En Plein Air: Maryam (Oil, 9 x 12)

I had hurt my back recently, so I didn't want to go too far to paint. Pulling my kit, I walked along Markwood St. in Forest Gardens, looking for something to paint. There was a sizable clearing in the woods, which I liked very much. It was a dip from the surrounding area. With thick foliage of big trees around, it was a pretty cool shaded area. From a distance, I saw a young lady sitting crisscross on the grass working on her laptop. She formed a perfect picture. Therefore, I walked over and asked whether she would stay there for some time and if I could paint her. She accepted with a smile, saying she would be there for a while. Her name is Maryam and she is a New York high school teacher. Maryam is a great model.

Maryam later sent me the story she was writing as I was painting her. It is a touch story and, in fact, a story within story as far as my painting is concerned. Here is her story:

https://motherteachbake.wordpress.com/2015/08/02/in-the-eye-of-the-beholder/