Point Dume has always felt personal to me. I was there, standing on that sand, looking up at the rock face glowing in the late afternoon light. It is one of my favorite spots in California — not just for the beauty of the ocean and the golden cliffs, but for the people who come to test themselves against that climb.

I wanted to paint this place because I love watching people celebrate their bravery. There is something powerful about seeing someone begin the ascent, small against the vast stone, unsure but determined. From the beach, you can feel their courage building with every step upward. When they reach the top, it is not just about the view — it is about the quiet triumph they carry back down.

This painting holds that feeling for me: the warmth of the sun on the cliff, the calm rhythm of the waves, and the simple, human act of daring to climb.