Thanks, Alicia, for all of that pep talk.

I admit I needed that. I won't go further for fear of turning this thread into a "Dear Abby" one. But I can relate to what you are telling me. I will check out the book you told me about. I thought I was beyond that self-help book stuff. I know all you are saying in my heart of hearts and I am not usually this way. My family is very supportive about my work but for the REALIST in the family and he keeps doing reality checks. Unfortunately, it is his interpretation of reality not mine. My painting has held my life for many years and will as long as I can do it.

Whew-w-w-w-w.

Now, a deep breath, and a great thanks again for this site and all of you here who give a boost when needed.

And Chris, with that I can relate too, they all looked at me when I wanted my studio outside of my house. I built it practically by myself with as much help from hubby as he could give. (Most of the plan was his). I mean literally, too. OOPS!!! I believe woodworking and painting was in another thread. I will never regret it either, even if I do have three extra bedrooms. My studio/gallery is my haven into another realm. I feel so lucky.

Thanks to all

Pro vs. Success
 

It seems to me there is a confusion between the terms successful and professional. They are far from interchangeable. There are many successful people who are not even in the realm of being professional in either their working procedures and approach. They can usually be spotted (but not always) by the flaunting of their materialistic trappings that come along with being successful. They must validate themselves somehow, so this is the easiest way.

Professionals are, by and large, more apt to focus on the means to which they achieve their ends. Fortunately many can claim title to both categories and that's the way it should be. Maybe I'm just being idealistic, but I like to believe that a professional has a much better chance at becoming successful in the long run. Although sometimes I have to scratch my head and wonder.

As someone fairly new to the craft of painting, but not new at all to the arts (grew up in Rome, Italy, come from a chef/writer background, after college worked as a museum installation specialist), I have to say the most useful mantra I've heard is Peggy Baumgaertner's advice: "Fake it till you make it."

I interpret this way:

1. You have to paint miles of canvas to understand the medium and its potential as a language (means of expression).

2. You must realize any creative process comprises both the creation and the critique of the work. Without its nemesis, creation is wallpaper, and critique is a murderer.

3. If you want to make a living at art (and it seems good and bad painters do), then you must treat your art as a job, report to duty in a consistent manner, maintain focus, and embrace all aspects of the job (from marketing to cleaning brushes to client relations).

4. Titles are just labels to help humans communicate.

Not to nitpick, Marvin, but the term "professional" can be used just to signify that you earn your income within a profession. And can have nothing to do with the quality of that person's work within that profession. Of course, a certain amount of credibility is assumed when the term is used, although I do prefer your distinction of a true professional vs. one who just carries the title. So, if I might be so bold as to make a statement to all who do or wish to hold the title of professional: Let us live up to that title by conducting ourselves with professionalism. I feel that that includes a certain amount of professional courtesy for others even if we should disagree with their views. To criticize others for success that we feel is underserved, I feel, is not in keeping with professionalism.