[Kimberly Dow]

The law gives leeway to 'intent' - most clients would have no idea (nor most portrait artists I assume) that another artist would be involved in the painting. The intent of the contract would then be that the original artist would be the only painter - so yes it would be fraud. Besides - if you are hiring a well-known artist they are buying the name as well and the possibility of the investment going up in value later - wouldnt that lower the value if an unknown painted part of it?