One of my favorite things to do when I return to the San Francisco Bay Area is to head to the Marin Headlands for breathtaking views of the Golden Gate Bridge. It only makes sense; it was something that I loved doing when I was living in the area long ago. The bridge in its splendor. The immense body of water. The wide panorama of San Francisco. The high hills of the Headlands. It all offered a feast for the eyes and moments of serenity, far away from the traffic and hustle and bustle in the city.
As I was in the area earlier this month, I looked forward to keeping this tradition. This pilgrimage was going to be a bit different though this time. I wanted to reproduce the view on paper for the first time ever, so I brought along my pens and sketchbook.
I managed to make not one but two sketches, each from viewpoints only half a mile apart along Conzelman Road in Marin County. The first was from the Golden Gate Observation Deck, the second from the Golden Gate View Point. Part of the joy of the experience was sending my sketcher friend Anne just a photo of my first sketch with the view of the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, on WhatsApp. She was not expecting it ; she must have assumed that I was in Paris as usual! But no, I was far, far away.
Before leaving, I discovered and scouted a third viewpoint, also on Conzelman Road but even closer to the famous bridge: Battery Spencer.
I can't wait to go back!
