The Aschbacher Children

IMG_4592, originally uploaded by aunt.meeb.

My amazing co-teacher, Resa, has a gift for capturing children on film. Not only that, but she has been patient with me as I've navigated the new waters of early childhood education. In thanks, I wanted to merge our talents into paintings of her four children from photos she had taken. She provided me with some wonderful, informal shots from a summer years ago when her children all received a small amount of Skittles as a special treat. I sketched out the composition for her, and we talked about color one afternoon.

My intention was for these four canvases to be able to be displayed as a square grouping, or as a long line of four. I was pleased with how they turned out, but a few adjustments still need to be made. 

See below for some close-ups.
Dean:

Greta:

Sadie:

Andrew:

I'd love to know what you think.

Work in Progress: MGK and SPK

IMG_4603, originally uploaded by aunt.meeb.

I love everything about this portrait. Stephanie (right) has come together easily. Margaret has been quite contrary, but she's coming around. There's still some work to be done, but it's getting close.

Here's a progression for you:

(This is quite the lazy underpainting, by the way.)

Thoughts? I really am anxious to hear what you think about this. I have a fear (irrational, I know, but real) that what I see varies greatly from what everyone else sees. Plus, I know these girls. I see their personalities because I know them. Do they shine through to you?

Here is a link to my post with the original photograph. It was taken very informally, as the girls were getting into their van after Margaret's preschool graduation ceremony. 

(Her dress, by the way, was worn by Stephanie in our wedding. It is probably the most awesome flower girl dress ever, and has been well-loved and well-worn.)