I am doing well, but

I am beginning to feel a little speedy. I had a dream that I was all out manic last night and this morning I woke up with that, I-can-do-anything feeling. I am holding back, but I have been making plans to rent a studio and paint. I have some room in my house, but I can see myself in a little paint plattered studio by the ocean painting while people come in and look at my work. I have exactly one painting that I can hang on the wall right now and I am going to start working on paintings for my mom and sister and another one is almost done, just needs some shadow and detail work.

I went online to see if there were any cheap rentals.

I am thinking that I can make a modest business out of painting.

BNLsMOM if you don't have to give up anything to follow your passion, and the risks aren't too big, go for it.
I know the feeling you are experiencing, as I'm going through similar myself.

I've been contemplating a career change over to the art world as well. I would like to build a studio on our property and get a kiln so I can do some clay work. I can do a bunch of different art stuff like painting, pottery, weaving, basket weaving, etc. Lately I've been painting mailboxes. I really want to get back to doing pottery though. It is so realaxing.

Good Luck!

I know that when I am on the verge of a life change I tend to get manic. Good for you for following your dream. Keep us posted on how things work out for you.

It's always wonderful to achieve a dream, but I do hope that you don't do this on a manic whim either. Do you have any sort of business model set up? I found this link that might be helpful to you: Business Model Template

Practical things aside, I wish you the best!!

I just finished the painting I was working on. It came out pretty good.

Thanks for the replies and for the business model griz.

I don't have a business plan set up, but that might keep me occupied while I build up a body of work. I would also like to use the place for writing and yoga.

I do have a business plan set up for a yoga studio. That is another one for someday. It costs too much money for right now.

I just took stock of my ideas and I am working on about three things at once. Not too bad...

Are you currently working i.e. would you have to give up your current job? If you would just paint in your spare time, it definitely makes sense to try and make a career out of a hobby and talent.
I'm still learning to stop myself when I'm getting manic, as I also come up with the most outrageous ideas. I recently bought a pet chameleon during my energetic spells - an idea I'm luckily not yet regretting, yet it was really rash.

I definitely second the business plan idea, as it helps you to structure your ideas. Remember that a business plan is always a WIP - and if it stills looks attractive after a few reworks, you must be onto a good thing!

I am not working. I am on SSDI. I wouldn't have to give up my job. I have done that sort of thing before and it was bad bad bad.

I personally think that under the circumstances listed above: GO FOR IT!! You have nothing to lose, the creative side of you can be expressed and you can make some pocket money!