Dedicated to promoting the traditions of plein-air painting and fostering artistic growth.

For over 20 years, SOCALPAPA has inspired new and experienced artists to share knowledge and develop their work in a friendly and supportive environment, and encouraged respect for the environment in which we paint and thrive.

“Save The Dates”

October 2-6, 2025

Mammoth Lakes Fall Color Paint Away Weekend

With SOCALPAPA

Join us for three full days of painting the spectacular fall colors and beautiful scenery of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains around Mammoth Lakes, Convict Lake, and Lake Crowley, CA.

October 2 and 6 are travel days. October 3-5 are full painting days.
Plan ahead and make your reservations early. There is no charge, and non-members are also welcome!
All food, lodging, transportation, welfare, and safety is the responsibility of each individual. You are participating at your own risk.
Estimated Distance, 350 Miles, Driving time 6 Hours. RSVP required, for communication purposes.

Click here for more details and an outline of the trip.

For additional Information about the trip, contact:

Al Carlson 562-884-7416

alcarlsonartwork@aol.com

Mammoth Lakes Registration

2025 Another Successful Back Bay Festival!

Congratulations to all the winning artists

at this year's "Best of OC Parks Juried Show"

1st Place

Karen Wadsworth, Beautiful Big Bend

2nd Place

Andrew Cortez, Safe Haven

3rd Place

Anne Kupillas, Misty Morning at Upper Back Bay

Honorable Mention

Melissa Annis, Back Bay Newport Beach Cliffs

Winner's Circle

Kevin Davidson, Horse Trail by the Bridge

Best Figure in a Landscape / Person/Animal/Bird

Sung Su, Painting on a Foggy Day

Best Nocturne/Twilight

Steve Kell, Early Moon

Best Sunrise/ Sunset

Helle Urban, Twilight Glow Over Back Bay

Watercolor West Award

Fletcher Dice, Back Bay Misty Morning

Teri Ludwig Award

Judith Nentwig, Caspers Wilderness

Randy Higbee Gallery Awards

Andrew Cortez, Safe Haven

Nick Martello, Back Bay Magic Hour

Diane Snyder, Serenity

OC Parks Award

Mary Christie, Headlands

Robinson Award

Helle Urban, Twilight Glow Over Back Bay

Many thanks to everyone involved in the 2025 Back Bay Plein Air Festival

It was a total success and seems to have been fun for everyone. Over 1,600 people attended the Weekend Show and Sale, and artists sold 114 paintings in total. 35% of the proceeds went to supporting the Back Bay.

So many people worked on it, SOCALPAPA, OC Parks, Newport Bay Conservancy, all of our sponsors,

and - most of all - every single artist who showed their work.

What a delightful week it was!

THANK YOU!

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!

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SOCALPAPA is a 501c3 nonprofit corporation registered in the state of California.

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