Portraiture is one of Coudray’s favorite genres to paint. Freely capturing facial expressions and embracing the human spirit are at the forefront of her creative process. Coudray engages in the way that children enjoy creative play, the way that a mother cuddles her babies, family bonding, reunion and friendship, pride of parenthood or accomplishment, tenderness, adoration— any genuine emotion expressed.  What generates the spark or twinkle in one’s eye? What is shown by the gesture of their face? These are questions that Coudray quietly asks herself as she strives to capture a moment. From her point of observation, she is a creative steward— her challenge, to capture the story within a human being and translate her impression on to each linen canvas in hope that future viewers of her work will experience their heart’s aroused.