Can I make a living of being an oil painter?

I saw some of the paintings are very cheap and they're not bad. Some of them are very expensive, and they're very good. How can an artist make a living? Are you an artist?Can I make a living of being an oil painter?
The question is can I make a living being an oil painter. The answer is yes. because there are people who are doing it everyday. The odds are much like making it into professional sports. but it is possible. you will probably have to take up a day job and paint at night but it can be done. the top painters are making 6 figures per painting (hundreds of thousands) and have a waiting list for thier work.





It also depends on what you want do you want to be:





a fine artist making the newest cutting edge work, which would be the hardest path and the one that is least likely to pay off for many years if ever. This path depends on current trends and networking and showing in the right galleries and good representation in a good market.





a bit of an easier path is to be a portrait painter. this also takes time to build up a reputation but a few good clients and some good word of mouth could get a career started. I know a few people who paint portrait and they make a good living at it without any other job. they just paint in the studio all day.





you could be an illustrator people still pay good money for this work. don't believe people when they say use a computer and people prefer computer aided illustrations. These people don't know what they are talking about. It is all about style and execution in the work and finding a client that fits with that style. They are talking about taking an easier path that doesn't have hardships that trying to be an artist does. The top graphic designer or illustrator makes no where near the money a top artist does.





I am an painter and I run my own graphic design business. the design business supports my painting but I make more money from selling a painting than I do from selling one design...but there is more work from me as a designer and it's easy work and it can take away from my painting time...it's about what you are passionate about and how much you are willing to put into you career as a painter...but don't think you are just going to do it without having another job at first but eventually it can pay off.





In my opinion the best path to follow for oils is to be a portrait painter and a landscape painter and do all the art fairs and gallery work you can toget you name out there and join your local arts organization they can help you out a lot with finding galleries and clients who are looking for art.





put in the work and time and like most things in life it will pay off.Can I make a living of being an oil painter?
yes you can.. i have yet to make a living off it but i'm reading this book called taking the leap building a career as a visual artist! and tells you about the ';Straving artist'; how do put together packs and how to make money even some pricing guidlines!


and how to make it a real buisness!


yes i'm an artist and the book i suggust!


clay lang or something like that is the author





you do have to make a name for yourself so get practicing!
This question is similar to the question: Can I make a living as a lottery winner? Yes, it's possible, but not probable. However, if you love to draw and paint and you pursue it earnestly you may lead a full life, which is better than most people can do.





But, you can make a living as an art professor....That's my plan.
Ever heard of a starving artist?
You will live a very poor life and then if your lucky after you die some one says damn thats good ****, and you family gets the green. Read about the life of any famouse painter
instead of being a oil painter, you probably wont be able to make a living as a oil painter. why don't you think of something in the art field like being a designer or a animator.
yes, I know one...


HE got a day job makign art for computer games, and painted at night until he got a good enough reputation and work coming in that he could quit the computer art job.





but you have to get very good first, and be good in a number of different mediums... not just oils.





I would suggest getting good with oils, acrylics, pencils and computer (definitely photoshop and maybe something like painter)





Get a regular day job to pay the bills (preferably still related to art, so you can hone your skills) .


...but actively work on the side to build up your reputation.... get a website, do contract work, try to paint for magazines, or books, anywhere, anything... do work for super cheap or free, just to get the experience, and your name out there !!!


and always number 1 thing to consider is quality !!!


never give someone a shoddy piece of art, even if they are not paying you for it.... You won't get a good rep, or people asking for you, if you do bad art.


become an expert in anatomy, can you paint a person from any angle in any pose without reference ? become an expert in lighting, shadow and form.


Post your work on art forums... listen seriously to the feedback. paint things you are bad at... to get good at them.





Once you are well known, and people start asking you to do work for them.... then you can slowly start to raise the price...


if you are lucky you will be able to earn enough.





Don't expect to just do oils though.... many people want digital nowadays.





good luck