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.

Kennedy Contemporary Gallery in Newport Beach, CA is proud to present this unique “paint-and-exhibit” opportunity for SOCALPAPA MEMBERS.

New Impressions of Orange County gives artists 9 days to create and submit work in any media and style that highlights the beauty of Orange County’s LAND, SEA, or URBAN spaces. Not restricted to plein air, all artworks must be completed between May 10 and 18. From submitted work, a juried selection of approximately 30 paintings will be exhibited at Kennedy Contemporary.

Click here for more information

This summer is just around the corner!

And with it comes the

2025 Back Bay Plein Air Festival

July 12-20, 2025

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SO GET READY!

This is our annual and always popular Back Bay Art Show and Festival

Registration opens April 1, 2025 for the Juried Show / Weekend Show & Sale.

Be sure to put these dates on your calendar:

April 1 - May 31: Enter the Back Bay Show and the Juried Show.

July 11: Drop off paintings for Juried Show

July 12: 1) Quick Draw at Muth Interpretive Center; 2) Juried Show BEGINS.

July 18: Juried Show CLOSES with the Reception at Muth.

July 19 - 20: Art Display Show & Sale on the deck of Muth Interpretive Center.

For detailed information and to register go to the show page

2025 Back Bay Festival

Registration for the Quickdraw is now open. For more information go to the backpay show page using the link above.

You can go directly to registration here Register Here for the Quickdraw

Paint the Gardens at “Open Garden Day” Garden Tour

Share the joy of painting en plein air during the annual “Open Garden Day” in Santa Ana

SOCALPAPA artists are invited to join the fun at the annual Open Garden Day garden tour and festival in the picturesque neighborhoods of West Floral and Fisher Parks (Santa Ana) on May 10, 2025.

Registration is now closed. Come and support your fellow artists on May 10th!

Click here for more information

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.

We Need Your Help!

Calling Volunteers for Earth Day!

Face painters needed for 1/2 hour shifts at the Muth on Saturday, April 26th. Please contact Randi
Moran for more information. Randi.Moran1@gmail.com

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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!