I have been fortunate to have some success in my chosen career as a Fine Artist - a visual journey of joy, and yes, some disappointment and tears, but somehow have been able to help support my family for many many years. This is due of course to working diligently, more often than not, about 16 hours a day, and treating my ability to paint as an applied skill and my 'career' as a job. When the work is completed, the agents notified that new work exists, and loyal collectors of my art and new potential collectors warmed up to the idea, paintings delivered and/or installed in their new homes, life is good.

Along the way there have been TV and radio interviews, write-ups in Arts papers, many solo and group exhibitions, fine art posters ...all the usual things one expects to do to become and remain in the publics eye. Many fashionable cocktail parties have been attended, (which have never been my favorite), but in a large metropolis where there are many great artists, one must 'appear'. Mostly, there has been a great amount of luck, knowing the right people and being at the right place at the most opportune times.

Well, I don't want to bore you with the workings behind how I have managed over the past 40 years, other than to tell you that it leads up to the subject of this article, and why it is being written in the first place.

A very fine 'youngish' artist called me for some advice. He had been painting for a number of years; excellent work by the way, well crafted with great appeal. He was having a difficult time selling his work he told me, and could not find much in the way of gallery/agent representation. I confess to finding this strange because his work is better than most, and unique enough in his impressionistic style, and in particular his subject matter. If I had a gallery, I would have snapped him up.

After a few meetings and all the advice I could give about what had been successful for me, he thanked me profusely and said that I "had HAD my day in the sun, and now it was his turn"!  My immediate thought was 'whoa, I'm not done yet!' Yes, I have had more birthdays than he, but by no means is it over. It did make me feel rather old though.

One thing I have never felt toward other artists is competitiveness. We are all unique in one way or another, and our work will speak to many or few, but all valid nonetheless. There has also never been a question in my mind about helping other artists if requested - passing on the hat but that is not passing on the torch!  Besides, I don't want just one day in the sun, I prefer a longer vacation than that.

Established artists become established by being there consistently, creating even when times are rough, getting the work out there. Collectors who 'invest' in an artists work want to know that the artist isn't going to up and quit anytime soon. Longevity in creating adds that extra value for a collector - the art then becomes much more than something to decorate a wall or match a sofa. Established artists have indeed paid their dues and earned their stripes.

Bring on more sun please - I'm still here, I'm still kicking, and I'm definately still painting!