Well I'm an artist and I made a living on my art before I had my baby (not an amazing living, but enough to live on and save a bit of extra money). I don't think it has as much to do with how good of an artist you are (unless you're like a Picasso, or else very lucky), as it has to do with being a good business person. If you are able to think not only about what you like to draw and paint but also what people will likely spend money on and have a target audience, then you can be successful. For example, I didn't just have exhibitions of my artwork in order to make money. I also did portrait work... like I'd set up in a mall and draw people's portraits, or portraits of their pets. I went to art shows not just to display my art but also to hand out business cards, offering commissions and also private art lessons. I taught art classes at a community centre, and art therapy at a hospice. Then I got into illustrating children's books and magazines, and making greeting cards.
Have you had any formal training, such as art or design school? Do you belong to any artist's associations? Sometimes just being able to say that you've got a degree in Fine Art and/or belong to an organization of professional artists will make galleries take your work more seriously. It's also good to try getting as much exposure as you can, until you are well-known in your particular art community. That means submitting your portfolio to lots of local shows, galleries, events, etc, as well as advertising yourself by having a website, business cards, your own studio, etc. I found teaching was really good exposure for me, because people would then tell others about my work. There are also many good art websites online where you can display your portfolio and add a link back to your website.
I've only been to Europe as part of my art training in university (our class went to various areas of Europe for trips), so I can't really comment on moving there. If I were you though, I would get involved in your local art community, and perhaps ask around to see if others have spent time in Europe, how they did it, where they stayed, etc.
Anyway I wish you lots of success, it's great to be able to live off your work, and you can do it with some careful planning, good business sense and constant striving!
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