He has hand-painted greeting cards depicting majestic landscapes, cuddly critters, yuletide candles, even a powerful portrayal of Jesus.

Now he is laboring over his latest creation - a portrait of him and his wife, Chartina - which he hopes to finish in time for the next holiday season so it can appear on the family Christmas card.

But it remains a work in progress - like Voorheis himself.

The 29-year-old Pleasant Grove man must rely on the guided use of his right hand to produce his paintings after suffering a debilitating brain injury 10 years ago. He was shot in the head by a thief while serving an LDS mission in Argentina.

"It's been a miracle to see his progress," says artist Carol Harding, who stops by Voorheis' home every Monday to break out the watercolors. "I feel very fortunate to help him paint."

Using the jury-rigged easel - paintbrushes extended with the help of duct tape - and plenty of Voorheis' favorite color (red), Harding helps steady the budding artist's hand as he brings the canvas to life.

For someone doctors said wouldn't live 36 hours after he was shot, Voorheis' artistic endeavors are nothing short of miraculous.

"I love watching him paint," says Chartina, who with Voorheis celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary Dec. 26. "This allows him to express himself."

For nearly 10 years, Voorheis has been unable to talk or walk. The gunshot wound left him with little use of most his body. He is not paralyzed. He can use his right leg and right hand reasonably well and can move his head and blink his eyes to communicate. He has also learned to laugh and smile again.

And, with recent progress in speech therapy, Voorheis has started making sounds that Chartina understands. Still, for now, most communication with his wife, friends and family runs through his right hand - his painting hand.

When asked what Voorheis enjoys most about his artwork, Chartina takes her husband's hand to help him communicate. She touches his fingers and assigns each a possible response. He then raises the finger designating the correct answer.

"I like to see people's reactions," he says through this improvised exchange.

Despite his physical challenges, Voorheis' mind still clicks with clarity. He devours fantasy books by the bundle, thanks to CDs, and he works as a welcomer at the American Fork Deseret Industries store with the help of a computerized greeting board.

He jokes. He teases. And he is not shy about his preferences. He likes candy. He likes to travel. And he loves to venture up Spanish Fork Canyon to his extended family's cabin.

"He understands everything," Chartina says. "The hardest part is when people assume that he's mentally disabled."

Chartina, now a teacher at Lone Peak High, became heavily involved with Voorheis' rehabilitation soon after he returned home from his mission. She volunteered at the East Lake Care Center, where Voorheis underwent treatment, while she attended Brigham Young University.

After 5 1/2 years of working together, the two married in the Manti LDS Temple on Dec. 26, 2002.

One of Voorheis' favorite paintings shows a radiant Chartina in her white wedding dress.

Every picture - the mama bear with her cubs, the cascading waterfalls, the stirring depiction of Christ - has sprouted from Voorheis' mind. He has a vision for what he wants and then Harding and 14-year-old neighbor Kathryn Perry help him create it.

"I try really hard to make sure his movements are his," says Harding, who has aided Voorheis' work for a year now. (Voorheis has been painting since shortly after returning from his mission, formerly with Nancy Collier of New Outlook Therapy.)

With Perry lending extra hands, Harding helps guide Voorheis' right hand across the canvas to give him an idea of its size. Then she steadies him while he pencils in what will be painted.

Voorheis relies on sign language to relay what colors he wants to use. Red is a popular choice.

"It's just been really amazing," Perry says. "Orin is such a good example to me. He's so determined. He has shown me you can accomplish anything if you just put your mind to it."

For Voorheis, that means walking again.

A red scooter he got as a gift a year ago sits in his living room as his motivation.

A big fan of motorcycles before his mission, Voorheis is determined to be the first to grip the handles of his "Red Harley."

"Orin has decided it doesn't leave the living room until he rides it," Chartina says.

Until then, he will be gripping the extended handle of his paintbrushes, making progress and gaining strength -- stroke after colorful stroke.

toddh@sltrib.com

Orin Voorheis was shot in the head while serving an LDS mission in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

He and his missionary companion were returning to their home April 9, 1997, when three men approached and demanded money.

One of the robbers shoved a gun against Voorheis' head while another held him at knifepoint. The third held his companion. While Voorheis was removing his backpack to comply with the crooks, the gun was fired accidentally.

Voorheis was rushed to a hospital and given a 20 percent chance to live. Doctors said he shouldn't have lived more than 36 hours after the shooting.

Until then, he will be gripping the extended handle of his paintbrushes, making progress and gaining strength -- stroke after

colorful stroke.