We were invited to an eightieth birthday party of a friend. It was held at a Santa Barbara location with a large outdoor patio. Most of the people at the party we did not know. As we were circulating and talking with the many guests, across the area we saw this woman with a bright colored dress and a wonderful hat. Immediately, I thought what a delight it would be to paint her portrait. My wife approached her, and she agreed at once. She stood in the sunshine posing for a series of photographs from which this painting was developed.