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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!


For this year's Back Bay Plein Air Festival

July 13-21, 2024

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Registration opens April 1st!

 

The SOCALPAPA, Newport Bay Conservancy and OC Parks 

annual Back Bay Plein Air Festival is back again this July 13th - 21st.

Events will include: 

 

July 13-19 : SOCALPAPA Artists Juried Show

 

July 13:  Quick Draw Competition, Open to the Public & SOCALPAPA artists

 

July 16-19: A week of Art Classes for Children & Adults

 

July 19: Artists' Reception & Awards

 

and

 

July 20 & 21: Weekend Show & Sale

 

Last year, over 1,200 people visited the Festival and participation in events was high. Over 40 paintings were sold, and over $2,000 in cash and prizes were awarded. This year, the Quick Draw will be held at Big Canyon & the Muth Center, and we have other amazing things planned - we expect another successful festival! We hope you will join us for some or all of the events! 

 

Register here for the Back Bay Show



Calling all volunteers!

SOCALPAPA needs your help for future events. 

Needed now: 

 

The Back Bay committee is the most urgent right now, as the planning meetings with the various parties involved start are well along the way. But committee chair Ellen Emmer along with 2023 co-chairs Randy Moran and Anne Kupillas still need help, especially as the event will be here before we know it.

 

Volunteering is a great way to help make the club events a success and to support your fellow club members, while having fun doing so.If you're interested in volunteering, or learning more about the commitments involved in the specific roles, or are curious about other opportunities to get involved, please contact Denise Bradley here:

 

I want to help!


Hortense Miller Garden Shows

The Hortense Miller Garden in Laguna Beach has invited SOCALPAPA to paint with them again and to show paintings in the Aviary Gallery, part of the historic Mid-Century Modern home built by the Millers in the 1950s.

 

This is a non-juried show for SOCALPAPA members only!

All works must be of the HM Garden property or of views from the property; 

plein air or studio. This show will be limited to one painting per artist.

 

There are a limited number of spaces available to us to paint the beautiful gardens in Laguna Beach ahead of this showcase. 

Click here for more information

 

Schedule of Paint Out Dates:

 

Thursday, April 25 - 9am - noon

Thursday, May 2 from 9am - noon

Thursday, May 9

Saturday, May 18

Thursday, June 6

Saturday, June 8

Thursday, June 20


 

Contact Diane Lannon at diane.lannon@gmail.com to reserve a spot. 

 

 

Link here for more information on the beautiful gardens: 

 

https://www.hortensemillergarden.org



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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!




4790 Irvine Blvd Suite 105-371
Irvine, CA 92620
United States of America