Can Your Hobby be a Career and Still be Fun?

I recently rediscovered a love of art that has lain formant for many years. I used to paint and draw, and actually studied art in college, but then life got in the way and I stopped creating.

I find the act of putting pencil to paper to be incredibly relaxing. I concentrate deeply and yet, when I stop working, I feel refreshed rather than tired. Now that's a good hobby!

But recently I did a series of pictures that got a great reaction - people really liked them and before I knew it, I had volunteered to do something similar for a few friends. The only problem is that I don't like doing these pictures as much as I enjoy doing my own pieces. The process isn't as enjoyable. I look over at my drawing table and see a half-finished work and completing it feels like a bit of a chore.

Last night I was browsing on a popular online forum for artists. While reading through some of the conversations, I came upon a discussion between working artists. One said "I wish someone would pay me to paint what I love instead of wanting pictures of their kids or their dog." Others argued that she was lucky to get paid to paint and I suppose that's true .... but looking over at the half-finished portrait on my drawing table, I do know how that artist feels.

I think we all dream of doing what we love for a living, but I tend to think some things are best kept as hobbies.