I saw this woman sitting opposite me in a subway train one day, where she was having a lively conversation with a male friend. I was struck with her large, comely appearance and also with her spirit. Summoning up my courage I approached her, and asked if she would be willing to model for me. Karyn has a music/performance background and was receptive to the idea. A year and a number of drawing/photo sessions later, I produced this oil of her, which I still consider to be one of my best pictures. It is fresh and insightful. Somehow my brush captured a certain vulnerability in this subject, which is not apparent in life.