��������

Two roads diverge before serious artists early in their careers: What happens if they decide to become commercial artists, customizing their craft to satisfy a specific market? What happens if they don’t?

“If you do, you’re beholden to that market, and it can be very difficult,” said Eric Wiegardt, a professional watercolorist based in Ocean Park, Washington.

Wiegardt and Darren Orange, an Astoria-based mixed-media artist, discussed their entrepreneurial paths through the art scene — their paintings, processes and practical wisdom — during the final lecture of the Columbia Forum’s 26th season Thursday night in Columbia Memorial Hospital’s Community Center.