My thought but since I'm retired there are no "paydays", Bob.

I'm on FAA and would not hesitate to recommend it. I don't have a large portfolio but I did have one sale.

http://robert-gross.artistwebsites.com/saleannouncement.html?id=219b7d9c329d29de2b53d044265c8c89

I also am a member of Fine Art America, but only for 6 months. I joined because I needed a website presence and they make that easy for $30.00 a year. I have used FAA's print on demand program and I am very satisfied with the results. Both the stretched canvas print and the acrylic print they made of my work are very professional looking and well made. I also like to enter the contests, get feedback from other artists/photographers and look at other peoples' work for inspiration. There are over 100,000 artists from around the world and over 4 million pictures to look at.

I'm also a newbie to Ugly Hedgehog. I've been reading the daily forum and I've learned so much here. Great site. Check out my website if you have the time. http://milesofsmiles.artistwebsites.com/

ziastars,

You got me interested in GIMP. So, I have been checking their site. I found these tutorials. Have you seen them? You may find them helpful.

http://www.gimp.org/tutorials/#Beginner

They also have some books -- http://www.gimp.org/books/

A side note -- I paid a visit to your website. I am in awe. You are good!!! I love New Mexico. So, I was immediately drawn to these three series -- Las Cruces, Mesilla, and Gates-Doors-Windows.

I have been to New Mexico on vacation more times than I can count on my fingers. I believe I have covered the whole state, from Chama in the north to Las Cruces in the south and from Portales in the east to Gallup in the west. I still have a retablo by Francesca Garcia, which I bought at Casa de Santiago in Old Mesilla -- "Madonna of the Cat".

http://saintsandfolkart.com/

Hi ziastars,

Very glad for you that you got Gimp downloaded.
There is a member, here on the forum, that teaches or instructs other members in the use of Gimp - look at this thread and see if this has any informative value for learning the use of Gimp. Members that use Gimp say they like the program and some claim that the Gimp program is as good as Photoshop. I make no claim but willing to hear others speak on the subject.
Here is the site I was referring to:

http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-69708-1.html

Good luck to you in your pursuit of learning the Gimp program.