The Beginning of a Family Portrait

[Patricia Joyce]

I took over 500 photographs of this family and it came down to three, but I am pretty sure I am going with image one. My question would be how bit should I make the painting? I know Marvin you have mentioned painting in a size you are comfortable with, but I have only done oils as head and shoulders except for my "Four Children on the Beach" which was a very different approach.

I am thinking the heads should be about six - 7 inches which would make the canvas 40 x 30? That seems so huge to me!!!

Any input from you fellow experts would help me immensely. I have arthritis in my hands so I cannot stretch my own canvas anymore. Any suggestions as to where to purchase a larger linen stretched canvas?

Thanks in advance!!!