The human flaw
 

I remember a piece I was working on where I had a problem with the sitter who after an hour would get a

Any way you want.

I really think that the painter has to communicate at a very basic level. The questions (at least for me) go like this:

"I see that your daughter's left eye is "lazy". Would you like me to convey that in the painting?"

Or, "I see that you have a scar on your upper lip. How would you like me to depict this in your painting?"

Or any such thing; just engage your client in the process, and do your best to meet their needs.

Ask your client!

Years ago, my wife and I were posing for a photo portrait. The photographer was attempting to position us so that I appeared taller than Janice. "You don't want it to look like she's taller than you", he said.

I had to laugh. I'm 5'3" and she towers over me. We even had a custom made wedding cake topper with the bride taller than the groom. I'd never have thought of trying to pull off the illusion that I was taller. It would result in a portrait that looked right to the casual observer, but not to us, or anyone who knows us.

I think flaws can be downplayed, but they don't have to be denied. I wouldn't want a portrait that emphasized my disabilities, nor would I want one that makes me look "perfect", because everyone knows better.

I like your story, Jeff!

Awhile ago I did a portrait of three siblings, two of whom had lazy eyes. Adjusting the gaze so that it wasn't apparent also robbed them of that indefinable something that made them look like themselves, so I suggested it but didn't emphasize it. When I mentioned the eyes to their mother, she had never noticed it! But she was perfectly happy with my treatment.