This is a mistake you only make once. Next time you discuss total price before you start and maybe accept x% up front to cover material cost and time. When you are finished the buyer can then choose to either pay the rest and get the artwork. Or not pay and not get the deposit back.

Well.. That's sketchy.

At least that's better than agreeing on a price and having to **** head stiff you. Always agree on a price before hand and get half up front. Doesn't matter if it's a friend or not. Learned that the hard way.

I'm a freelance artist. Repeat after me, I WILL NEVER DO WORK UNLESS I HAVE A CONTRACT FIRST AND BOTH PARTIES HAVE SIGNED IT. I learned that the hard way too. Don't feel bad, there are many stupid people in the world, looks like you got duped by one of them... they all think working on art is "fun" so pay is just not required. Tell him to cram it and keep the art.

Fyl

New painting

Keep the picture and the cigarettes.

Always ask the price first or at least agree on a minimum price

Before taking on a project, before actually beginning to work, you should discuss payment and expectations. Pick up a book about sales, negotiation and closing contracts. It's your own fault that you have poor sales skills. Don't worry, no one is born knowledgeable.

Maybe you should have asked him to offer his payment before you did the painting dumbass