This original artwork depicts a walk between Bort and Grindelwald in Switzerland on a beautiful spring day. Along the route, a colourful flower-filled meadow opened out towards the imposing Eiger, creating a scene where the colours seemed to sing with every hue.

The path winds down through a traditional Swiss landscape of chalet huts, tall pine trees and picket fences, surrounded by an arena of snow-capped mountains. It was one of those views that seems to feed the soul — a peaceful combination of alpine scenery, spring colour and dramatic mountain peaks.

Switzerland can sometimes appear almost too perfect when represented in art, with its landscapes easily slipping into the familiar territory of a chocolate-box image. I was keen to avoid that feeling here and instead capture the natural character of the scene as I remembered it: the abundance of wildflowers, the warmth of the spring light and the imposing presence of the mountains beyond.

I did, however, have to resist one very Swiss temptation — adding a cow grazing in the centre of the meadow!

• Subject: Eiger, Grindelwald, Switzerland

• Medium: Pen and monochrome colour pencil

• Paper: Acid-free cartridge paper

• Image size: 59 × 41 cm

• Framed: No

• Original: Yes

• Certificate of Authentication: Yes

• Artist: Graham McKenzie-Smith