Lori, you really nailed the main things that get in the way of our succes, at least for me but I expect for many others as well.

The fear factor is a huge one. Along with successful entry into galleries comes the time commitment to galleries and the resulting preparations for shows, openings, and the constant need to produce and keep enough paintings at galleries to make a living. I often wonder if all of that will diminish my joy. I'll have to make certain it doesn't. The quality of our work depends on our joy in what we do to a great extent and it's important that we find ways to ensure that the thrill stays alive.

I make most of my yearly income from freelance illustration so adding that to the mix leaves precious little time to paint, other artists are likely in a similar position. I do my work first and paint second which usually ends up in having little energy left to paint. A tricky problem but maybe I should paint first and work second, easy to say hard to do when you know your work supports the painting habit.

You've reminded me to really analyze this, thanks Lori.

Cindy Revell