It is appropriate to present this painting first because, "the only inland lighthouse in the State of Florida," is an icon for the City of Mount Dora. Renderings of the light are ubiquitous, It appears on everything from the City seal and logos to tee shirts, signs and every type of souvenir imaginable.

However, a representational painting or decent photo of the light is difficult because of the uninspired, mundane ambience in which it exists.

Although presented first, the painting was not the first of the Mount Dora paintings. It came into being only after numerous unsuccessful attempts. An acceptable rendering did not occur until the Artist was able to capture the early morning light and use a bit of artistic license to create the foreground.

The painting has never been entered in competition but it got caught up in the iconism, appearing on tee shirts, mugs, earrings, fine art prints, post cards and even a U. S. Postal Service cachet (see below).