Michele, it may also have been inspired by Boldini, another popular "society" painter (who, unlike Sargent, has become quite obscure). Here's a Boldini example of a woman who seems to have had some fun in life. See that body language? "Come over here and sit next to me for a second... ."

What fun you'll have, Mary! (Makes me want to go paint myself in some flamboyant garb and dramatic lighting. Yeah, right, I'll get around to doing that in my so called "spare time".) Show us the result when you get it finished!

That picture is also a good example of the kind of frontal lighting I was referring to. There is just enough shadow to define the nose and the side of the face without giving undue attention to those nasty little reminders that we aren't 16 any more!

Unfortunately the short visit did not allow for time to take pictures. However, she is very excited about having it done and has strong opinions about how she would like to be portrayed. She really likes this one by SOG artist Loreen Adams http://www.portraitartist.com/adams/joann.jpg
So, hopefully we can get together in the not too distant future and get this going.