Burnt Sienna by David Morrell

When internationally famous artist and ex-marine Chase Malone is approached by an emissary of mysterious businessman Derek Bellasar to paint a portrait of Bellasars wife, he politely refuses. In the next few days, however, when Chase finds his home bulldozed and his gallery sold out from under him, he has little choice but to take the job. Bellasar turns out to be one of the worlds wealthiest and most dangerously twisted arms merchants. He has spent the last two decades marrying a succession of beautiful womenall of whom have met with mysterious deaths just after having their portrait painted by a top artist. For Chase, rescuing the madmans current wife is only his first challenge. If he is ever to feel safe again, he must return to Bellasars turf for a deadly confrontation that only one can survive.