He is half blind, deaf and mute and yet Khaled Alvi has produced some astonishing works of art that are seeing the light of day at a number of exhibitions.

Starting with felt tip and progressing to water colours and most recently oils, Khaled stretches

himself in both composition and variety. He can work from photos, which range from the beautifully portrayed snow-bound Felix Road in West Ealing where he lives, to the haunting eyes plucked from his imagination.

His work adorns his home where he lives with his mother, Kubra, and wife, Yasmeen, but it has also graced the PM Gallery in Ealing, the 4th Ealing Open Exhibition of 200 local artists, the Ramada Hotel in Ealing Common, Stirling Road Centre in Acton, the Diorama Gallery in London and the Barbican library where he is due to exhibit again next year.

The fact that he is so prolific is testament to a man determined to make his mark in the world inspite of his disabilities.

He communicates using a computer, pen and a unique sign language between himself and Yasmeen that involves laboriously spelling out letters on their hands. Communication seems tortuous, but Yasmeen and Kubra are incredibly patient and between us, we get the gist of his thoughts and feelings.

Khaled, 43, who is a member of Ealing Art Group, says: "I was very close to my father and when he died suddenly I was very upset so I started painting to take my mind off it. I didn't know anything about painting. It was like a gift from God.

"Some paintings are from reality, but most of them are from my imagination because I can't see so clearly. I like modern images, wildlife, landscape, Cubism and still life.

"I didn't need to go to people to get my work exhibited. I have my own website so they came to me and just asked me. I was so happy to know they wanted to exhibit my work."

Khaled's positivity is inspiring and while he admits he gets some days where he feels down, he believes he is in great company.

He says: "Like other disabled people, I have achieved a lot. Look at Stephen Hawkins. He is amazing."

A former computer operator and then clerical officer with Ealing Council, Khaled is now unable to work, but has sold some of his pieces and is supported by a family who found life tough going when they first arrived from India in 1965.

Mum Kubra says: "Khaled was born deaf, he can't speak at all and can't see normally. His sight got worse over the years. He went to a special school for the deaf in Streatham but couldn't use normal sign language because he can't see. He got on really well at school and used to get gold stars.

"When his father died he got depressed and started painting and he has done so well. We are both so proud of him. We write English letters on his hand and now do it so quickly it is easy and we are all used to it."

Yasmeen, 34, who came over from India for their arranged marriage, says: "He has such a good nature and is such a loving and caring person.

"It is sometimes very frustrating for him that he can't speak, especially when he is sad or angry but we are now so used to communicating like this it's easy. He has changed a lot since I first met him. He goes out much more and is very excited about his exhibitions, often asking me which painting is good."

Kubra adds: "He is very handicapped, but he has found a good way to live. The main thing is he is happy in his life."

Khaled's website is www.khaledalvi.co.uk