[Bryan Morgan]

I appreciate the advice that all of you gave, it definitely gives me something to think about. Actually when I said my "first attempt at a finished oil painting" I meant that its the first painting that I've used both people and objects together. I've painted over a dozen individual portraits using photographs as my source but only the person, no objects. I'm taking this next year and preparing a portfolio of completed works, probably 10 - 12 pieces that I'm really proud of.

I've completed 2 this year and now in the process of painting my third. It takes me about a month working at it part time, an hour each day during the week and 3 hours on the weekend. My plan for the year is that when I get out of the Coast Guard is to have about 20 quality paintings in my portfolio. I have a markting plan, but would like some advice as to if it's workable. I'm planning on designing and printing about 5000 color brochures to send to print shops and to Interior decoraters to advertise prints of my work. I will also take the portraits that I've completed over the past year and use those to market myself as a portrait artist. I don't want to limit myself as an artist. I want to paint landscapes and create my own art for duplication as prints. I figure if I have more than one venue I have less chances of failing in a career as an artist. It's a little intimidating branching off from the security of the military to start a new career as an artist especially when you have a family to support, but I have confindence that I can make it. Again thanks for the advice and I look forward to any additional comments that you have to help me along.