Thank you Chris.
Basketball Noah...
Well I figured out that I would have to decrease his hands and the basketball by 32% for it to be right. I would also want to fix his jacket (the left side is turned back) and add the rest of the jacket to the bottom of the painting. His hands are too close to the bottom edge. Then, turn the hat and guess what his hair would do. Now to the background, I can't put him by water cause people just look different when they are close to water. So either a plain background, or soft neighborhood behind.
Cowboy Noah...
Paint it like it is. No changes, No additions, or guessing. The show is in a old historic building right on Lake Monona, 20 feet from the entrance is water. Madison is built on an isthmus, and surrounded by a total of five lakes. Water just seems right. I will soften the deep shadows.
I love the light and his expression in the basketball photo, but for a demo, I think I'm safer with the cowboy. Since I love that version also and will have fun painting it, I think that's the one I'll go with.
Thank you everyone, your input was really helpful.
Jean