Painting or illustration

So, when people ask what I do for a living, I sometimes hesitate. If I respond with "I'm a painter", they automatically picture me on a ladder painting their house. If I respond with I'm an illustrator, the integrity of my fine art seems to get lost. So I have learned to answer with "I'm an artist" pure and simple.  The painting below was inspired by a friend's facebook photo of her children sledding. The photo is just a starting place. It is what you do with it that makes a successful painting/illustration.  I wanted to add drama, thus the sunset.  I wanted it to feel familiar so I chose the Boston Common. I designed the sledders in a traditional "S" pattern, always a winning composition. So below is the original photo and the finished painting. Enjoy!