@squarewater
She told him the style was awkward, which is basically the best way to describe work that doesn't feel authentic.
It wouldn't be authentic even if she told him what she wanted either. Because he still would just be catering to her expectations, and that would make the "advice" pointless.
Call me an extremist, but authentic art is something to feel proud of. Besides, most artists that became legendary, became so because they weren't willing to cater to people and stuck to their vision. Their economic success depended only on how well they managed to sell that vision (some did pretty badly, but are still admired none the less).
The story set him up to be a legendary artist, he can't be legendary by catering to others and ignoring his own vision.
Besides, we know that he didn't become successful until he actually changed his style, so he's not even efficiently sustaining himself.
Edit:
The only thing I can agree with everyone is that not paying was a major dick move.
Regarding everything else, I think Elena kicked him in the right direction. It wasn't nice, but nice doesn't always work.
Besides, all of you reacting emotionally and commenting how unfair she was is a prime example on how single minded people get when they are unhappy and disappointed about something.
She was disappointed, she reacted badly, but it was probably more helpful than all those people paying for a bs painting.