cmsa; words of wisdom from Susan Lyon; Figurative work like we do is the least on the chain of sellable work, because a lot of times people wonder why anyone would buy a portrait of somebody they don't know and put it on their wall. You have to find people who are interested in people the same way we are. When someone is moved enough by a painting of a stranger to pay their hard-earned money for it, then you know you've succeeded in telling that story.

When you do figurative work, it's much more emotional. It's also more provocative. So, our paintings don't always sell right away, but sooner or later there is usually at least one person that it will connect with. To me, success is putting yourself in a position where you can keep doing what you want without so much financial pressure, because then I know I'd be painting little paintings of kittens forever. I love painting my cat, don't get me wrong, but I don't want to be told to paint my cat. I don't want to have to paint a cat for every show.