Here's another less risky option. I just dropped the cue down a few inches.

I think I could do the move and rotate but it would be a last resort for me.

Life size indeed, this guy is six foot eight and not that narrow. I made some approximate calibrations and if you assume an 8" head it looks like you could get this done on a 48" canvas.

How nice if you could do it life size. What an impressive piece that would be. Go for it.

Please post it when you're done, maybe with you standing beside it so we can get a sense of the scale.

I like this option with the pool cue. I'd trim one more inch off the top of it so it doesn't get lost in the edge of his shirt.

This is what I will look like standing next to this painting. I know what you're thinking, this doesn't look like the photo on the left, this looks more like Robert Redford. Different light and background that's all.

Amazing what lighting can do, isn't it?

Cue position
 

Mike, I like your first version better. Angling the cue out, away from his face seems to be more intimidating and consistent with your subject. Shortening the stick just doesn't look "right". It somehow decreases the importance of the hustler image. I would suggest a hand model to get the right placement of the hand, even if it is more difficult.

I played a lot of pool in my crazy youth. A short cue just doesn't hack it.

Jean

Famous Pool Sharks from the Past
 

[King Philip IV of Spain - Velasquez]

Give me a few days, Mike, and I can come up with some more.

Best regards, Linda

Thanks Linda,

I'd like to see the good king stumble into the local pool hall. He would probably complain that three other guys were wearing the same outfit!

Jean,

The ole short cue problem...I'll subject the matter to background thought for a while.

Mike the one Michele likes is not showing up for me, but I like the one with the cue stick dropped down. Technically it could be used as a directionally tool to bring the eye back to his wonderful face!

I can't wait to see this, you should sell him wallet size photo's too when your done with the reference it is great.

Oh, by the way - I think you are far more dashing in your photo by your name! ;)