Maria Checa is a work of art. Petite and natural, with thick, dark hair and dark brown eyes, Vélasquez himself couldn’t have painted a prettier picture than Maria herself. “My future is a blank canvas just waiting to be painted,” she says, with a trace of a Colombian accent. “I’m going to make the most of this while it lasts!” Born in Bogotá, Maria was raised in Miami, where she studied photography at the New World School of the Arts. These days, she supports herself as a makeup artist in Miami. “I’m quite shy, so I express myself through my artwork,” she explains. “I want to have a successful career!” With Playboy, Maria wasn’t just a success, but a smash hit – as our Miss August 1994, she turned heads and won hearts the world over, but especially in her native Colombia. “I was one of the hottest stories of the summer, in addition to World Cup soccer,” says Maria proudly. “Paparazzi followed me everywhere!” When not in front of the camera, Maria practices her art – and whether it be photography, drawing, painting or sculpture, Miss Checa always gives it her all. She’s single, but has her heart set on the right guy – someone passionate, with strong family values, who can put up with her fiery Latin temper. “Sometimes my job takes precedence over my artwork,” she admits. “Being petite – 5’2” – can be a definite disadvantage when you’re a model. I wear size one dresses and my feet are tiny. But haven’t you heard? Good things come in small packages.” Or blank canvases, as the case may be. One thing is for sure: Maria Checa is a welcome splash of color.