Responses
Maybe his style wasn't that appreciated at that time or he hasn't reached his peak at art, that's why he changed his style to cater to his customers. That's why so many artist are struggling to make a living rn. Gotta look at it from the artist's point of view. Passion vs hunger which will he prioritize to fulfill

He said she didn't have to really pay, and also she didn't criticize him, more like she tried to rile him up because of the fact that he didn't really do a portret, because lets be real there are a lot of people who don't like to look at themself if they are not perfect. Doing it for the money or not , not trying to do your stile and doing just whatever to pleases the client is stil not ok, you should be first happy with what you do then worry about other. Only then can he evolve. Sorry for the text block