[Chris Saper]

Katherine, thanks for suggesting this thread.

My first paid commission was for my neighbors' girls, in 1990, a year after my my first child was born. I was out of patience for the hospital rat race, and my neighbor and I attended a local event where a portrait painter exhibited. We were shocked at the prices. (In retrospect, those prices were bargains.) For my neighbor, I did a pencil drawing, double portrait, for $80. If I can find the image I will post it. I am so very grateful to the people who hired me during my first years.

Sometimes I wish I could go back and update all those portraits, but of course, I can't. Still, I appreciate so very deeply every one of my clients' confidence, which gave me the belief that I could become a better painter.

Today, November 3, 2003 I still am grateful for every encouragement, and still strive to become better every day.