Artistic Opinions Needed, Please?

[Ravvana]

I'm getting a 16 x 20" acrylic portrait of Sean done as a commission I've picked out a photo as the basis for the painting, but now I'm trying to decide between full body and headshot. Note that my body, his tack, and the tents in the background will be removed.

Full Body:

(Couldn't be any more "full body" than that; that's all the photo I have to work with.)

Headshot:


I think the headshot would really capture his personality and expressiveness. However, it is a very large painting, so a full body might "fit" better -- and my favorite painting done by this artist is a full body portrait (can be found here: http://www.kellycampbellartist.com/picturepages/primo.html).

Opinions/advise/suggestions, please?

[Kadana Sorano]

if the artist can put something in the painting to explain away the missing/cropped off bits.. or if you can manage getting another full body photo.. or, if you trust the artist to "fill in" the missing parts.. I'd go with a full body.  But barring that, I'd say a head shot.  it doesn't matter that it's big, especially with the right frame, it could look very awesome.

[Ravvana]

I have several more nice photos that include his whole body, but his pose isn't as nice -- I already sent those along to the artist as references. So I do think she'd be able to fill him out, but keep this nice pose

[Kadana Sorano]

Then I'd go for the full body.  Not because I think the headshot wouldn't be awesome, but because, for me, if I know if I got one done of a beloved pet, and could only get one, I'd want the entire pet, not just part.