Resting on the Couch

My sister was resting in the cool of our seaside rental after sightseeing in Mazatlan all morning. I was glad she was holding still because that meant that once again I had a terrific model to sketch. Her body language was an interesting combination of tired alertness. She was propped up by the arm of the couch with her legs clearly enjoying the opportunity to recline, but her intense focus on her hands showed a mind that was not yet ready to give into a nap. I sketched across both sides of the sketchbook to emphasize her horizontal state.

This is a pastel and gouache sketch on black Bristol paper.