You all should check out www.EBSQart.com and start yourselves with one of thier membership.... I use the forums there... but haven't painted in awhile.
Here's my old portfolio, its been a couple years since I've painted, but I'll picked up photography and quilting since.
Hubby and I got an Epson R1900 (or smt like that...) printer with some of our wedding money.... prints 13" wide, excellent quality!...I LOVE it! If you do decide to buy a good printer, go with an Epson! It prints on practically anything...lol