We really can't draw individual conclusions in this setting. This is a significant illness in every way. She was able to continue to paint and have a decent life. Reports like this underline the fact that an illness this common by its nature will affect different people differently, and with varying degrees of severity. People with schizophrenia may have clinical depressive episodes which are so common in the population, anyway.
Schizoaffective disorder refers to a pattern of illness which is qualitatively different.
My aunt has been schizophrenic for years, and she is good at hiding her symptoms by avoiding family members. This withdrawal often comes with the territory of the illness. This is certainly something to consider. The chance of a relapse is far higher with stopping medicines. I have schizophrenia and have been on medication for many years now.