[Karin Wells]

I have loudly and clearly said "no" on occasion and have told the client exactly why. Here are some recent examples:

Sometimes the problem is an expectation that cannot be met. For example, a couple came to me for a portrait of their child (because they said that they liked my work?) BUT they wanted me to paint it like an "impressionist." Since I don't paint in that manner I said "no" and referred them to a colleague who does.

Another time, someone wanted a painting on an impossible deadline. Because I work in layers I was not able (because of drying times) to meet the deadline. I referred that person to a colleague who speed paints in an ala prima style.

If anyone wonders why I am so hard on artists who post awful photo reference material for critique in this Forum, here's why: Several times I have been given substandard reference material that I was unwilling to use. I did not refer these people to any one else as I do not know of any pro who would undertake a job under those conditions.

Personality conflict: I had a man walk into my studio with the ugliest frame that I have ever seen and ask that I paint a portrait to fit it. I told him that I did not like his frame and he said something like "since I'm paying you, you'll do it my way." I refused and he left in a huff.

Here's one that I did not say "no" to but should have...a woman came to me and complained that 5 other portrait artists (good ones) had failed to do a good job painting her daughter's portrait. For some reason this did not set off alarm bells and I cluelessly began working with the two most miserable people that I have ever professionally encountered. Ugh. After wasting a LOT of my time trying to please people who cannot be pleased, I returned all of their money and refused to finish the job. I would not give them a portrait I considered inferior - they weren't going to allow me to give them a good one.

I love this work and I really care about what I paint. I will not give anyone a painting that is less than the very best that I can produce. I worked hard to develop my current level of skill and I am unwilling to compromise it. It is sacred to me.

I cringe when I hear artists say variations of: "I know it was an awful portrait but that is what the client "asked for" and I wanted/needed the money." There have certainly been times when I wanted/needed the money too, but I refuse to produce what I consider to be less than my best work.

I wonder how others feel about this?