[Tom Edgerton]

Lon--

Never had one outright rejected, but have had some that were lukewarmly received. And I have found myself once in the most ungodly, dysfunctional situation I've ever seen, but that was a seed sown and watered heavily with Southern Gothic familial aberration long before I showed up. It was a posthumous piece commissioned by a firm of a partner that had died suddenly only a few months before. Photo reference was scant and not very good. I pulled a rabbit out of my hat, but the family still tore into the piece. Fortunately the firm was the client, not the family, and when the piece was publicly unveiled, one of the partners remarked that my painting looked "more like him than he did." But it sticks in my craw of course that the family will never be satisfied. If you're dedicated and professional, how could it not?

My sixth sense would have scared me off of yours, if four painters had tried and "failed." But I know how it is, no one ever wants to say no. But from what I see, the work is not unflattering in the least, not at all deserving of such a heated response. I think your client's reaction speaks volumes about her, not your effort.

I don't think one can do portrait work and not experience this at some time. I fully expect a painting to be refused at some point. But if it helps, whenever I get roughed up, the universe sends one on the heels of it that is pure joy from beginning to end.

Hang in there!