What helpful comments. Now I can proceed with much more confidence. The final size will be 14x18" and I agree about putting more space around the heads. Will probably trim their hair a little too. I also like the idea that by posting these photos, I feel a bit of obligation to proceed on this project. It's too easy to put off painting your own kids.

Paint them when they're young
 

Hi April,

What cute children, I too like #1 and #3. You're smart to go ahead and paint them while they're young.

I have a 15 year old who is very patient with my taking photos of her, but after about 80 photos (!), then I offer to pay her. Lucky candy still works for you!

Linda, this interests me very much. I am about to embark on a portrait of my daughter and I'm wondering . . . . how much space is too much space? I'll start a new thread for this question.

Joan

Hi April. In addition to all the valuable comments previous, I have only one small thing to add. I have a current commission to paint two dogs (!) of the same breed that will hang side by side. They have different colouring, as your lovely kiddies do not, but I intend to paint them together on the easel almost as if they were one painting. That is how I intend to address consistency. Hope that helps and if some one else feels this is wrong, please intervene. Janet