Best Size For A Portrait Painting & Drawing

Discovering the the best size for a portrait painting or drawing, is an essential aspect of the commissioning process. In this blog post, we delve into the factors influencing your choice, from composition to available photos and intended display location.

Exploring Portrait Sizes

I offer four standard sizes for pet portraits: A4, 10×13, A3, and A2. While these serve as the foundation, I’m flexible in accommodating custom sizes to suit your preferences, especially when being framed by me as I can order the frames bespoke to suit.

The Impact of Photos

The quality and detail of your photos play a pivotal role in determining the appropriate portrait size. Larger portraits necessitate higher-resolution photos to capture intricate details effectively. If you’re uncertain about your photo’s suitability, reach out for personalized guidance.

What size is right for my portrait commission? Bobbys Hand Drawn Portraits

Choosing a Small (A4) Portrait

Smaller portraits, such as the A4 size, offer versatility and affordability. They excel in capturing single-subject head and neck portraits, ideal for pets and people with limited photo options or as heartfelt gift.

This example was done 10×13 in size.

What size is right for my portrait commission? Bobbys Hand Drawn Portraits

Selecting the Right Size for Multiple Pets

For portraits featuring multiple pets, opting for a larger size like A3 ensures each subject receives adequate detail and space for a balanced composition. Alternatively, consider separate portraits for each pet, offering flexibility in display and decor coordination.

This Cat example was done A3 in size and on a fawn coloured paper.

What size is right for my portrait commission? Bobbys Hand Drawn Portraits

Equestrian Portraits: Size Matters

Horses, with their intricate features, benefit from larger portrait sizes like A3 or A2 to capture their majestic essence authentically. For multi-subject horse portraits, the largest size A3 is recommended for optimal detail and realism.

Medium-Sized Portraits: A Versatile Choice

A3 portraits strike a balance, suitable for single head and shoulder portraits or smaller full-body compositions of dogs, cats, and horses. They offer versatility without compromising on detail.

Tailored Solutions

If none of the standard options suit your vision, fret not. Custom sizes are readily available to ensure your portrait perfectly aligns with your expectations. I’m committed to providing guidance to help you make the optimal choice for your beloved subjects portrait.

Final Thoughts

Commissioning a pet portrait is a deeply personal journey, and selecting the right size is a crucial aspect of the process. I hope this post has provided clarity and insight into the decision-making process. Feel free to explore my portfolio or reach out with any inquiries—I’m here to bring your pet’s portrait to life with passion and precision.

Located in Barnsley (Yorkshire), I specialize in pencil, acrylic on canvas, and coloured pencil portraits, crafted in a realistic style from client-provided photos. Discover more about my work and browse previous artwork on my website.

Thank you for considering me to immortalize your pet’s essence in art.

Hopefully, this will have given you an idea for the best size for a portrait or painting.

What Sizes do you use for your drawings?

Choosing the Right Size

  • A4: A compact size suitable for individual portraits. Easy to frame and display on walls or mantels.
  • 10×13: Offers more room to capture finer details, striking a balance between display space and ease of hanging. Ideal for 1-2 subjects.
  • A3: Provides ample space for significant detail, ideal for creating statement pieces in prominent areas. Suitable for 1-4 subjects.
  • A2: Offers even more room for impactful displays, great for larger spaces or creating focal points. Suitable for family compilation drawings of up to 7 subjects.

Size Specifications:

  • A2: 420 × 594 mm / 16.5 × 23.4 inches
  • A3: 297 × 420 mm / 11.7 × 16.5 inches
  • A4: 210 × 297 mm / 8.3 × 11.7 inches

For Painted Portraits on Canvas:

  • 18″x14″ Small: Ideal for 1 subject, head and shoulders style.
  • 20″x16″ Medium: Ideal for 1 subject, full body or head and shoulders style.
  • 24″x20″ Large: Suitable for 1-2 subjects.
  • 30″x24″ Larger: Suitable for 1-4 subjects.