Portrait Artist Forum - Triple Portrait

This triple portrait was completed in about 30 hours. Since the man commissioning this portrait wanted it to be a surprise for Christmas, I was forced into using a professional portrait from a local photographer. I loathe doing this. Not only is the photograph one I would not choose, but I had to get permission from the photographer to use it, then was required to put the photographer's studio name at the bottom of my painting.

Anyway, after several sketches and trial runs, this 30x40 pastel on smooth matboard (interesting surface on which to paint)seems to capture the personalities of each child.

By the way, after he saw the finished product, he couldn't wait for Christmas, he gave the framed finished product to his wife the next afternoon!