Is self-sufficiency through art possible?

[Carol Broman]

Hi, I am a 27 year old portrait artist working out of Jacksonville Florida I have been a 'voyeur' of the forum, and rather nervous about doing anything other than watching, but I am excited to have a chance to participate and communicate with others who are enthusiastic about art and about the human subject specifically.

So... I am attaching some examples of my recent work. The painting with the dogs is in progress and slightly distorted because of the angle I shot the pic. Two local galleries represent my work, however the commissions are sporadic and I cannot as yet survive without the support of my greatest patron (my boyfriend).

Do people actually make a living do this? It would be wonderful if it is possible! And to have success before death, faked or actual!


Thanks for the opportunity to post.

[Mary Sparrow]

Hi Carol! Welcome. I think your portraits are wonderful and fresh, I see no reason why you shouldn't be able to make a living at this!!

[Michele Rushworth]

You might want to check out this thread: http://forum.portraitartist.com/show...9&page=1&pp=10

The possibilities are certainly there for a diligent and determined artist, no doubt about it.

[Claudemir Bonfim]

Welcome to the forum Carol.
And about your question... I

[Carol Broman]

Thank you to every one offering encouragement!

There is really no other pursuit of interest to me. More exactly, there is nothing else I think I am suited to do. I think I am driven enough and excited enough and just slightly obsessive compulsive enough and self-absorbed enough to make a good go of it, but I don't network very well given my introverted nature and thus, don't do very well at making my art visible. I am NOT a business minded person, nor do I have the finances available to hire an agent. Galleries kill me with their fees!

Maybe I am rudely curious, but I would love to know your individual stories of how you got to where you are or how you are going along the way...If you would be so kind to share your philosophy or your concrete step by step plan....I would be very interested and grateful to hear.

[Michele Rushworth]

I don't network very well given my introverted nature and thus, don't do very well at making my art visible. I am NOT a business minded person...

Hate to say it but I got to where things are now by being extroverted by nature, and by working hard at making my art visible. Also, I am a business minded person.

Being a working artist is like running any other small business: make a good product, and, at least as important: let people know about it.