I was trained as a professional artist, mostly doing portraits(in oils) when I still worked, but ever since my physical health became worse I've been doing it more as a hobby. I also use acrylics now as it's easier to use for me. I still prefer oils as I personally think the pigments are superior but all the preparations are too tiring for me now. I even buy pre-made canvases now whereas I used to make them myself.
Another thing I do is miniature painting(not tiny paintings but gaming models)for board games and RPG's (for me and my nerd friends) and Hebrew calligraphy.
The latter is still a work in progress but I am getting better and hopefully I can one day become a licensed sofer after the proper training from a licensed school. It's a dream I have but to be honest I don't think it's attainable, fun to think about though. I already know a lot of the rules about how to properly write the letters but maybe I'm just not up to production speed as you do get a lot of work.
It's a bit frustrating that I've become really slow and am not as good as I used to be but it's still above average, well according to those that buy it anyway.
![Laughing :lol:](./images/smilies/Laughing.gif)
I do not sell everything I make as sometimes I really cannot part with a painting. I usually do commission work anyway so I do not start an wait for a buyer to begin with. I still have a good name in my area and my work is known so people know what to expect.
Whilst it's mostly a hobby now I still set high standards but that doesn't mean it's not relaxing for me. I just love to create something I'm proud of and can use in my home for decoration. Hobbies and work have always been connected with me and I never get tired of painting. Well I do get tired eventually but you know what I mean.
I think I've tried everything under the sun for painting but one thing I never got right was acrylics...just not for me. It frustrated the heck out of me.
I live in a town where there's loads of crafts and hobby stores; huge ones that carry stocks of everything so I guess I'm lucky.