I'm really enjoying all the nice comments on this one. Thanks!
Eric (and anyone else who might be interested in purchasing a piece at some point), I split payment up for people all of the time. I even tend to let people have the painting before its paid for in full. Yes, it's trusting, but I've only been burnt by this once in the past five years. This isn't a ploy to get anyone to spend money on something they shouldn't afford, but to let you know I will make it possible if you really love a piece. I get a lot of satisfaction out of a painting going to the right person, and that's not necessarily the one with the most disposable income.