2009 First 'demo'

I have always admired teaching artists who can demonstrate their work by painting from a live model and completing a work in one session.  And those who can avoid going into the 'painting zone' and actually talk while painting are exceptional.  As I sit and watch the work progress I want to ask questions and make comments on the work in progress, but I respect the teacher and do my best to hold my questions until later.
Earlier this year I missed a few classes and arrived at the last of 3 posing sessions by Barbara (shown).  So I was challenged to do my own 'demo' - that is I only had this one 3 hr session to complete the work.  I usually use a photo reference as a studio follow-up to a live session, but I did not bring my camera this time.  I am pleased with the resulting work and now wonder if this 'success' was a fluke.  I look forward to another opportunity and inspiration to try again.  This work is 16x20, oil on canvas paper.