[Marta]

Well, about the absolute hopelessness, I said nothing. The artist works, develops, takes some personal barriers, respectively, something in his life happens.
But I, like you, believe what you want-not want, but the problem of living standards has to decide. And, unfortunately, my personal experience no other findings except that in Minsk this issue not be resolved, do not allow it. That is not something to nothing at all, but to build on this life - an empty room. If you work somewhere + occasionally something you sell, then - yes, you can try. But life at the expense of art.
 However, the artists in general is rarely stable. But hanging on and nothing. Hence, it is possible. Although - despite the circumstances.
 By the way, there's somewhere in me, not having understood, gave counsel to build their career on the panel (in the sense of art). In Moscow, as far as I know, this business is thriving. Even the "Negro" are looking for themselves. Where demand does not understand, but there is, and stable. But I have to accept such options never and under no circumstances be considered.

 But the recipe to increase the cost of the work I do not know. Very trying from time to time to think about it and skate useful information. In my opinion it happens by the perfection of actual work and the development of exhibition activities. But how to cope with these young artists, and when he has not yet matured, and no money and no contacts - honestly, I do not know. Probably, the energy of youth and helps faith in himself.

Sorry, if sounds depressive. In fact, the very life rested on the love of the profession, labor and faith, and nothing - asking was, if not never know what tomorrow will bring. So - do not be disheartened, find something, good luck!

P.S. If this is somehow reassure you about Minsk, that if you work quickly and are ready to build its pricing policy so that a small job is 100-200-300 U.S., and more - is the normal price. So, theoretically, could be the result. At least for some landscape turns. But, you know, it all depends on many factors.