I have known Liza since she was a teenager – inquisitive, talkative, and in the habit of speaking her mind. She was full of energy and ideas, and with that energy she often bounced from topic to topic in a conversation and from place to place within a room.

Once, I did a charcoal sketch of the teenage Liza and wanted also to paint her portrait. She was, however, was too full of adolescent energy to model for a painting in oil.

Liza has become a young woman – extremely intelligent, strong, and well-grounded; quite serious when circumstances warrant; yet still full of enthusiasm and love of life. She has also become an excellent model. Her depth of character influences her poses, and from her poses
I always find interesting, exciting, and unusual takes on life.

This portrait shows Liza in a contemplative mood, perhaps in a serious conversation about a serious subject. At any moment, however, she may change the mood entirely – relieving tension by finding humor, laughing whole-heartedly, and perhaps even giving a wink.