Inverness 1844

William Leighton Leitch made this drawing of Inverness using graphite on paper. The initial impression is one of gentle undulation as the landscape unfolds in soft, grey tones. The composition guides our eye along the winding road, and the buildings are nestled into the hillside. Leitch’s use of line is particularly striking. Notice how he employs delicate, almost hesitant strokes to define the forms. The lines coalesce to create a sense of depth. Patches of denser shading add volume to the trees, giving a sense of organic growth. The sparse detail encourages the viewer to engage actively, to complete the image with their own imagination. The subdued palette and delicate linework contribute to the drawing's contemplative mood. The drawing is not just a depiction of a place but an invitation to reflect on our relationship with the natural world.