This original drawing is inspired by the distinctive character of Swiss mountain villages. I've always been fascinated by the steep inclines found in the Alps, where traditional chalets seem to sit at all sorts of different angles across the mountainside.
For me, these dramatic slopes create wonderfully unusual perspectives. Rooflines, balconies, paths and buildings appear to shift and overlap as the eye moves through the village, creating a much more interesting composition than a conventional flat street scene.
This drawing is not a depiction of one particular Alpine village. Instead, it brings together details and impressions gathered from numerous photographs I've taken during visits to the Swiss Alps over the years. The result is an imagined Alpine setting that captures the atmosphere and architectural character of the region rather than a specific location.
The detailed chalet architecture and steep mountain setting make this a celebration of the traditional Swiss Alpine landscape – and of the visual inspiration I've found there over many years.
 
Subject: Swiss Alpine Village
Medium: Monochrome oil-based colour pencils
Paper: Bristol 500 smooth paper
Image size: 59 × 42 cm
Framed: No
Original: Yes
Certificate of Authentication: Yes
Artist: Graham McKenzie-Smith