"This comes back to "What Is An Artist?" doesn't it? " It sure does Susan.

I use to cringe when people said I was an artist too. But now I decided heck if some - anyone - likes what I'm doing, then I am an artist. Maybe not a good one but an artist never the less. So now I just pretend that I'm an artist. We need to do more pretending in our lives.

All that means FanKi is that you are human and not a robot.

That is so interesting that you have less skill on one side than the other. I guess it would have to something to do with being right or left brain dominant. Or maybe the reach from your dominant hand? That is interesting.

I'm looking forward to seeing your tiger.

The biggest challenge in my art is also what has helped me grow the most as an artist..doing work for other people. A majority of my drawings are commissioned pieces..not ones I would do for myself therefore I do not hold the emotional connection. Not having that connection makes it difficult to create a piece (1) that I feel is quality and (2) will speak to the viewer. On the other hand..if I am not pushed to draw then I never seem to find the time to draw. I need the commissions to keep me artistically motivated and I need the commissions to expand and improve. I always want to turn out the best possible piece I can because they are paying for it and I want them to be happy. I put a lot on my shoulders in each drawing.

Time!

I find doing something that others are expecting a little stressful. Like that portrait for Jerry. Even though I didn't charge him, just him expecting something good made me uncomfortable. But it also caused me to be very careful and detailed which is a good thing (but not fun). I have been asked by a mutual friend to Jerry to do portraits of his three kids.....at first I said maybe this winter...but now I decided it just isn't worth the heart burn. He is only asking me because he knows I won't charge him or ask very little. Not that he thinks I'm that good.

However....when I'm painting I often think about 'what would Chanda say about this'...or "Would Asancta think this is a good idea". or "Would Susan or FanKi think this is good". Also now I start thinking would I buy this if I saw it for sale..... Just between you and me most of my stuff that I'm selling right now I'd say "no" to that question. But the last few I would say yes to too....and that gives me an all time high.

I totally understand the commission thing Chanda, when I worked on the chapel I know I challenged myself to do better than I would have for my own satisfaction. It did push me (in a positive way) to do my best, which in the long run, improves my overall ability.

I see a lot of things when I don't have my camera with me. Then trying to catch the mood in the photo, I'm not really happy unless I catch the mood in the photo.

The doctor put me on some new medications, you know medication for aging people. It's got me feeling different. I can't mentally focus. I seem to not be able to draw or even get creative suddenly. That last lion I has to force out and it really didn't come out any where near to were I wanted it to. But not just that I seem to be losing all my ambition in everything else in my life. This is now my new biggest challenge. It's a real bummer.

HEY!??!!

What about "Would David like this?" Of course I like about everything you to Sis