"I'd ask two things:
1) Are these the norms for artists or are you picking out the Picasos of the industry - the one in a million that actually makes it? It seems to me that the straving artisit is not an imaginary character
2) If you really think that you can make that much money doing art - then stop even considering a career in flying and stick with art and own your own VLJ!!"

1) It's all about dedication and awareness. The artists who are "starving" tend not to get up at 6 every morning to spend 8 hours in the studio and are not aware of the popular trends. Starving artists aim to please their own tastes rather to balance personal taste with current trends. Successful artists work hard to perfect their craft, while keeping with the current movements. You must know how to market yourself, successful artists know that art is a business. blah..blah...

2) Stress and lack of structure are two things that plague artists. Galleries place strict deadlines and demands on artists. It's not a career where you just show up and do you job (like piloting?). It takes personal planning and incredible initiative to stay on top.

Pilots go to work, fly thousands of feet above the planet, and enjoy I assume some nice perks. Bottom line is that you leave for the day, thats it and you work stays at work.

I would not mind spending 5 maybe even 10 years of my life working myself into a position where I could have a somewhat constant schedule, decent pay, and travel perks as a pilot. Only thing is that from what I have learned here, my chances would be better winning the lottery.