Portal to gratitude Painting

I am a self-taught, lifelong painter. What is worth mentioning about my unconventional career, hiding mostly behind the scenes, with no desire for exposure (which played against me quite often) are these two things... I first started seeing my craft as valuable, when I served in the army and realised my talent can buy me special treatments and release me from many duties. It was only then, funny enough, I understood painting indeed is a valuable skill, and there are people who have great appreciation for it. I'd paint Tito, girlfriends and wives of my superiors and colleagues, even pets and homes... bringing comfort and warmth to fellow soldier's hearts. Secondly, I only worked mouth to mouth for over 25 years, supporting my family (we have 4 children). My clients are now close friends, their homes full of with my art. So far I've done one exhibition in my home town, portraying iconic people of the area and my family.