Blog

I no longer make New Year’s resolutions.  They always had something to do with losing weight and exercising more.  More often than not, my resolutions fell beside the wayside and were forgotten.  But I do like the feeling in January of a fresh start, when a brand new year is just beginning.  So even though I don’t make resolutions any more, I do make a short list of goals or intentions that I hope to meet in the coming year.  This year, one of those goals is to climb a mountain – specifically Iron Mountain, here in the eastern part of San Diego County.

 

Iron Mountain is the largest of a group of small mountains just to the east of my house.  The window from my studio looks out onto these mountains and the hills in the foreground. On sunny mornings, the hills are bathed in golden light, with long, purple shadows cast by coastal sage and chaparral.  In the evenings, the sunsets to the west reflect orangey-pink light onto the hillsides and any clouds overhead.  On foggy days, Iron Mountain disappears in the mist, leaving the closer hills in a soft blue-gray haze.  And if I am up early enough and the conditions are just right, I am treated to a beautiful sunrise over the mountaintops - very inspiring! 

 

Two of my paintings have been inspired by these awesome sunrises.  Both were purchased by local buyers who were familiar with Iron Mountain and had hiked its trails.  I sold “Daybreak, Iron Mountain” to a woman who told me she had enjoyed hiking on the mountain when she was younger and more able.  She was drawn to the painting because of fond memories of times spent in the area. 

 

The Iron Mountain Trail is probably the most popular hiking trail in San Diego County.  People from all over fill up the small trail head parking lot on weekends to climb the trail to the peak, which provides a stunning 360 degree view of the eastern San Diego County countryside.  There are huge weathered boulders, interesting plant life, and on clear days, even ocean views – at least, that is what I have heard.

 

I’ve admired my view of Iron Mountain out my back window for many years now.  I’ve painted it three times, and I’m sure I will paint it again.  So I’ve decided 2020 is the year to meet my goal of climbing to the top and seeing Iron Mountain from a different vantage point.  At least, that is my intention.  And if I don’t make it - well, there is always 2021!