Hi Jacquie
Welcome to Birdforum - ArtForum!!!
I think as artists we all have to ask ourself why we are doing this and if the answer is wealth or fame, then there are many easier and less traumatic ways to achieving them. But if it's an irresistable desire, an aching need to encapsulate visions of nature which we have been privileged to encounter, then I think, the road as an artist isn't so much a choice as an inevitablity.
Mike mentions that one word - passion. There is so much wildlife art which is technically brilliant but lacks any sense of connection between the artist and the subject and it shows. Whereas the tinyest doodle can convey such a feeling of sharing a special moment. The work of Eric Ennion and John Busby, also the sketchbook work of Charles Tunnicliffe and the finished paintings of Lars Jonsson can all, at their best, take the viewer, through imagery, into 'their' world. That's a wonderful talent to have, but it's borne of experience with nature.
Having said all that, there's absolutely nothing wrong with wanting to make a living from doing what we enjoy and I suppose we all, to a greater or lesser extent, would like to do so.
From a presonal perspective, I found that joining the artists here on Birdforum has had a great effect on my work, and how I perceive my work. Feedback from like-minded folk is massively important and, in turn, can give the artist the confidence to enter shows and competitions (all important in building your own self-esteem and your place in the market). Hopefully you will find similar benefits from doing so.
Please post some of your work - it's what makes this forum the great place it is.