SHORELINE — Ray Gerring likely knows that of all the arts, abstract painting is often considered the most difficult.

Otherwise, even though he is blind, he may not have been up for the challenge.

Gerring, 79, is legally blind and has no more than 20 percent vision. But he doesn’t let this hinder him from abstract painting, which does not depict objects realistically but in patterns or forms of lines, masses or colors.

In fact, the art form has helped him overcome depression he experienced after losing most of his eyesight.

“It takes me away from myself,” Gerring said. “It is getting away from my own self pity and getting my mind on something else.”

Before becoming blind, Gerring worked as a commercial artist for about 15 years before teaching an advertising art program at Seattle Central Community College for 25 years.

Fifteen years ago, Gerring lost most of the vision in his left eye, after suffering retinal vein occlusion, which he describes as being similar to a stroke. A blood vessel becomes clogged by a clot and a hemorrhage occurs. In December 2004, the same affliction limited vision in his right eye.

Gerring is unsure how much improvement is possible, but still visits eye specialists.

“I can see faces if I get really close, but it is like a fog over everything,” Gerring said. “I can’t drive, or read magazines or books.”

After losing his eyesight, Gerring became severely depressed. Counselors told him that when something disastrous happens to the body, such as the loss of sight, it is often like losing a family member. A mourning phase is necessary to gain acceptance, he said.

When he discovered all the things he could no longer do, such as drive a car, read or complete simple tasks around the house, Gerring said he felt “worthless” and became overcome with self pity.

After about three months, Gerring decided he needed to overcome his depression and attempted hobbies he previously enjoyed, such as painting.

“I was scared of it (painting),” Gerring said. “I think that is the case with many people who lose their sight; they are scared to death to take up things they used to do because they are afraid they will fail at them.”

Although Gerring had painted several representational pieces over the years, and only dabbled at abstract painting, once he picked up a paint brush again abstract art was what compelled him to pursue painting once again.

While at his studio at his second home in Arizona, where he and his wife spend winters, Gerring squeezed some paint on a pallet knife and made some marks on canvas. He became slightly encouraged by the process.

The next day, Gerring assessed the artwork and decided to start another painting.

“It did help me lift out of it,” Gerring said about his depression. “I have had a couple of minor setbacks, but that happens too, you get kind of down and have to pick yourself up again.”

Gerring completed numerous abstract paintings within two months, still continuing to paint when he returned to Shoreline from Arizona. His paintings have names like “Fiesta Time,” “Condos Espanol” and “Memories of Mardi Gras.”

“I can see the colors, not as good as before, but surprisingly well,” Gerring said. “I call painting in this manner ‘arms’ length painting,’ because I can’t see detail.”

Painting with low vision can be difficult when it comes to mixing colors, Gerring said, and it is also a challenge to achieve an effective composition.

Gerring will show some paintings on Oct. 8 at the Lynnwood Convention Center at a special convention for handicapped and low-vision people. His artwork also will be displayed in November at the Arthead Gallery in Wallingford. Gerring is considering teaching a painting class next year for low-vision people.

“The idea is to encourage people,” Gerring said about showing his artwork.

Gerring’s wife, June, said it was extremely frustrating for her husband to lose his independence, as she now must drive him on errands, such as to buy art materials.

Without painting, she said it would have been difficult for her husband to beat depression. She said Gerring saw an article in the newspaper about a photographer who became blind and decided to take photography classes to learn how to use his camera again.

“I think that article helped Ray turn around a little bit and decide ‘maybe I can do this again,’” she said.

Bill Waddington, 81, a long-time friend of Gerring’s, said it is ‘unbelievable’ that Gerring is able to paint with limited eyesight.

“I suspect he can tell by the feel of how much paint is being left on and the use of paint,” Waddington said. “It is phenomenal what he can do with his talent leftover from when he could see.”

Waddington contacted Gerring last winter, when Gerring was suffering from depression, and said it was unfortunate to learn his friend had lost his eyesight as he was a very active person. In recent months, however, he said Gerring has regained his previous cheerful demeanor.

“It is the old Ray there again,” Waddington said. “The one who is bright and funny.”