Choosing to be a fine art painter is an important decision. You can follow your passion and be a full-time fine art painter. However, will this be rewarding in terms of earnings?
Fine art painters make $69,019 on average. Most fine art painters make between $19,000 and $122,000 annually. They make their living by teaching art and selling their artwork in different markets and galleries. Earnings depend on the painter’s experience, style, location, and popularity.
The rest of the article will answer the question: “How much do fine art painters make?” in detail. I’ll also discuss how they make a living.
How Much Do Fine Art Painters Make?
Like most fine artists, fine art painters can earn small to enormous amounts of money depending on various factors. However, except for 'blue-chip'painters, also known as 'the master painters,' a fine art painter is expected to earn somewhere around an average amount.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean annual wage for fine artists (including painters, sculptors, and illustrators) is $69,010. Of course, this is a national average and is measured by including other artists' payments as well, like sculptors and illustrators. However, it can serve as a measurement unit of what to expect a fine art painter to be paid.
A fine art painter's annual payment (excluding blue-chip painters) can vary from $19,570 to about $122,900. Depending on the artist's experience, popularity, location, etc., their payment may change drastically.
How Do Fine Art Painters Make a Living?
Fine art painters can choose many options for monetizing their art. Even though the art market is challenging, a painter can increase their earnings in several ways.
Fine art painters make a living by selling their art directly to buyers in galleries, open studios, or online. They can earn additional money by teaching painting in private classes, colleges, and art academies.
In a more detailed review, fine art painters can make a living by:
Selling their artwork directly to the buyer.This option is the favorite of most painters, as they do not have to pay commissions to intermediaries like art galleries. It involves working on private commissions for a specific work requested by a buyer. However, not all painters can make such sales frequently, as they’re dependent on public interest, which an artist may not be able to sustain.
Selling their artworks in galleries. Galleries are the classic places where artists and art enthusiasts meet. A painter must sign a contract (usually known as a Consignment and Commission Agreement) with the gallery, which regulates, among others, the commissions if the artwork is sold. The commission rate is usually 50% of the selling price.
Selling their artworks in open studios. Some artists may opt for this solution if the galleries' commissions seem too low. These studios often feature more than one artist. The downside is that being less popular than galleries, these studios might attract fewer visitors.
Selling their artwork in online markets. The painters can use their own websites and social media (especially Instagram, DeviantArt, and Pinterest) or display their works in virtual galleries. In the latter case, the commissions are usually higher for the painter. However, some art enthusiasts still prefer buying artwork the classic way in galleries.
Teaching the art of fine painting. Painters can make additional earnings by teaching. This includes workshops, private classes, as well as teaching in art colleges or academies. To teach fine art painting in colleges, artists are usually required to have a bachelor's or master's degree in fine arts.
What Should Entry-Level Fine Art Painters Do To Make a Living?
Making a living as an inexperienced professional can be challenging, especially in art, where the artist's name and experience are all-important. Here are a few tips on what to do to increase your profits as a new fine art painter:
Try different painting techniques to discover the ones that win public interest.
Try learning graphic design so that while you work on developing your style in painting, you can temporarily express your talent in graphic design, which is highly marketable.
Open your art website and professional profiles on social media like Instagram, DeviantArt, etc., and publish your artwork periodically.
Try teaching private classes in art and painting.
Which Key Factors Determine How Much a Fine Art Painter Will Earn?
It is difficult to precisely predict how much a painter will make, as there is a wide range of factors that determine the earnings, including:
The artist's experience in fine art painting. As in most jobs, the earnings will increase with experience. If you have many years in the field, you will have developed your style, and more art enthusiasts are likely to know you.
The artist's style.Even though style is subjective, collectors will always pay big for a recognizable and specific style. On the other hand, a more commercial style is not unique and expensive but can sell quantities.
Where the artist's market is located. Not all the states in the US pay the same for the artwork. For instance, California is the US state that pays more for art and paintings.
Whether a painter's galleries have participated in major shows.The latter serves as a trampoline for artists to become known in the art world. The more popular a painter is, the higher their earning potential.
Final Thoughts
Deciding to follow your passion and make a living as a fine art painter can take time and effort. Like most other jobs, entry-level professionals are the least paid ones. However, a fine art painter can make an average of $69,010 annually, with a low of $19,570 and a high of $122,900.
Fine art painters sell to private buyers through art galleries, online markets, etc. They can also teach painting classes to add to their earnings.
Many factors can influence a painter's earnings, including a painter's experience, style, location, and public popularity.
