Facts of Life for an Artist

Galleries may take up to 60% of the sales on commission. The Artist must leave the painting on consignment until sold. If there is a promoter involved, he may take up to 15%.
Street shows charge ~$300 to $1,500 for a show with no guarantees for sales or weather. In addition they may take an additional 10% of sales in commission. And, there is the travel expenses to consider.
Credit Card Sales cost 3.5% of the sales and $40 a month. A bad credit card or bad check sucks the life out of Artists.
Set up and tear down for an artist take considerable effort. Many artist travel from state to state to do shows with added expenses for lodging.
Most artist do their own framing to save on expenses.
Quality oil paint - some are as much $85 a tube. Quality paint brushes are as much as $300.
Most Artist paint during the week and show on weekend. It is a 7 day a week endeavor.
To many Artist's, Health Insurance is just a dream.
Van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime Red Vineyard at Arles though he painted over 900 painting while he was alive.
Artist's are most susceptible to recession. As people's disposable income shrink, they tend to spend less on things that nourish the soul and concentrate on things that sustain the body.