I am a born artist and oil canvas paintings are my passion

Internet discussions are full of similar (and a bit naive) requests: I am a beginner, where do I start? How to begin my career in art? I want to sell my paintings and really want to paint and sell and I want to grow my art skills but I don't know how to start and where. I don't know what's going on in today's art market, how much money to sell my work for and where? Do really anyone buy my paintings? Do I need to attend classes, or anyone can suggest me anything?

Prophet and his contemporaries, drawing by Michal Splho

What would you answer to that guy? Is it worthy to express true opinion to his questions? A girl with good heart came and gave suggestion:

I would attend classes. I would go to art school and get a bachelors of science. You will learn how to make a professional portfolio, and how to work in the world of art. I go to the Art Institute of Pittsburgh. I learned there is so much more I need to learn. I learned how to communicate with people. I learned the value of art history.

Not bad answer, isn't it? A single-minded guy see the thing clearly without any obstacles, the success guaranteed:

Very simple, as fast as you make your project you start exhibit it here and there. Just like fair, town hall, and some small size painting you sale in gift item shop and you contact all embassies to sale your item in another country.

If that does not help, a real artist bothers to give a sound advice:

OK, I am an artist, I can help you now and give you notes, advice and little projects to get you where you need to be.
My questions are: Can you come up with your own ideas for an art painting? Do you understand value, do you know the primary and secondary colors? This will allow me to know where you are as an artist.

Looks like the requesting guy should turn to that artist, but if the answer is still not yet satisfactory, another clever ideas are coming:

First thing you need to do is get some work created before you start worrying about the rest. If you have the passion you say you do, this will be easy work. Do a few paintings and then get a portfolio together. Try to find a niche subject that you like to portray. Depending on how you want to sell your work, there are multiple venues - from local craft fairs to galleries. If you want to grow your skill, you should definitely take classes that will teach you varied technique. The rest comes with practice as you develop your own style. Many artists sell work as a secondary source of income, and much is freelance. Good luck.

Can you still breathe well? The guy is lucky and another expert advice follows:

In my opinion, before you start painting you should have a pretty solid course in drawing. They are different, but you still will find ways of expressing volume/form, and some painters use line in their paintings. Also, color theory. Start with a limited palette and don't just use black or white to lighten or darken colors...

Finally, some light:

Most of all, I think you need to paint because you NEED to paint. Not because you want to sell art and make money. If you want to do that, it's actually harder to make it, because you're less willing to put the time and passion into learning art.

This is the short guide to fulfill your desire to develop your talent. Are you a born genius? Do you have all the questions the guy expressed in the beginning of that article? Then the answers are right for you. And what's my suggestion? What would I answer to the questions? I would say: A born artist should know all that.