Ocean Views
The Laguna Plein Air Painters Association goes shoreside for its 21st annual invitational.
Just over a century ago, in 1918, the Laguna Beach Art Association was established as was Laguna Beach’s first art gallery—opened by artists such as Edgar Payne, William Wendt, Frank Cuprien and Anna Hills. Honoring their legacy is the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association’s Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational, which returns for its 21st anniversary this October.
With events and exhibitions taking place all around town, the nine-day event offers a unique opportunity for artists and art lovers alike to soak up some inspiration while also enjoying the salty ocean air.
Participating artists include Kathie Odom, Michele Usibelli, Calvin Liang, Bill Davidson, Ebrahim Amin, Aimee Erickson, Carole Gray-Weihman, Jim McVicker and more.
Among the works that will be exhibited at the event is Odom’s Borrowed Time. The plein air enthusiast painted the work while attending the Oil Painters of America’s annual convention in Utah this past May. “On my free day I made plans to paint a full day in Zion National Park,” she says. “Before arriving, this scene caught my eye, but I kept driving toward the park anyway. But on my return to Saint George, I saw it again and [had to] paint it!”
In addition to special exhibitions throughout the duration of the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational, several other festivities will take place. Kicking off the celebrations is the Warm-Up Paint Out & Mini Workshops at Treasure Island Park on October 5 from 2 to 5 p.m. The next day is packed with activities, including the Quick Draw Paint Out from 2 to 4 p.m., a Meet & Greet Artist Reception from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m., and the Quick Draw Painting Auction from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Laguna Festival of Arts pavilion. Starting October 7, and continuing throughout the week, 30 artists will paint Laguna Beach and surrounding areas. Concluding the week is the Collectors’ Gala & Art Show Premiere on October 12 from 7 to 10:30 p.m. and the Public Art Show & Sale on October 13 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.