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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.

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

Call for Artists

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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. 

March 4 - May 2:  Registration (Opens 3/4 and Closes 5/2)
May 10:                    Blank canvases stamped 

May 10-17/18:          Artists paint 

May 18:                    One (1) painting submitted at Kennedy Contemporary

May 19:                    Jury selects paintings 

May 20-June 6:     Exhibition at Kennedy Contemporary 

The Juried Show: Selected paintings will run for three weeks from May 20 to June 6, 2025 at Kennedy Contemporary, Newport Beach. Gallery owner Victoria Kennedy will hold a reception for collectors on Friday afternoon, May 23 followed by a public reception that evening. The work will remain on exhibit until June 6, 2025. 

To learn more ---> see Kennedy Contemporary - Prospectus

For Non-Members >> click below to
Become a SOCALPAPA  Member

Active Members  >> first you must LOG IN to website
then >>   SUBMIT  H E R E

 

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. 

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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

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"OMNIVISION: Art Across Boundaries"

- 60 Artists and Over 175 Paintings -

Please plan to attend our Public Awards RECEPTION

Congratulations to our Winners

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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.
 
Cambria Beach

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! - - -



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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  Randi Moran for more information. 
Randi.Moran1@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

Members please login to access member only content. If you do not see your name in the upper right corner of the page you are not logged in.

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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!



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