Well, I\'ve got a degree in art history, let me tell you what I think about it.
I am afraid that a painter of toy soldiers, no matter how good, is not an artist per se. They may be a highly skilled crafts-person, but not an artist. However, the skills that one develops in the process of achieving a high level of detail and sophistication on thier models may be turned to the creation of original works.
In other words, if you want to be recognized as an artist, and maybe even make some cash at it, paint something original. I suggest the following process.
On paper sketch out a dozen or so ideas. Any subject goes. Anything at all from abstract to photorealistic portraites. Get a piece of brass sheet cut down to your desired size. Believe it or not a couple inches square is a perfectly fine size, under ten square is considered a miniature (art not toy soldiers). Art doesn\'t need to be big. I recommend brass for a couple reasons, it is a very traditional surface used for small paintings, we all have experience painting on metal, and water medium like acrylic paint won\'t warp it. Prime it just like you would any other miniature. Pick one of the sketches and with a blue erasable pencil draw it on your surface. Paint it like you would anything else. You\'re going to need to adapt your techniques to a flat surface, but that won\'t be too much of a challenge if you\'re as good at this as you think you are. Then all you really need to do is read a couple books on selling your art and follow up with what you learn there.
You might accidentally get famous like these
miniaturists.
There are even juried art shows dedicated to miniatures, like
La Petite, where you can win cash! Not a sword, hammer, or axe. Actual cash money. Here is a list of
Miniature Art Societies if you are interested in learning more.
