Hi all,

Above is my newest painting and my very first “commission” – or sort of, anyway. I was contacted a few weeks back by a fellow member of an English language forum here in Switzerland where I also post my paintings. She asked if I had any paintings from the Jungfrau region for sale. I was elated to have this vote of confidence from somebody who was neither friend nor family, but sadly had nothing to offer up. Nor do I quite feel comfortable yet selling my paintings. I still feel very much the amateur and take a lot of joy simply from painting and learning. Then there is the stress of needing to produce something which somebody feels is worth their hard-earned money… Instead, I offered to do up a small canvas for her, gratis, if she would provide a favourite photo. Luckily, the photos she provided were outstanding and it was a real pleasure to paint the above scene of the Eiger Glacier with Mönch in the background.

I am not entirely sure how I feel about the finished product. I tried hard, and don’t mind looking at it (from a distance) – but that is my own wonky taste. It is certainly not what one would call colourful. But I think it emotes a bit of the power of a glacial landscape. Will the new owner like it? I will never really know. She seems a very gracious person and I am sure would only ever say nice things. Perhaps with a nice frame, tucked into a cozy corner, it would be quite a nice reminder of a place the family loves? Anyhow, I am grateful for the fun experience and that I am finished so it may get to its new owner before Christmas.

Thanks for looking,

HD