An earlier painting. There was a period when I used to ransack art history. Today I'd rather add my own art to the world.
Making art and making my life count are the same activities. These twin movements are identical. Both tend toward simplicity, freedom, and self-realization.
Ancient wisdom tells me it's easier to get what I want if I keep cutting down on my desires. Rather than enlarging them beyond all possibility of fulfillment. The latter leads to frustration and increased suffering.
Reducing the demands on yourself - your time, your money, your fantasies - makes much more sense. At my age. And experience. (Don't worry, you're not missing anything.)
A young artist wants to spill out all over the place, like an overturned jug of wine. An old artist loves his comfortable studio.