IMAGINE how difficult it is to paint a picture from scratch. Now imagine trying to paint a picture when you are deaf, dumb and mostly blind.

This is what Indian-born artist Khaled Alvi is faced with every day of his life.

Khaled, 39, has lived and painted in Ealing most of his life. He came to England from Lucknow, India, with his parents when he was aged just one.

Despite his disabilities, Khaled, encouraged by teachers who spotted his talents, was spurred on by the dream that one day someone would be a fan of his artwork.

Khaled spends much of his time at his easel producing works of art and this week many of his paintings will be on display in Ealing.

He told me, during an interview conducted with a pen and paper: "I learned how to draw and paint as a child but I became an artist in 1988."

Although he is deaf and dumb, Khaled has tunnel vision caused by a deteriorating eye condition which means he can partially see.

Most of his artwork comes from his own imagination but Khaled has been inspired by a number of famous artists such as Van Gogh, Picasso and Munch.

Khaled describes his paintings as strong, bright and bold.

He said: " I describe my paintings as futuristic art.

"All my work comes from my mind and from my mind only. I don't copy images I just paint as I see them."

Khaled was born deaf, dumb and partially blind and used to work as a computer operator before his eyesight got so bad he could no longer work.

Since 1988 he has dedicated his life to his paintings and artwork and his work has been displayed in several exhibitions in the UK and India.

Because of his poor eyesight Khaled can only paint indoors.

He explained: "I work inside a room so I can see what I am painting.

"I can't see outside. Sometimes I take a photo of a place or a landscape so it helps me create my own painting. I also use a magnifying glass to help me."

The Worlds of Imagination exhibition, which will display 12 to 20 pictures from Khaled's collection, was organised in response to the difficulty most artists find in getting their work seen.

It is hoped this will be a stepping stone for Khaled to show off his work as well as to encourage other disabled artists.

Simon Labbett, arts officer with the Royal National Institute for the Blind (RNIB), said: "Khaled is a man driven to paint and create.

"The sheer inventiveness of his creations would be enough to warrant a look, but coupled with the fact that he started painting only when his sight really began to fail makes his work remarkable."

Khaled added: "I would like people to come to my exhibition and become fans of my paintings. It is my dream."

Kahled's work will be on display at the Arts Bar, The Ramada London West Hotel, Ealing, from May 1 until July 23

May 1, 2003 09:00