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As many people know, portraiture is biggest in the southeastern states. As Tom Edgerton so wisely posted some number of years ago on this Forum, you don't need to live there to sell there.
However, there is still portraiture in other parts of the country. I'm working on a large commission for a family in Cleveland right now, in fact, and I've had commissions in Seattle, Michigan, Pennsylvania, etc.
Trying to reach the portrait market through the gallery route may be part of what's holding you back. I don't think many portraits anywhere are commissioned that way. Gallery owners don't seem to want to relinquish control of the process and product, perhaps, the way they'd have to in a commission situation.
I'd recommend what I tell everyone who's trying to get established: donate frequently to expensive private school fundraising auctions. Your target market is affluent mothers and that's where you can find them. The bigger your donation (a whole head and shoulders portrait, not just a discount) and the better your display (with a terrific original sample at the auction, along with beautiful brochures, business cards, or whatever you've got.) the more likely your success. It worked for me.
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