Altadena-based muralist and film editor Austin Scott is currently painting what will become the largest mural in Altadena, 700 square feet of art near the base of the Sam Merrill Trail.
Stretching 85 feet long and averaging 8 feet high, the hand-painted mural titled “From Rails to Trails: Echo Mountain” tells the tale of the mountain and the Mount Lowe Pacific Railway that years ago carried riders to its peak. The colorful, playful piece features illustrated animals, hidden details and local landmarks such as Cobb Estate, the ruins of Echo Mountain Resort and Ye Alpine Tavern.
Altadena home builder and resident Waleed Delawari commissioned the mural, which is being painted on the back of his family’s rebuilt home facing the Altadena Crest Trail, making it visible to hikers and the public. The Delawari family’s previous home was lost in the Eaton Fire, and the mural is intended as a gift to the community as rebuilding continues.
Scott spent six days drawing the massive design onto the wall before beginning the painting process, which is now underway with the help of community volunteers including realtor Teresa Fuller. Once completed, the mural will remain permanently viewable, inviting hikers and locals to experience a visual journey through the area’s past while celebrating the community’s resilience and renewal.
This mural follows the success of Scott’s previous work in the community. He became well-known in the area last year after creating an artwork called “Altadena Forever” which celebrated the many businesses lost to the Eaton Fire. Since then he has painted three public murals in Altadena and has several others in the works.