[Michael Fournier]

Well I most agree that one must value one's art if they expect others too.

But...
We should draw a distinction between giving away Art for free as if it had little value vs. a donation or a gift to a cherished friend or relative.

Also a donation of a painting to a charity or organization fund raiser is also a worthy cause and can give exposure to yourself as well as a cause you may believe in.

I do not know about you but I find great pleasure in donating at least one painting a year to a cause or as a gift.

(This is also tax deductible as long as you are selling similar work at the declared value)
Those receiving these works are well aware of the value of these works.

Also many times my donation of a painting for a charity auction has raised far more then I could have donated in cash. Often much more then I could have sold the piece for on commission. (It seems people are very generous when the money is going to a charity)

So although I agree that as a rule you should not work for free I also feel that life brings more to those with their arms open in giving then to those with clenched fists trying to hold on to what they have.

When you open your hand to give it will be open to receive as well.
I see nothing wrong with a gift to a family member. It is a gift that means far more then anything they could have received from a store bought gift.

I do not make a habit of giving away paintings just because they ask but I have no problem giving a gift of a oil sketch to a family member as a christmas gift.

How many gifts have you given that have brought tears joy to those you bestowed it to.
I can say I have and the joy I received in the giving was worth far more to me then the money those paintings were worth. (And yes they know and respect my fees and never ask me to work for free the understand that these were special gifts)

I do not make it a habit of earning my living off income from relatives.
and I would hope that I am never reduced to selling art to family to survive.
In the end it is little loss to me monetarily but I huge gain to me in the love and joy I recieved by giving.