And Sharon, you make a good point. I started out -only- painting from photo reference, and frankly it became a crutch from which I am still limping away from.
We all generally have, or are currently, or may in the future, paint from photo reference. I have seen though, that drawing and painting from life has improved my work and my understanding of what I am seeing and translating even when I work from photos. It is a tool, but one whos limitations must be understood.
And like I said in my reply, this market is only going to get harder and more competitive as cheaper alternatives flood in from China and Russia and effect the "perception" of not only portraiture, but original art, in the public eye and mind.
Some will see the difference and appreciate it...but the vast majority, I believe, will not.
Thus, we all have our work cut out for us.
