Any professional artists able to tell me if IABU?

[Thistledew]

Nearly a year ago I commissioned an old school friend who is a professional artist to paint a portrait for me. She normally only paints from life but agreed on this occasion to do so from photographs as it is of a deceased relative. I was initially quite impatient for her to complete it but soon accepted that this was a project that had to happen at its own pace and amongst other gallery work that she was engaged in.

I recently sent her a friendly email to enquire as to progress as I hadn't heard anything for a while and also I am (hopefully) about to move house so didn't want to suddenly be without readily available cash just as she was finishing the picture.

She has said that she is making good progress but still has work to do and hopes to be finished by the end of the year. She has suggested that I pay half the cost now and half on completion. I have no objection to doing this as it is something that I initially suggested to her.

But as it has now been nearly a year since we agreed the commission, would IBU to ask for a photo of the work in progress? The naturally financially cautious side of me thinks this is a good idea, but I don't want to insult her or cause any bad feeling as she completes the project. I would appreciate a view from any professional artists.

This is my guess:
I think she didn't accept the offer of any upfront payment because she was less than confident of the commission being successful (working from pic rather than life).

Now she's made a start and is feeling ok about doing it but in the meantime has had work to complete which has had a payment and deadline put down which has kept pushing your commission to the back of the queue.

I agree with pps that paying something now will spur her on and put your picture on a level field with her other work - BUT because the communication between you is not very flowing (and communication is key for successful commissions really) you need to prepare yourself for what you'll do/say if the worst happens and you don't like the pic.

I have commissioned two paintings - one, a watercolour portrait and one more abstract in acrylics. The portrait was painted from photos, about 15" X 20" and took about eight weeks. The acrylic is much bigger - about 30"x24" and took about three months. I believe part of the time taken is to allow for the drying process in each case. Info think that almost a year is a long time, even allowing for exhibitions. I think I would ask for a proper update on progress before parting with any cash.

@QuaterMiss I see your point. I admit I assumed an artefact and don’t care much who produces it?

Even so, it does appear to have been put at the bottom of the list - possibly (again assuming) for higher paying jobs/exhibition preparations etc. I still think whatever the case, a deadline should be established for part payment, progress and finished work and full payment. A year is just way too long.