Bringing artists together with a passion
for outdoor painting, for over 20 years!

Attention aspiring artists! Are you hesitant to join our plein air painting club because you lack experience? Fear not! Our group is all about learning and growing together. You don't need to be a seasoned painter to participate. Whether you're just starting out or have been dabbling in art for some time, our welcoming community fosters a supportive environment where members can share knowledge, techniques, and inspiration. Join us as we explore the beauty of outdoor painting and embark on a journey of artistic development together!

Save the date: Special Guest Artist Demo: Anthony Salvo

Plein Air Painting with Gouache

Feb 22, 2025 9:30 AM

Please join us for a plein air gouache demonstration by award-winning artist, Anthony Salvo on Saturday February 22, 9:30am at the Back Bay in Newport Beach.

Anthony Salvo is a Southern California artist who knew from early childhood that art was his vocation. With an impressive art background spanning many years, Anthony enjoys plein air landscape painting as well as studio painting.

He attended the Art Center College of Design where he graduated with honors, receiving a BFA in Graphic Design and Packaging. He is the CEO and owner of the Salvo Design Group, a boutique advertising and graphic design firm located in Newport Beach.

He is represented by DeBilzan Gallery in Laguna Beach and Studio 2817 in Newport Beach. He is a long-time invitee to the LPAPA Plein Air Invitational and has juried into the Festival of the Arts for the past 15 years.

RSVP HERE

2-Day PLEIN AIR Oil Painting Workshop
with JEFF HORN at the Newport Back Bay

SAT-SUN, MARCH 15-16, 2025

- WORKSHOP IS NOW FULL -

You may use the REGISTER button below to put your name on the Waitlist. If cancellations occur, we choose waitlist names in the order they were entered.

You'll paint and learn with Jeff at the beautiful Newport Back Bay.

Includes an in-depth presentation of principles and processes of painting outdoors, emphasizing design, composition and color. Jeff discusses problems and mistakes specific to plein air painting. Students receive individualized instruction tailored to advance their level of painting knowledge, and they have the opportunity to benefit from Jeff’s forty years of painting outdoors and teaching experience. Don't miss it!

(Limit of 15 Students)

COST: $250

BONUS: Students join Jeff at his home studio

on Sunday evening for a social gathering, wine & cheese,

and to view his private painting collection.

REGISTER

"OMNIVISION: Art Across Boundaries"

- 60 Artists and Over 175 Paintings -

Please plan to attend our Public Awards RECEPTION

Congratulations to our Winners

Scapes

First Place - Judith Nentwig, Big Bend Trail, oil

Second - Fletcher Dice, Casa Romantica, watercolor

Third Place - Mark Jacobucci, Desert Dawn, oil

Honorable Mention - Jim Ellsberry, White Cliffs of Newport Back Bay,Oil and Mixed Media

Portrait and Figurative

First Place - Karen Neal, No Necking, Oil on Linen

Second Place - Marie Stone, Besties, Oil

Third Place - Tashia Peterman, Flower Maiden, Mixed Media

Honorable Mention - Nadalena Radis-Cobbs, Butterfly Secrets, Mix Media

Floral and Still Life

First Place - Jeff Preston, Orange Waffle, Oil

Second Place - Roger Gordon, Red Tulips, Oil on Canvas

Third Place - Carol Peckham Taylor, Poppies Out My Window, Mixed Media on Watercolor Paper

Honorable Mention - Diane Ohnemus, It’s About the Apple, Oil

Abstract

First Place - Jim Ellsberry, Beneath the Surface, Mixed Media

Second Place - Ruth Lundring, Summer Memories, Oil

Third Place - Steve Sandborg, San Blas Colors 2, Oil on Canvas,

Honorable Mention - Ruth Landring, Winter Fun, Oil

The Old Orange County Courthouse is open 8:00 to 4:30 weekdays. Invite friends to see the show until March 13th. Plan to join SOCALPAPA for a Paint Out at the Courthouse in March.

Visit the show at the Old Orange County Courthouse
(No RSVP needed)

PARKING: There is metered parking behind the building where you dropped off work - see MAP. If it fills, there is additional parking across the street in Public Lot P4, as well as the parking structure mentioned in the invitation (<-- left side).

ENTRY TO SHOW: Please enter through the same back door as the art delivery and use of the elevator to FLOOR 3.
(The Courthouse is closed on Saturday, other than for our event, so the main entrance will be locked.)

Use this INVITATION to send to your contacts list and to publish on social media. Let's get the word out about the show opening to the public on Feb 3 - March 13, 8:30am - 4:30pm, Monday - Friday.

Save the dates Cambria Paint Away

April 7-11, 2025

Thank you once again for your interest in the Cambria trip. It has always been a fun location for us, staying and painting on California’s beautiful central coast.

Painting locations for the five days will include Ragged Point north of Cambria to Morro Bay in the south. Subjects include light houses, barns, farms, coastlines, boat docks, nocturnes, old buildings, wineries and plenty of green countryside. A side trip to view and paint the wildflowers near the town of Creston will also be an option.

Getting There

The drive is about 250 miles from LA and takes about 5 hours. Buy gas in San Luis Obispo or Morro Bay, it will be a lot cheaper. Transportation, food and lodging are the responsibility of each individual. Car-pooling and sharing rooms with a friend works well. You are traveling and participating at your own risk.

Weather can be anything from great to cold, windy, rainy, and foggy. Its “Plein air.” All restaurants are great, there are plenty to choose from. There are no franchise businesses in Cambria or Cayucos except the gas stations.

Remember to “Pack light.” You don't want to burden yourself with a lot of stuff.

Where to Stay

If you have not already done so, I would recommend googling “Where to stay in Cambria” to find accommodations, there are plenty of them and all are good.

The Cambria Pines Lodge has a buffet breakfast and good restaurant for dinner. Moonstone Beach is another popular place and downtown has a lot to choose from. Some people also camp at the San Simion State Campground. RV Parks are also in the area.

Reservations should be made early; you can always cancel later if you decide to change your mind. Cayucos also is close by and there are places to stay and eat as well.

Make your reservations early.

****Check the website for a detailed itinerary and more information after March 1

- - - We Need Your Help! - - -

For over a decade now The Back Bay Festival has been one of SOCALPAPA's premiere events! It's one of the most anticipated "art show and sales" opportunities in Southern California.

The organizing committee is planning the 2025 summer show right now and needs your help. We need TWO MORE volunteers to help with planning and organizing. This is a great way for you to support the club, and meet new artist members, and really contribute to this great SOCALPAPA event!

Please contact DENISE BRADLEY for more information.
deniseMbradley@gmail.com

Hortense Miller Garden, Laguna Beach, CA

The Hortense Miller Garden in Laguna Beach has invited SOCALPAPA members to paint at this beautiful garden location where - in the 1950's - Hortense and Oscar Miller built their Mid-Century Modern home among 2-1/2 acres on the upper slopes of Boat Canyon in Laguna Beach.

REGISTER to paint by emailing DIANE LANNON at diane.lannon@gmail.com

See the link below for more information on the beautiful gardens.

https://www.hortensemillergarden.org

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Paint Outs

Featured Artists

Muth Center

Discover the SOCALPAPA Meetup Group, your gateway to vibrant plein-air painting in Southern California. Join us for weekly paint outs, inspiring Zoom meetings, exhibitions, and community engagement. Let your artistic journey flourish with SOCALPAPA!

Join our Meetup!

Bringing artists together with a passion for outdoor painting, for over 20 years!