Mike, It's great to have you on the list. Jealousy appears to be at the route of your attackers jibes. There is nothing wrong with stating you are an artist. You have more claim than most to that title, although formal training is something many have not had available. Being 'Artistic' is something I can claim to have been since childhood. Although I have never had formal training, I joined local Art Clubs in Liverpool and Glenrothes, Fife. The Liver Art Club, was in Hackins Hey, off Dale Street, in one of Liverpool's mediaeval street's. Hackins Hey was amazing to draw and paint. I learned composition and perspective from both the famous, and some great unsung local artists. When I took up photography, I instinctively used techniques learned at the Art Club. I have forgotten a lot of what I learned, but can still draw reasonably well. Just need some practice to restore my skills.
Now my 8 children, have all been artistic from an early age. On my wife's side of the Family, her Mother, Sister and Grandfather are self taught oil and watercolour painters. On another point, I left the group some time ago, as I was sick of the endless back-biting and bickering that went on. If anything, it appears to have got worse. I just do not have the time or energy to plough through 225 emails a day, most of having naught to do with Photography. Please let us get back to what made PDML attractive to most of us. And limit discussions to relevant subjects. If folks want to 'chat' join MSN Messenger or the likes. I won't be staying long if the current trends continues. James
