[Kimberly Dow]

Because they do not have to take up wall space for the painting since it is a commission (unless they are just displaying one example of an artists work) and they do not have to sell it, negotiate it, etc. In my experience the galleries I have dealt with have done nothing more than pass along my information - then trusted me to pass along their percentage. I dont think most galleries want to get into the commission business, but if you make it easy by allowing them to just hand out your card if someone inquires about a portrait - then they make a little bit and you get mentioned to someone who has specifically asked about your product.