Texas lady

[Chris Saper]

Kim,

How exciting! I like the echo of the composition in the husband's portrait - regarding size, I think you should go for the same size portrait - after all the wall will become its own 'canvas' and I can't bear the asymmetry of the clock flanked by two different size portraits. I think the best way for you to consider it is to make a three value thumbnail sketch of the ENTIRE wall, to scale, including the clock, and both portraits.

Regarding the size, I think you should measure the husband's painted head size to see how closely it is to life size, and whether you feel comfortable painting in a scale that matches (in relation to % of life-size) Then I'd go with a like proportion of her head size. The enormous difference in their heights might make for a design problem that is difficult to overcome. I fyou decide to do a matching vertical composition, you might still be able to indicate their relative heights, perhaps running some wisteria or other foliage across the top like a trellis, in order to avoid the feeling that she is sinking off the bottom of the canvas.

I guess I would ( if it was my wall) prefer to see a proportionally scaled portrait of her in a horizontal format, same size canvas, than two vertical pieces of differing sizes. A horizontal composition would also allow you to place her head closer to the top of the canvas - and on a more comfortable eye-level for the viewer, than would be workable if she were standing in the same place.

I wonder why they didn't buy the original of the husband - just something to consider in your contract

And Double Diamond Ranchwear makes some terrific dress-western clothes!

Good luck,

[Kimberly Dow]

Chris,

Thank you for these suggestions. I like the idea of the horizontal, but honestly don

[Chris Saper]

Kim,

Look at this lovely painting of Linda Brandon's. There are many ways you might work a horizontal composition, and yet still have it agree with the first portrait.

Just one thought: yes, the husband's portrait is a print, although I 'm sure an image they love. Think long term about how you might eventually paint the husband to work with the Dow wife

[Linda Brandon]

And another thing...
If she is going to hang to the left of him make sure that rifle isn't aimed directly at her head.

Just trying to anticipate things for you here.

[Marvin Mattelson]

I'll just throw my two cents worth here. Do not try to create a pendant to someone else's painting. Do a painting that's uniquely yours that puts the existing painting to shame. Make them want to commission you to redo the husband's painting since the one you'll do will be so much better. I'd probably place her indoors for starters, but that's just the kind of guy I am.

[Sharon Knettell]

Kim,

Don't try to shrink her down to fit her all in. As Marvin has said, do what YOU THINK will make a beautiful portrait. That is your job. Try to put his portrait out of your mind as that is what I have been trying to do since I saw it.

One of the paintings that seems to me, of yours that could be adapted is the prairie girl. Since Lady Bird Johnson planted Texas wildflowers all over the place, that could be a part of your Texas theme.

Just close your eyes and visualize the best picture of ANY SIZE you could paint of this subject and fight for it.

[Kimberly Dow]

Thank you folks - this is all good advice.

I never even considered the gun pointing at her! What a hoot - that needs to be thought of for sure!

That sample of Linda's is so lovely - and I do love that composition.

Marvin & Sharon - I believe you two are exactly right. I am aware of his painting and where they want to hang it, but I need to now just do 'mine.' Besides, even though I dont want mine to clash with his - there is no perfect solution concerning size and set-up - his is just too big for that wall/room. (It looks better in person, by the way - this image online is too washed-out), BUT - I actually think I can do a better one that will blow them away. I am not going to compare myself to him, but there are some things about his painting that I would have done differently. And yes, Chris - I agree, I am thinking about the future and hoping they will want me to paint him. That print would be a wonderful donation to a local museum anyway - he is a local legend and has quite a collection of guns, spurs, Ranger stuff, etc...

If I can slowly encourage her to move her paintings around the house a bit, then I dont have to consider his at all....wish me luck there.

It is kind of funny though - in my mind I have them getting rid of that painting and re-arranging the house for my new ones. Really - they should just let me take over their lives - they would be so much happier.