This painting is a work in progress.  I am a rare artist who also has a background in "social work".  Social work has had a great impact on me and how I see the world.  During my social work, for example, I found that much of the world's problems would be solved with human kindness.  If we could all just learn to love ourselves, we wouldn't need to waste our time constantly looking for faults in others, expecting them to live up to our expectations... What does this have to do with this work in progress?  At one point in time the painting was actually completed but then I tried to paint more "realistic" to please others. Clearly that was a big mistake.   In fact, I went through a long period of time where I was criticized "to death". I've been called a "cartoon artist" who paints like a child.  The artworld is not a "kind" place. 

 

They say that "sticks and stones may break my bones,

but words will never hurt me." 

 

That old saying is a LIE!  Words DO hurt!  They hurt not just me as a  creative artist.  Words have affected millions if not billions of people everyday and keep them from believing in themselves and following their dreams.  So one of my missions as an artist who presents his home as an art museum is to use this platform to inspire you to "believe in yourself and your dreams."   Fortunately, I am now finally  back to work, completing new paintings (even child-like ones) in my own style.  More importantly, I am fulfilling my purpose as an artist.  I've also carved out my own place in the arts.  And, in terms of this work-in-progress, notice that I even working on this painting in its frame.  The frame is a commitment to my art, and continuing my work in the arts to inspire others!  Besides, I would rather be a "cartoon artist" being true to myself creating original art in my own style than being an artist who paints like everyone else.  People who are truly confident will never need to put others down as a way to make themselves feel better.  We all have our own unique beauty and gifts to offer the world.  There's nothing wrong with "cartoon artists".  There's plenty of room for all kinds of artists.  Besides, the world needs cartoon artists!