I think there's something classic about an image of someone smoking a pipe, but to be honest, cigarette look kind of classy too in the old movies
I'd love to see your painting when you finish it!
For myself, I think it will be like all my other hobbies and I will lose interest after a bit and then pick it up again months later. I tend to get really into something for a few day or weeks and then drop it entirely with disdain, only to go back to it weeks, months, or years later. I do this with video games, drawing, painting, writing, exercise, alcohol, and even certain types of food.
(I imagine the dentist thing is true! I brushed my teeth after I had that pipe and I could still taste stale smoke until I brushed them again an hour later before bed)
On a weird parenting note, my little 5 year old girl just walked up to me and asked in her squeaky mouse voice, "Papa, when are you going to use your pipe-thing to make smoke?!" and she gestured wildly with her arms in the air. I'm not sure how I feel about endearing a positive attitude towards tobacco in my children (bad, actually), but at least she is filled with wonder and awe at her papa.