I am going to be brave here and throw open something another artist and I
had a discussion about yesterday. I worked in the commercial art field for
about twelve years, then everything changed to digital. I "retired"
(euphemism for getting laid off but still managing to put food on the table
;)) from the field to raise a family. Some years (and I won't say how many
:)!) I'm back at my paints again and wondering what to do now? BTW: I am
taking classes in digital just to see what I missed while my kid was in
short pants!

The artistic focus now (my son would say obsession) is orchids - native
North American, tropical, whatever I can find that can stay in bloom long
enough to paint, while trying to take care of the rest of my life too!

My friend (who is also an artist, and a very well respected one in this
field) said that what I was doing was senseless, why spend the money on
classes, materials and plants when that should be going in my kid's college
education account, and I'll never make any money selling my work. And with
all the time I'd save, keep a Martha Stewart house, too. I bit my tongue
(for those who know me, don't laugh!) and I listened. Pouting. But now, I
wonder....

Are there scientific illustrators out there who just do what they do because
they love what they do, and believe in their efforts, no matter whether
professional recognition or sales result? And what do they do to keep
themselves going when they run into people like this? And what are the
possibilities when you decide to just focus on one thing like I do?

Maybe this is more of a "fine art" issue than an Sci-art one, but I just
wanted to throw it open to anyone who resonates with this and has the time
to send a word or two of wisdom my way.

Thanks!

Kathy G