[Patt Legg]

I received a phone call tonight from someone who is wanting a portrait of himself (possibly wife too, but a separate one later). We will be meeting soon. He feels that he wants a traditional one (frontal head and shoulders) but will leave it up to me. I prefer three quarter view.

I would like to include his hands in it, but do not want to make the size too large where he will not agree. Thought about suggesting an 18x24 or 20x24. What is best for just below waist or with hands?

The other question is really the real reason I am writing. He thinks he wants him only with a separate one later of his wife. I usually suggest such a set-up due to the clients' having children and later they could each have a painting of their parents.

But then, daughter may want Dad too and not just Mom (just a "for instance"). If I suggest doing them both together, what other option would you all suggest to say to him to make sense of this? I guess I am putting myself in their shoes and would figure the children would bicker over it later. What do you think? Not my problem, right?

One note to you on the Forum only-----I would personally love to do them both for the practice and I am partial to that. Also, I suppose if I am honest with you, he may change his mind (money wise) and not do hers later. Is that a silly worry?

Please send info soon so I may meet with him and have a definite place in which to start.