Another size question.

[Mary Sparrow]

I don't think she is going to want one that big. 40 inches is probably as big as she is going to want to go for the spot that she wants to put it.

He is about 4 feet tall..So, I think the 40 inch will be fine, cropping in. Don't you?

[Mary Sparrow]

I have nudged the mother to a 30x40, shew. Just when I thought it was safe, I get an email from her stating that she has changed her mind. Not on the size, but rather the reference photo. She switched gears on me here, we were going with a totally different reference photo, but now she wants to know if I can paint the body of the second photo posted here and make his toes not curl, and the face on the other body. ( I personally like the overall look of the first photo better)

*Sigh*

I haven't had a chance to speak with her about this request, so I want to know what you all think.

[Kimberly Dow]

Mary,

Here is my 2-cents. First of all - do you feel comfortable using 2 different references? Do you feel you can make the toes correct in the way she suggested? If any of these answers are no, or you are unsure - I'd speak to the woman as the professional you are - you know more than her on what it takes to make a sucessful portrait. Just tell her that piecing parts of photos together can have a funky feel to it and you want hers to come out as a masterpiece - in order to do that you need one reference that you both agree on - or go into particulars about why this one works over that one... Tell her to trust your artistic experiece...blah blah blah..

I do not quite understand which refence she wants for the head and which for the body - so I don't know how to comment on that in particular.... but I say just be sure of your reasons, use words like 'longevity in appreciating the design' or 'timelessness' etc.. And be slightly firm.

I suppose if it were me I'd start out with something like "You are the client of course and I want you to be happy. From my experience though - this particular one will be a better overall design and show your son in such a wonderful light - it is really quite timeless.
Remember, this is an heirloom that will last generations, you want this to be a painting that is so well-designed that even his great-great-grandchildren, who never met him, will want it on their walls. Not only for the sentimentality issues, but because it is a great painting that stands on its own - even if you do not know your son."

How's that? Mother's! What a pain to talk to, eh?