We were lucky to catch up with Leonard Chapman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Leonard, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Drawing came naturally to me, like an instinct I couldn’t ignore. I remember being a child, captivated by the gentle voice of Bob Ross on TV. His landscapes were mesmerizing, but it was the way he transformed a blank canvas into something alive that truly spoke to me. One day, inspired by his serene wisdom, I picked up a brush and created my first animal painting—a giraffe. It was a humble beginning, but the experience awakened something profound within me.

From that moment, I realized that to truly embrace my calling, I needed to tap into my own intuition. I began to see myself not just as someone who paints, but as a creator—someone born to bring forth new worlds from the depths of imagination. Sketching became my daily ritual, a way to connect with my inner vision. I’d wander through parks, observe the play of light and shadow, and feel the textures of my surroundings. Each emotion, each fleeting thought, found its way into my art, making it a true reflection of my soul.

Looking back, if there was one thing I could have done to speed up my learning process, it would have been to embrace imperfection earlier. Being a perfectionist often stood in my way, creating a barrier between my ideas and their execution. I learned that the pursuit of perfection can be paralyzing and that sometimes the most beautiful art comes from moments of vulnerability and spontaneity.

The most essential skill I developed was the ability to see—really see—the world around me. This meant not just looking at the obvious, but noticing the subtle shifts in color, the emotions hidden in a glance, the stories told by the lines and shapes in nature. Additionally, I needed to master using my colorblindness as a superpower instead of a disability, allowing me to see things in a different light spectrum. There are details and patterns I can see that others can’t, giving my art a unique and profound dimension.

Of course, obstacles were plentiful. The fear of judgment, the doubt that creeps in when a piece doesn’t turn out as expected, and the ever-present challenge of staying true to my vision in a world full of distractions. But each obstacle was also a lesson, teaching me resilience and pushing me to grow.

In the end, it’s this journey—filled with both struggles and triumphs—that has shaped me into the artist I am today. And as I continue to paint, instruct, and perform, I carry these lessons with me, always striving to create from the heart and inspire others to do the same.

Leonard, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Leonard Chapman, and I’m a native of Atlanta, GA, deeply inspired by my Cruzan family roots in the Virgin Islands. My journey into the world of art has been a unique one, shaped by my colorblindness, which I’ve transformed into a superpower. This condition has allowed me to explore other realms of light consciousness, giving me a distinct perspective that infuses my work with depth and originality.

From a young age, drawing came naturally to me. My first inspiration came from watching Bob Ross on TV, and it was his serene wisdom that encouraged me to pick up a brush and create my first animal painting—a giraffe. This was the beginning of my lifelong journey in art. I realized that to truly embrace my calling, I needed to tap into my own intuition and vision, not just replicating what I saw but creating new worlds from my imagination.

My artworks delve into intricate themes such as Sacred Geometry, Sacred Language, Ancient History, emotional and mental healing, and alchemy. I use a variety of mediums, including acrylic paint, watercolors, gouache, paint markers, and ballpoint pens, to bring my visions to life. Each medium is carefully chosen to evoke the complexity and depth of my ideas.

Central to my technique is the infinity symbol. I meticulously sketch out compositions that are then filled with Sacred Language and alchemical symbolism, infusing my canvases with layers of metaphysical meaning and spiritual significance. This approach not only shapes individual artworks but also contributes to a larger narrative where each piece connects to form a cohesive whole, echoing the unity inherent in the cosmos.

One of the most essential skills I’ve mastered is using my colorblindness as a superpower rather than a disability. This unique perspective allows me to see things in a different light spectrum, noticing details and patterns that others might miss. It has become a gateway for exploring and expressing my visions in ways that are truly unique.

I channel my art from diverse realms of consciousness, often entering a trance-like state to connect with these deeper levels of understanding. My work transcends mere visual representation; it aims to provoke introspection and elevate the viewer’s consciousness. My ultimate goal is to beautify the world and promote harmony through my art, using the universal language of patterns, symbols, and cosmic narratives to awaken the inner divinity in every individual.

What sets me apart from others in my field is this ability to blend my unique perspective with profound themes and intricate techniques, creating artworks that are not only visually stunning but also deeply meaningful. I am most proud of the way my art has touched lives, fostering a collective elevation of consciousness and promoting unity on Earth.

To potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that my work is a reflection of my deepest passions and my commitment to creating a more harmonious world. Each piece is crafted with intention and care, inviting you to explore the intricate patterns, alchemical symbols, and cosmic narratives that form the foundation of my art. Through my work, I hope to inspire you to see the world through a new lens, to find beauty in the interconnectedness of all things, and to awaken the divine within yourself.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My creative journey is driven by a mission to challenge traditional notions of color and redefine its significance in visual art. As a colorblind artist, I embrace my unique perspective to create art that transcends conventional color perception. My goal is to inspire others to appreciate the diversity of human perception and to engage with art on a deeper, more introspective level. Through my work, I aim to celebrate the vibrant and diverse world we live in, capturing its essence through contrast, texture, and form. Ultimately, I strive to bridge the gap between the seen and the unseen, inviting viewers to discover the beauty that lies beyond the spectrum.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the alchemical journey from a blank canvas to a masterpiece that vibrates with colors and frequencies. My consciousness plays a crucial role in this process, as it allows me to tap into and be aware of multiple realities. This heightened awareness enables me to infuse each piece with layers of meaning and energy, creating art that resonates deeply with viewers. It’s transformative to witness how my art connects with people, bridging the gap between the seen and the unseen, and inviting them to experience the world through a fresh, vibrant lens.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://craftsbylen.wixsite.com/theoriginalcolorblin
• Instagram: @theoriginalcolorblindartist