Here's a solid article about abstract painter Frank Stella who is putting together a retrospective of his work for the Whitney. What does he say about earning a living as an artist?
Among other things:
People get excited about the high-end numbers,” he said, “but almost all artists, even the really successful ones, are basically hand to mouth. If you’re self-supporting, no matter how successful you are it’s not easy.
Read the article here: http://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2015/sep/01/frank-stella-art-money-whitney-retrospective?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other&mc_cid=03fbdd49ba&mc_eid=68d259417b
