I got into art for the life drawing which I do not do anymore. I have been a model, volunteered, organized, donated, been paid, sold, shown, self patronized, and now have a body of work scattered to the wind. I like how being a visual artist improves my sight, so many pictures everyday that I see beyond what I paint, light is so cool and it is different in Southern California. Art is not forever but it is an addiction and if you stop it will hurt you. I think it is a personal choice whether it is Legos or Acrylics. I also think it is a gift to society that should be rewarded but mostly is not. If you can, and you can, find a few artists and send them some money every month. It is how it is done in the modern age. Means so much in so many ways. I think nearly everyone on this site provides a lot for so little, treat those you can to a meal every month. My hand is also out, you can put something in it at www.rbcdart.com (museo de rbcdart) or not, there are always free options. Free (whole heartedly gifted) for you but not for the artists involved.