Full-time painter selling through galleries and shows

Collectors, galleries (who buy or sell on consignment), interior designers, corporate buyers and public art programs.

Sale price per painting, usually split with the gallery on consignment, plus direct sales, commissions and occasional grants or competition prizes.

• Strong, consistent artistic voice built over time
• Pitching to galleries and writing an artist statement
• Pricing, record keeping and managing irregular income

• Read gallery consignment agreements carefully: commission split, payment timing, exclusivity and insurance of works
• Income is irregular, so plan a cash buffer or keep other income at first
• Check GST/HST registration requirements and how sales through galleries are handled
• Check insurance for your studio space and for artwork in transit or on display
• Check whether CARFAC or your provincial arts body offers fee schedules and contract guidance
• Check studio lease terms, including whether you are allowed to use paints and solvents there

Startup costs are estimated at typically around $2,000 to $10,000, depending on your studio space, materials and how you present your work to galleries, shows and collectors.

Monthly revenue is estimated at typically around $500 to $4,500, depending on your sales through galleries, shows and direct collectors. Income is irregular, so plan a cash buffer or keep other income at first.

Check gallery consignment agreements for commission split, payment timing, exclusivity and insurance of works. Also check GST/HST registration requirements, how gallery sales are handled, and whether CARFAC or your provincial arts body offers fee schedules and contract guidance.