"Nurse Station"

Artist: Gretchen Kirstel               Medium: ink and acrylic                Size:  12" X 16"                Date:  2008

The ink drawing for this painting was done in the hospital during the artist's husband's heart surgery operation.  She often found drawing a way to calm herself during stressful moments, and to express her feelings in the moment.  The acrylic was added  latter in Gretchen's studio.  The eerie mood is intensified with shadows that resemble ghosts, floating beds, walls that seem to close in on the scene and tilting chairs. There is much to read into this little drawing, and it is difficult to look away from the feeling of fear that is brought on by its clashing colors and pen strokes.  You want to take the exit, but there doesn't seem to be a door to exit by!

Scroll down to see a full view of "Nurse Station".