Switzerland Sketchbook

Farmhouse in Riom, Canton Graubunden The Swiss tradition of combining houses with barns makes up a large percentage of the homes in this far Eastern corner of Switzerland. Usually the barn is underneath or extends from the end of the house. In this pen sketch the barn is beneath the house as well as on one end. The old rocks exposed in the wall and the placement of the Ram skull above the door caught my eye. The hanging of skulls is also a popular form of house-barn decoration. Medium: Stiff Pen Sketch

Above Säntisersee view towards Säntis This fast watercolor and pen sketch captured in it's execution the quick and fleeting atmosphere of the fast changing weather scape of light and shadow in play over the bone like eternal peaks of the Säntis chain. Behind me cows peacefully grazed, focused singularly on perfecting their prize milk. Medium: Pen and watercolor wash

Ebenalp Gasthouse Äscher High above Appenzeller on a small ledge is the 'nothing short of amazing' guest house and restaurant, Äscher. So many things I loved about this place, the spectacular setting, the great food, the rustic old building. All of which I wanted to bring to my painting. I love the different colors in the rock, yes they are these colors, and the different reflections in the windows, three were bright from reflecting the sky, the rest dark at once both inviting foreboding, much the feeling you get from the place, perched a thousand feet above the closest 'flat' ground. Medium: Watercolor with ink accents

Appenzeller Farm house I completed this watercolor in 2003, I loved the way the house jumped forward as the trees behind fell into a passing clouds shadow. The warmth of summer day can almost be felt form the warm glow in the shadows of the house, I still remember the scent of the fresh cut grass. Medium - watercolor and guasch body color

Regional area of Appenzell  Land of the Säntis This beautiful North Eastern corner of Switzerland is rich in tradition, scenery, and cheese! That's right the famous Appenzeller cheese is made from the high alp milk of the region, if you like cheese, you will love this one.  The fantastic forealp 'Berg' can be seen from all parts of Appenzellerland , it casts its magical shadow on glades and forests which seem to remain  frozen in a time long since distant. Spending a day beneath the spell bounding spires of the Säntis leaves one with a long lasting impression of majestic its beauty. Medium: Stiff Pen