Why stop painting? It isn’t for the lack of desire, but the fact is that fine art is not as important to people as eating and making sure gas is in their vehicle or that they have a roof over their head. The big collectors may still be active acquiring new work by the old and new masters but most artists I know are struggling to buy paint.

The “market” for small time artists is a difficult one. Getting noticed as any form of artist is difficult today. Various TV shows have opportunity for some of the performing artists to gain a glimmer of exposure. No Artist Star program exists and even if it did, with very rare exceptions watching someone paint is not for armchair entertainment and does not play well on TV.

The battle for recognition goes on daily for those who sculpt, throw clay, pick up a brush, pen or pencil to make art. Digital work is growing. Some of the devices such as the tablet have a similar feel to drawing. That being said, the feel of a brush to canvas is not something I have seen simulated. There is the lack of the smells/odors/fragrances one experiences when working in the real world, too.

Why stop painting? I ask myself that almost daily.