[Michael Fournier]

Steve, I too have read that quote from Sargent and (I have Kinstler's book) and I agree.

I never set out to be a portrait painter. I think money was the reason I have pursued that special branch of painting. I love to paint people so people often asked for portraits so I figured why not get paid for it.

As I would love to do nothing but paint for a living (we all need some money to live on) so I have advertised myself as a portrait artist to get more commissions for that kind of work. but I still paint other subjects as well and I paint even when I do not have a commission.

My final words on this subject are this:

First learn to paint well. In other words understand the tools you use the painting medium you want to work in and then spend a lot of time painting and drawing. Once you can do that then worry about making money or if you do not want to be a professional Artist then at that time paint what interests you.

If you can paint what interests you and also make a living at it then that is even better. (As a illustrator I know what it is like to draw things only for money).

And always remember no matter what you do always strive to be that best. You may never be the best that does not matter.

If you want to paint a great still life then do it until you get at least one you are happy with. Do not give up after one failed attempt and say that you are no good at still lifes. If you want to paint landscapes then do the same for that subject.

You must first learn to see then you can paint.
Can I paint all 3 equally as well?? Probably not as well as one who specializes in one of the special branches but but I will never say "I Can't" or "I am no good at it".

I feel the first stage of failure is to admit you will fail even before you try. More then a few talented artists have commented on this subject and I do not claim to be better then any of them my advice is do not sell yourself short (Karin) you are probably better at painting that subject that gives you such pains then you admit. And if not then well then maybe that is a good subject to start painting more of.

Since most of the members in this forum are portrait artists think about your first portrait was it equal to what you paint today? I will bet not. Apply the same amount of passion to the other subjects and you may be surprised at just how good you can be at it. (Karin I do not mean to single you out; it is that you started the thread so I mentioned your name and also I felt you fit the example of a talented artist)

Good luck to all who have posted on this subject and lets all thank Karin for bring it up and giving us all food for thought.

And now, let us all go to the easel and paint a painting that falls in the category we find difficult. It will be great fun to see examples from all that have posted. I'll bet you will be surprised at just how good you can be at it.