The following sizes and compositions (see table below) are a guide to the standard dimensions for traditional portrait paintings. The size of the subject’s head will be close to actual life size in these paintings, producing a portrait that will have good presence in a room and good detail when viewed close-up. The larger the painting, the larger the room it must be hung in.
Paired portraits are often painted of children to capture them at the same age or at the same time. These paintings can be hung together in the same room, or separated if required. Other compositions such as horizontal-format paintings are used for group portraits and reclining figures. An extremely wide format painting can be used to combine landscape elements such as buildings, interiors of homes or workshops, and outdoors scenery with the person’s portrait.
| Subject | Composition | Unframed Size |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | Head & Shoulders | 16”x20” (40x50cm) |
| Seated Figure | 20”x24” (50x60cm) | |
| Half Figure with Hands | 20”x24” (50x60cm) | |
| 3/4 Figure to Knees | 30”x36” (75x90cm) | |
| Full Length Figure | 36”x48” (90x120cm) | |
| Child | Head & Shoulders |
14”x18” (35x45cm) 16”x20” (40x50cm) |
| Seated Figure | 20”x24” (50x60cm) | |
| Half Figure with Hands | 20”x24” (50x60cm) | |
| 3/4 Figure to Knees | 24”x30” (60x75cm) | |
| Full Length Figure | 30”x36” (75x90cm) |