American Beauty by Theresa Oats

Lauria posed a couple of days a week over a period of weeks. She has her own business,

is computer savvy and like Annie, impeccably reliable. The last 2 days of her sitting,

the weather was cold, wet and windy. While painting her on a friend's patio I offered her the

option of putting on a coat. She continued posing as the coat merely covered the bottom of

her arms insisting "the cold isn't too bad". Considering I was pretty miserable myself

while dressed in multiple layers,

I am still in awe of her rugged commitment.

What I like best about this portrait is not only does it show Lauria's physical beauty, but

her sensitivity and intelligence as well.