Нашла прекрасное осмысленное объяснение носителем некоторой разницы.

To lead the life of a saint seems to mean conducting oneself in ways a saint would be expected to conduct himself as he goes about his daily business, whatever it is. He's honest, sincere, humble, devout, loving, kind, etc. (evaluative)

To live the life of a saint suggests to me that one is actively involved in the daily activities of a saint: he operates a soup kitchen, he cares for the sick. (objective)

To lead of life of artist is to conduct one's life in ways an artist might be expected to conduct his. It doesn't necessarily mean he paints. He could be living as bohemian in a garret, among many other possibilities. (evaluative)

To live the life of an artists seems to mean he conducts his daily life in the way an artist does, which would definitely include painting, or trying to. (objective)


lead a hard life (evaluative); live a hard life (objective)

Susie sitting among her cushions complains to Edna that she leads a hard life (evaluative). Edna thinks Susie lives a pampered life (evaluative) and says to Susie, "If you want to see someone who lives a hard life, look at that freezing beggar on the corner." (objective)

(с) http://forum.wordreference.com/showthread.php?t=82560&p=563458#post563458