.

Pictured above: “Butterflies” by Ryals.

Jesica Gacuson, from Hawaii was born with a birth defect known as bilateral congenital disorder which means she has no use of her arms and limited use of her legs. This proved to make all things in her life a challenge, as she had to learn to do everything with her feet instead of her hands. Jesica was determined to be like all the other kids and refused to let her disability come in the way of her dreams. Jesica learned to play the drums with her feet and she can even drive a car.

While in college, Jesica discovered she wanted a career in animation and soon enrolled in the necessary classes. She was surprised to learn she needed to take art classes in order to pursue this degree and as she began painting with her foot, she realized she loved it.

Jesica was accepted as a student to the Association and loves to draw still lifes and florals in bright, vivid colors.

Pictured above: “Still Life” by Gacuson.

Moses Hamilton was born on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. Mo, as he is known by his friends, began sketching at a young age and since that point, art played a pivotal role in his life. However, everything changed for Mo in October 2002 when he was 26 years old. Moses suffered a severe spinal cord injury in a car accident, rendering him quadriplegic. Mo’s rehabilitation was long and arduous but it was during this time that was introduced to mouth painting: “I saw others paint, those who were in even worse situations than me, and it gave me the strength to try”. With the realisation that there was still a vehicle for his creativity, Mo’s passion for art was restored, giving him hope for the future. With considerable hard work Mo developed a unique style that expressive culture of the Hawaiian islands and people. Mo has been featured in magazines and articles, wherein he shares his extraordinary story and talent. Moses hopes to inspire others who are facing adversity to lead productive and fulfilling lives despite their hardships.

Moses was accepted as a student member of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists in 2015.

Pictured above: “Honu” by Hamilton.

Linda Bannon was born with a congenital amelia and Holt-Oram Syndrome, meaning she was born without arms and learned to exclusively use her feet to accomplish daily activities. As the oldest of 5 siblings, learned many parenting skills through caring for her brothers and from a young age she enjoyed helping younger kids learn new things and was good at “teaching”. In high school she decided to go to college to study education, afterwards becoming a teacher and working in classrooms for 12 years. When the politics of education began to wear on her, she left her career behind to focus on raising her young son.

During her time as a stay-at-home mom, she had time to explore a variety of interests and creative endeavors, as well as becoming a mentor for limb different youth. She also learned to crochet and became more serious about foot painting. Linda had always had an interest in art and many family members have encouraged her to develop skills in various crafts, music, writing and art. Varying world events pushed her to dive deeper into her painting skills as a form of expression and she was encouraged to apply to the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists by MFPA USA Student, foot painter Anna Marecka. Linda became a Student of the Mouth and Foot Painting Artists in 2022.

Pictured above: “Purple Rose” by Bannon.