Description
Four Peaks Amethyst, Datura on the A+ Road, AZ
20×16 Oil on canvas
True Blue Arizona, The Arizona Highways Magazine Collection
One of my first off-roading adventures in Arizona was in our Toyota pick-up truck on the the A+ Road (that’s what is was called back in the day) to the Four Peaks Wilderness in the Mazatzal Mountains. I was still green to Arizona, the ride was long and rocky, and when we reached the top I was surprised to be standing in a chilly pine forest. Four Peaks sits at an elevation of 7657 feet, and during a cold winter storm it will often be covered with snow that can be seen from all over the valley. I also learned that nestled between the third and fourth peaks is the country’s only commercially producing gemstone-quality amethyst mine.
Last spring, we headed up the mountain in True Blue. All along the route, the Daturas were blooming. We stopped many times along the creek beds so I could capture their large, white and purple-tinged blooms. As I studied the way the light bounced through the transparent flowers against the Arizona sky, I thought how interesting that this land produces purple-ish flowers above, and purple gems below. And that’s how this painting was inspired.
The Four Peaks Mining Company was kind enough to send me six crystals from the mine. They are special Arizona treasure for sure. Go see their beautiful jewelry at their store at 9500 E. Via De Ventura Blvd. I know what I’m getting for my birthday this year.
More information about Four Peaks Mining Co.
