Mt Shasta Alchemy | 36 x 24 inches | Water soluble wax paint & 24k gold leaf on wood panel | $2600 available for purchase
Mt Shasta Alchemy – at Panther Meadows
36 x 24 inches
Water soluble wax paint and 24k gold on wood panel
Available for purchase
“Mt Shasta Alchemy – at Panther Meadows” is the first painting in the Faces of the Mountain series, capturing the transformative essence of Mt. Shasta’s iconic Panther Meadows. This serene landscape is steeped in natural beauty, geological significance, and spiritual depth. The painting incorporates 24-karat gold at the base, symbolizing the mountain’s volcanic origins, energetic anchoring, and the solar golden connection I feel radiating from this sacred site.
PAINTING PROCESS
To create this painting, I used several reference photos that I took in the autumn, so the meadow had these golden, earthy fall colors. In the meadow’s springtime (between early July and late August), it bursts with wildflowers and lush green plants, so the autumn mood of the meadows is quite different, and a bit more internalized.
The day that I was there photographing and hiking, the sky was this incredible, unending blue. It’s the kind of impossibly blue sky I only see in remote areas, and it is so uplifting! I tried to capture this sky with several layers of glazing to reach the depth and infinity of its color.
Landscape painting is new to me, and capturing the effects of erosion in the volcanic landscape is an ongoing learning process. The mountain has great fields of boulders and loose material, while harder stone projects out of it in fantastic shapes, sculpted by time and the elements.
Some of the landmarks visible in this painting are: Green Butte, Thumb Rock, Shastarama Point, and Sargent’s Ridge. The actual peak of the mountain is barely visible at the top two-thirds of the mountain, covered in snow.
ELEVATION AND GEOGRAPHY
Panther Meadows is located on the southern slope of Mt. Shasta at an elevation of approximately 7,500 feet. This high-altitude alpine meadow is one of the most revered and ecologically unique areas on the mountain. It offers panoramic views of the mountain’s summit and surrounding landscapes, creating a profound sense of connection to both earth and sky.
NATIVE FLORA
The meadow bursts with life, showcasing a delicate balance of native plants and wildflowers that thrive in its alpine environment. Key species include:
- Lupine (Lupinus spp.): Vibrant purple-blue flowers that create a striking contrast against the lush green backdrop.
- Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja spp.): Fiery red-orange blooms that add dramatic color to the meadow.
- Alpine Shooting Star (Dodecatheon alpinum): A whimsical, delicate wildflower found in wetter areas of the meadow.
- Sedge Grasses (Carex spp.): Hardy plants that help stabilize the fragile soil.
- Jeffrey Pine (Pinus jeffreyi): Scattered around the meadow’s edge, these pines add to the area’s tranquil charm.
The meadow’s ecosystem relies on the delicate interplay of volcanic soil, snowmelt, and underground springs, creating a lush yet fragile habitat.
CULTURAL AND SPIRITUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Panther Meadows holds profound spiritual importance for the Winnemem Wintu Tribe, who consider it a sacred place. According to their traditions, the meadow is a site of healing and connection with the Creator. Ceremonies and offerings are made here to honor the mountain’s spirit and ensure the balance of life.
The area is also woven into New Age lore, with many visitors drawn to its reputed energetic vortex and healing properties. This convergence of cultural reverence and spiritual exploration amplifies Panther Meadows’ reputation as a place of transformation and renewal.
HIKING TRAILS AND ECOLOGICAL INSIGHTS
Panther Meadows is accessible via a short but rewarding hiking trail:
– Panther Meadows Trailhead: Starting at the Panther Meadows Campground, this loop trail is approximately 1.5 miles round trip. It’s considered easy to moderate and offers stunning views of the meadow, its wildflowers, and the surrounding alpine terrain.
– Connecting Trails: For more adventurous hikers, Panther Meadows serves as a gateway to higher elevations, including the Gray Butte Trail and routes leading toward the Summit Plateau.
To see an excellent article on Panther Meadow’s hikes click here.
From an ecological perspective, the meadow is a sensitive habitat requiring careful preservation. Visitors are encouraged to stay on designated paths to protect the fragile plant life and prevent soil erosion. The area’s springs and waterways are vital to sustaining its biodiversity and should be treated with care.
“Mt Shasta Alchemy at Panther Meadows” celebrates the interplay of natural beauty and sacred energy, creating a painting that captures both the physical and spiritual essence of this extraordinary location.
Want to purchase the original painting? Drop me a line by emailing info@yohannajessup.com. Please include your name, address and title of the painting. I’ll be in touch within 48 hours to coordinate packing, shipping and transportation of your new artwork.
©YohannaJessup2023