I agree. I mean, I definitely do not like to go back on my promises, but I feel like that would be voided if my commissioner came to me under false pretenses. But, again, I have no experience in this type of business transaction.

Also, as someone else pointed out, I would definitely not ever give someone else my money to pay for something unless I had great trust in them. I would suggest, if you do end up doing a half-and-half commission again, to not only discuss the details with the other party but with the artist as well. Then you can all three agree on terms and payment, and you can pay the artist directly.