An artist might choose to depict a person exactly as they are - flaws included, so that every wart, pimple or scar is clearly memorialized in paint for all to see. Artists may sometimes even exaggerate a person's characteristics, good or bad, to make a caricature of the person. Conversely, an artist might "kindly overlook" the person's flaws, correcting imperfections and presenting an idealized view of a person. It all depends on what the artist wants to achieve with the work, and also what they plan to do with it. For instance, a private collector who is commissioning a special portrait might prefer to have their flaws 'removed', rather than imprinted in pigment for posterity.

A great example of an artist who is not afraid to paint people with less-than-perfect bodies is Jenny Saville, who paints huge portraits of overweight people from various angles. She handles the paint in such a way that her paintings look as hefty and weighty as the subjects she depicts.

Another artist who paints people as they are, pretty or not, is Lucien Freud. Says Freud, "I paint people not because of what they are like, not exactly in spite of what they are like, but how they happen to be". Not too long ago he landed himself in hot water amongst the British public for his painting of the Queen. Many people criticized Freud for painting an "ugly" portrait of the Queen, rather than a flattering one. Perhaps they didn't realize that Freud paints everyone, even himself, in this same honest but unforgiving manner. It is true that historically, portraits of monarchs and royalty were always painted in reverential, elevated tones. But in these modern times, we see leaders and figureheads as humans instead of gods. As such, Freud's painting depicts the Queen as human, as opposed to divine. Additionally, there is one further point as to why Freud was about to "get away" with painting the portrait in this manner: this particular portrait was not commissioned or paid for by the Queen, so as the artist, Lucien Freud held the power and freedom to execute the painting as he wished.