I'll just throw my two cents worth here. Do not try to create a pendant to someone else's painting. Do a painting that's uniquely yours that puts the existing painting to shame. Make them want to commission you to redo the husband's painting since the one you'll do will be so much better. I'd probably place her indoors for starters, but that's just the kind of guy I am.

Kim,

Don't try to shrink her down to fit her all in. As Marvin has said, do what YOU THINK will make a beautiful portrait. That is your job. Try to put his portrait out of your mind as that is what I have been trying to do since I saw it.

One of the paintings that seems to me, of yours that could be adapted is the prairie girl. Since Lady Bird Johnson planted Texas wildflowers all over the place, that could be a part of your Texas theme.

Just close your eyes and visualize the best picture of ANY SIZE you could paint of this subject and fight for it.

Thank you folks - this is all good advice.

I never even considered the gun pointing at her! What a hoot - that needs to be thought of for sure!

That sample of Linda's is so lovely - and I do love that composition.

Marvin & Sharon - I believe you two are exactly right. I am aware of his painting and where they want to hang it, but I need to now just do 'mine.' Besides, even though I dont want mine to clash with his - there is no perfect solution concerning size and set-up - his is just too big for that wall/room. (It looks better in person, by the way - this image online is too washed-out), BUT - I actually think I can do a better one that will blow them away. I am not going to compare myself to him, but there are some things about his painting that I would have done differently. And yes, Chris - I agree, I am thinking about the future and hoping they will want me to paint him. That print would be a wonderful donation to a local museum anyway - he is a local legend and has quite a collection of guns, spurs, Ranger stuff, etc...

If I can slowly encourage her to move her paintings around the house a bit, then I dont have to consider his at all....wish me luck there.

It is kind of funny though - in my mind I have them getting rid of that painting and re-arranging the house for my new ones. :sunnysmil Really - they should just let me take over their lives - they would be so much happier. :cool:

Kim, congratulations on scoring such a potentially lucrative client.

I read the thread first to see if anyone had brought up the topic, and if Linda hadn't mentioned the gun pointing to the head thing, I would have. It's all I could think about when I saw that huge gun!

And, Marvin & Chris are absolutely correct - eventually they will want a matching Dow portrait. (See if they'll give you that unveiling party with all their famous friends, and you can give them a good discount on the hubby...)

Keep us posted on your progress.

:thumbsup: