[Marta]

I think the "real" artist or not does not depend on its way of life (propensity for publicity or seclusion), and even from his state of mind (if he has a dream, obsession, etc.), but only on the result of his work.
 If it is clear that the work of professional, that invested in its creation of emotional and /or intellectual powers (not just the result of professional waste "manufacturing" process), then the artist is quite real.