AM I AN ARTIST OR NOT?

I paint when inspired, without thinking whether the end product will sell or not.  But sometimes, one needs some kind of validation from others, either through a sale, an invitation to exhibit, or some positive feedback to carry on.  Not that I would stop, though. 

So, if I sell, get an inquiry about a painting, or receive compliments about my art, something close to elation fills my spirits.  And I continue doing what I love, knowing that some people do appreciate my kind of art.

Do I Want to Exhibit?

Of course, every artist wants to exhibit his/her artwork.  But I am no longer that keen about getting to exhibit in galleries.  A male artist I met didn't seem to care much about it so I asked how he sells his paintings and he said nonchalantly, "Just word of mouth."  True, not many artists actually sell during an exhibition but I was touched by his attitude.  He was more animated talking about what paints he uses than where or if he sells his work.  A true artist, I thought.

WHAT TO PAINT?

How do I decide what to paint? Most of the time, an image from nature, a picture in a magazine, or a face in the crowd will inspire me to paint. The selling point of the resulting piece does not enter my mind at all.  What matters most to me is that I have created something from the heart.
I also keep challenging myself by painting subjects I haven't covered before. My range is such that my body of work seems like a group exhibition rather than a solo.