A big family gathering for a picnic in the park

planning the painting, mustn't forget anyone

the finished family portrait, just a few changes from the sketch

A family portrait is such a personal gift, and this was one big family! I had lots of photographs to work from and worked out a way to fit everyone in to one big picture in my sketchbook. Once the family were happy with the sketch I went ahead with a larger version on heavy watercolour paper.
This one measures just over 60cm across.
Happy Birthday to the Dad of the family, I hope that this is a good surprise!

Planning a family portrait

initial sketch in my Seawhite sketchbook

The finished portrait

Here is one of this year's commissions. The layout and colours are planned out in my sketchbook and I then have something to show to the family and make changes as necessary. It isn't always easy to tell how heights compare for example!
The sketchbook has cartridge paper which absorbs the paint quite differently and dries quicker. It makes the paper crinkle and the paint puddles. I love the effect this gives but it would look a bit too bumpy in a frame. The final painting is made on very thick Bockingford watercolour paper. The paints are the same in each case, Winsor and Newton artists watercolours.