Retainer, and pay in full or three payments?

[Mike McCarty]

Debra,

I don't agree with your involving the client with charity donations. Charitable giving can be a complicated issue and one I don't think should be intertwined with the relationship with your client.

I think it would be fine to give the money directly to the charity as a commission, but I would make it transparent to the client.

Soon you will hear a client say -- here's your fee less the donation, if you want to donate go ahead, I gave at the office.

I think a client's decision to commission you for a painting is a PURE business consideration. To interject charitable donations (your idea of charity, not theirs) is to unduly complicate this transaction.

Just one man's take.