Portrait size for 3/4 figure

[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.