From the Sketchbook

Here's my New Years post. This sketch isn't necessarily one of my best, but it is one that is succesful in conveying an emotion of particular moment.  Last September Helen was placed on strict bedrest due to some pregnancy complications.  It was a trying time for our family. We had just moved to D.C. from Baltimore where Helen began a new job, but with the pregnancy complication had to be on bedrest.  Her income ceased and what disability payments she did receive paid for our health insurance.  We had to take our house in Baltimore off the challenging real estate market while living with Helen's parents.  The constant uncertainity of the health of the baby weighed on our minds.    Fortunately we were able to welcome a healthy son into the world on New Years Eve day.  

What I like about this drawing is that it reveals a sense of struggle and despair Helen felt being on that couch.  She lost her independence and was dependent on others.  She could only get up to go to the bathroom.  The drawing doesn't sugar coat the feeling of discouragement.