Paint it over or what?

[Patt Legg]

Hello again,

This is Ed and unfortunately, my photo of the painting is very dark although I do paint very dark backgrounds. It is an 18x24" Oil. I am going to post the photo in the next post to show what I worked from.

I took the photo after inquiring about family photos and told they had none. So I did the best that I could and painted him as I see him. I do know him vaguely--very vaguely. He is a stearn man.

Problem: He and his wife accepted the portrait. Two to three weeks later, the Mrs. called and asked could I make him "less angry". Well, I have never been asked to re-do an expression. I am sure too that she sees him a completely a different manner as his wife. Anyway, others know immediately that is is Ed as he is very prominate in the town. I now have it in my studio and worked on it somewhat but as you know, when you change a small tad of expression in the eyes, the mouth needs changed, etc. etc.

I am getting more unhappy with it all the time. What do I do now?

The thing of it is this...I am doing 3 portraits as a "free" PR move and this is one of them. They are paying for any framing from me or otherwise. I figured that if I display them in town, it may bring more work. (I was told by an artist here on the internet that this is one way of doing it).

I do not mind that but I refuse to give a portrait that I am not feeling good about. No exposure is better than bad exposure. So I have nearly decided to do it over. Wouldn't you?

Please tell me if you have had any experience such as this. My contract states that I will do minor changes and I am ok with that but this has turned into a larger change than I expected.

Thank you in advance; any info is much appreciated.