Painted in 2002 at 40 by 48 inches. Many people have remarked, looking at this painting, "Wow, that older girl really hated you!" But actually she was quite fond of me. It's the younger sister who hated me. She had been having a rough day and didn't want even to begin getting to know me. So, her grandmother Nancy had to entertain her while I snapped photos from a good distance. If I approached within ten feet she started crying.
But the older sister was immensely pleasant and responsive. I would ask her to pose any which way, and she would always calmly accomodate me. She is, however, an extremely serious young girl. Her gaze is not so much angry as just direct and sober. Though an early portrait of mine, it is still (perhaps just because it's been one of few opportunities to paint rather large) one of my favorites.
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