I sold my first painting today for $100... I have to say I have mixed feelings about it. I'm very happy to know that someone else appreciates it and likes it well enough to pay money for it. I'm also very happy to have $80 in my pocket (20% goes to the providers of the display space as per usual gallery practice). However a part of me is sad, because I know that they probably could never appreciate it the same way that I do. I know every little bit of history that went into the conception and creation of that painting. I've seen paintings sit out at garage sales, unwanted for a dollar a piece, and I worry that someday that will be my painting. I hope not, I hope that its new owners will keep it well. I'll probably never know, I didn't get to speak with the buyer in person. Maybe they'll come by the shop and say hello one day while I'm working. That would be nice. One customer the other day who also paints likened the relationship between painter and painting to that of a parent and child. I think I understand that comparison a little more now. Although seeing a painting go out the door is nowhere near as complicated or as in depth as seeing a person go out the door. I'm a little glad for that.