Portrait size for 3/4 figure

[Joan Breckwoldt]

I am trying to decide what size I should make this portrait. I would like to paint a larger size than 20" x 24", though I am not sure just a 3/4 figure can support a larger size portrait.

My goal is to make this portrait a standard size so I can present the portrait in a standard ready made frame. Here's the problem, seems there isn't much in between a 20"x24" and a 24"x30". I found a couple of 22"x28" frames on the internet so I sketched my subject out on paper that size. (see below) But that's not really a standard size, I'm wondering if this pose/subject is enough to fill a 24"x30" canvas? As it is, her head is 9" tall on the sketch below. I wonder if there is too much air space around her? Or should I paint this on a 20"x24" and save the grander size for another day? I spent the entire day trying to figure this out yesterday! I have never had this problem before, but I guess it's because I'm trying to push up the size for the first time.

I'll post my sketch on the 22" x 28" paper. (Original can be seen under a thread in photo reference section.)

Thank you, Joan

[Joan Breckwoldt]

Here is the 22" x 28" sketch:

[Joan Breckwoldt]

Here is the same sketch at 20" x 24", just less 'air space' and less space on the bottom.

[Michele Rushworth]

If you painted her the size she is in life what would the composition look like on a 20" x 24" or 34" x 30" canvas?

(You're right that you'll have much better luck getting frames in those sizes.)

[Chris Saper]

Dear Joan,

Looking at the 28" x 22" composition, I think the head size is too large. By my rough calculations, it looks as if the child's head will end up being 8.9 inches, which is much closer to life size for an adult. Notwithstanding my personal preference to paint slightly smaller than life size, I think that you are better to err on the side of a little smaller than life, rather than a little larger than life. If you wish to be right at life size, I think you should measure the subject.

Again with the larger canvas size, I'm estimating that the "air" space above her head will be about 3.25" ; then subtracting for the rabbet, you'll end up with about 2.1 inches, which would be very comfortable. Anything less, I think, will crowd the figure.

Although 28 x 22 is slightly less common than 24 x 30, it's still a readily available size. However if you shrink the figure, you'll need to again recalculate how much head room remains...it may be more than you want.

[Chris Saper]

Admin note: See a discussion on Joan's photo resources here

[Joan Breckwoldt]

Hello Chris and thank you, thank you! Your post directly answered my question about size. I had put away my sketches after deciding to go with the 22"x28" and even bought the stretcher bars. When I started getting some answers to the other post, I got out my sketches and had another look at my sketches. The figure looks too big to me now too. I am going to do as you suggested and draw her smaller so that her head is just a little smaller than life size, I think this should give me enough air space around her that she doesn't seem crowded either.

Again, thanks for taking the time to really think about my question and answer it for me!

Joan

[Mari DeRuntz]

Hi Joan,

Just curious where you're at with this painting? I'd love to see the further evolution.

[Chantal Sulkow]

Hi Joan,

You are probably already underway with your painting and have settled on a size by now - but regarding ready made frames: have you checked out Graphik Dimensions (www.pictureframes.com)? If cost is a consideration with framing for presentation, I highly recommend this site.

Many of their frames can be custom built to your size specifications and the price is very low compared to high-end framers. They use metal leaf in place of gold, and polycore instead of wood. This would enable you to choose any composition in any size...I would also like to see how your painting is progressing. She's a lovely little girl.