Barbara Mae,
I believe you had a definite challenge with this using the one and only reference photo. To make it "painterly" could pretty much be impossible. However, you pulled it off BEAUTIFULLY!
You made a staged, corny, otherwise "boring" studio photo.... look great. In fact, I think your interpretation of their personalities look more interesting than what was staged in the photo reference. I also admire how you've totally invigorated the colors and gave this picture real life.
Geary