When I first dipped my toes into the world of becoming a professional artist, I must admit I was a bit naive. Looking back I realize I had the silly notion that “If you paint it, they will come.” Duh, not so much.
Over the years I’ve learned that for most painters, making a living from art is a multi-layered challenge. Depending on just one way of creating income is precarious… and downright scary at times. So, in self-defense, I’ve spread my efforts across various opportunities to keep the cash coming in.
The number one task is always to create. I know obvious, right? But it must be said. I paint ALL THE TIME both en plein air and in the studio. And I do it for many reasons. First, I love it to death and can’t live without it. Second, painting constantly improves my work. Third, even though I sometimes feel overwhelmed by the number of canvases that pile up, I must keep inventory in stock. And you never know what subject matter an art lover might be looking for.
Jill Stefani Wagner, pastel
Then I try to monetize those paintings through various outlets and products:
- GALLERIES: In this time of dwindling brick and mortar galleries, I am lucky to be represented by 4 fine art establishments. I consider them my partners and do everything I can to make selling my work easy for them.
- ART CONSULTANTS: Over the years many art consultants from around the country have contacted me to provide original or printed art for their projects in hospitals, restaurants, corporate offices, residences and even cruise ships.
- PLEIN AIR FESTIVALS: My personal obsession with painting outdoors has led me to an exciting life of participating in festivals in many gorgeous locations. Between the awards given and art sold, it’s been a lucrative experience for me.
- I enter 10-20 (mostly national) competitions each year. When accepted, these shows boost my income with awards and sales, but also help promote my work to a larger audience. Many galleries also keep an eye on competitions when considering accepting a new artist.
Jill Stefani Wagner, Bella Toscana, pastel
- SOLO AND GROUP EXHIBITIONS: I try to do a solo show of my own work every couple of years, but also exhibit in events with other artists.
- TEACHING (WORKSHOPS and DEMONSTRATIONS): I’ve started teaching workshops and giving demonstrations recently and have been honored to be faculty at the Plein Air Convention in five times. These events often result in painting sales and allows me to meet new collectors.
- COMMISSIONS: I’ve heard that many artists don’t enjoy doing commissions. But I value the opportunity to meld my skills with a patron’s vision to create a unique piece of art.
- STUDIO VISITS: I hold Open Studio Hours during the Holiday Season but invite art lovers to make appointments to visit my studio any time!
- PRINTS: Many of my paintings have been photographed in super high resolution, which allows them to be printed in tiny and huge sizes. I know that reproductions may be considered “crass” by some painters, but I find they provide welcome income in times of slow art sales.
Jill Stefani Wagner, Bread Line, oil
- NOTE CARDS and CALENDARS: I have these items available for sale but also use them as thank you gifts to art patrons and others who help get my art out to the world. With my contact information on the back of each, they also serve as promotion pieces.
- WEBSITE: This is by far my most valuable asset. I regularly receive inquiries and sales from my site, often from people I’ve never met. Galleries, competitions and festivals also check in to evaluate my work online.
I haven’t even touched on advertising and social media which also bring in many interested art patrons. And mailing lists, and, and… But you can see that this art career requires a multi-pronged and quite time-consuming approach!
Jill teaches her approach to painting with pastels in two Streamline videos currently available as a specially priced combo. If you need a need a good mentor to pull that talent out and inspire you to practice it daily, check out Jill’s teaching videos here.
Curtain to Rise on Realism Live
Cornelia Hernes, Glowing Light, 40×50 cm oil on canvas
Norwegian-born realist Cornelia Hernes will be among the artists giving demos and virtual workshops during this year’s upcoming Realism Live.
Following her BFA degree, Hernes pursued a classical realist training at The Florence Academy of Art in Italy, where she graduated in 2007. While a student at the FAA, she began teaching as a Teacher Assistant and became a Principal Instructor after graduation. She taught at the Florence Academy of Art in Sweden from 2010-2016 and recently moved to the US where she is currently teaching at The Florence Academy of Art, US Branch. She is a Award recipient of the prestigious International Art Renewal Center (ARC) Salon Competition.
Realism Live offers an opportunity to devote three solid days to immerse yourself in art and begin creating drawings and paintings that magnetize the attention of others. It’s coming up November 9, 10, and 11, and you don’t want to miss one minute of the action.
When you have more than 24 of today’s best realism artists teaching you for three full days, you won’t be able to stop yourself from advancing much faster and better than you would on your own.
Find event details and take a look at the world-class faculty lineup we have for you right here!
