Archived Past Award Winners Archives - Laguna Plein Air Painters Association

2025 Less is More Award Winners

February 22, 2025 by Toni Kellenberg

19th Annual "Less is More" LPAPA Art Show 2025

19th Annual “Less is More” Juried Art Show at the LPAPA Gallery
A celebration of small paintings with big impact created by LPAPA Members!

Visit Artsy Viewing Room

Show Overview & Timeline: (All times shown are Pacific Time)
Online Art Catalog Exhibition (Finalists & Top Semi-Finalists): June 30 – Aug 4, 2025
Online Preview Auction (Finalists & Top Semi-Finalists): 10AM Mon, Jun 30th to 8PM Thurs, July 3rd
LPAPA Gallery Show (Finalists): Thursday, July 3rd thru Monday, August 4th
Gallery Reception: Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, 6PM – 9PM (awards 7PM)**

Award Winners:

**Gallery awards presentation live-streamed on Facebook

The Online Preview Auction referenced above will open at 80% of the full retail price for the painting with $10 bid increments. The preview auction includes a “buy now” option at the full retail price. Unless other arrangements are made through LPAPA, paintings sold through the Auction and through the Gallery will be shipped or available for pick up after the gallery show ends. Paintings sold through the expanded online show of semi-finalist paintings will be shipped by the artist or delivered to the LPAPA Gallery for pick up.

Proceeds generated through the sale of artwork benefit the participating artists and helps sustain nonprofit Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA) art and education programs. LPAPA’s mission is dedicated to painting the landscape, preserving Laguna’s artistic legacy, and promoting the plein air painting tradition. LPAPA strives to enhance the livelihood of its artist members through education and opportunity, and inspire the next generation of plein air painters to continue the tradition!

Proudly presented at the LPAPA Gallery

414 N. Coast Highway, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Hours: 11AM to 5PM, Thursday through Monday, or by appointment
Hours extended to 9PM for First Thursdays Art Walk Receptions (6-9PM)
Phone (949) 376-3635 or Email Info@LPAPA.org

For information about becoming a LPAPA Member, click here: Join LPAPA

*Images above represent the 2024 award-winning paintings; click here for details
To view past show winners visit LPAPA’s Award Winners Archive Gallery
For inquiries, please contact LPAPA at 949-376-3635 or info@lpapa.org

Follow #LPAPA #SmallWorks #JuriedArtShow

2018: At the Bowers Museum

July 29, 2018 by Toni Kellenberg

Click here to view LPAPA’s event Photo Album on Facebook

LPAPA Signature Artists took over the Key Courtyard at the Bowers Museum on Sunday July 29th, 2018, to paint in plein air in support of Bowers Museum’s California Bounty: Image and Identity, 1850-1930 exhibit! Visitors were able to watch, learn and engage with artists all over the courtyard as they create plein air masterpieces in two hours! The paintings will be available for purchase with proceeds supporting the artists, the Bowers Museum and nonprofit LPAPA! This was a free outdoor public event enjoyed by all.

After the paint out, Mr. Jean Stern judged the framed paintings and awards were presented to Michael Obermeyer (1st Place), Greg LaRock (2nd Place), and Lisa McDill (3rd Place).

Participating LPAPA Signature Artists included: Rick J. Delanty, Mark Fehlman, Nita Harper, Jeff Horn, Greg LaRock, Calvin Liang, Lisa Mozzini-McDill, Michael Obermeyer, Anthony Salvo, Michael Situ, W. Jason Situ, and Durre Waseem.

After the paint out, we enjoyed a fabulous Art Talk in the beautiful Norma Kersha Auditorium titled From Past to Present: The History of Plein Air with Mr. Jean Stern. Mr. Stern is the Director of The University of California, Irvine Institute and Museum for California Art, and a leading expert in the California Impressionist period, he will discuss the history of plein air painting from past to present with references to specific pieces in the California Bounty: Image and Identity, 1850-1930 exhibit.

“Art & Nature” 2017 Awards

January 15, 2017 by Toni Kellenberg

LPAPA in Residence “Art & Nature” Juried Art Show
Exhibit Dates: October 30 – November 27, 2017; Opening Reception: November 11th, 5-8pm
Location: LPAPA in Residence at Forest & Ocean Gallery, 480 Ocean Ave, Laguna Beach
Gallery Hours: Tues – Fri & Sunday: 11am – 5pm | Saturday: 10am – 6pm | Closed Mondays

To view the expanded online gallery show, visit: DailyBrushwork.com

This show is presented in collaboration with the Laguna Art Museum’s “Art & Nature – Art Around Town”.

Award Winners:

Laguna Plein Air Signature Artist Larry Cannon "Big Sur Gateway" — 1st Place: “Big Sur Gateway” by LPAPA Signature Artist Member Larry Cannon (watercolor)

"Shore Break" by LPAPA Artist Jacquelyn Blue — 2nd Place: “Shore Break” by LPAPA Artist Member Jacquelyn Blue (pastel)

"Sticks & Stones" by LPAPA Artist Brandon Gonzales — 3rd Place: “Sticks & Stones” by LPAPA Artist Member Brandon Gonzales (oil)

Participating “LPAPA in Residence” Artists:

Jacquelyn Blue
Gobind Boyes
Larry Cannon
Monica Edwards
Brandon Gonzales
Susan Gordinier
Scott Hamill
Kraig Hogan
Ellen Howard

David Marty
Patricia Matranga
Patty McGeeney
Brad Neal
Deborah Newman
Bonnie Joy Sedlak
Christine Thomas
Sharon Weaver
Kathleen Williams

LPAPA presents juried art exhibitions at its “LPAPA in Residence” gallery home located at the Forest & Ocean Gallery in Laguna Beach. The gallery creates opportunities for our artist members from across the country to show their work in our thriving art colony and be part of the painting tradition that established Laguna Beach as an Art Colony over 100 years ago. It also provides LPAPA with the opportunity for our nonprofit art organization to connect with our community, supporters and art lovers.

Join the celebration — be part of the tradition!

Laguna Plein Air Invitational 2017 Awards

January 15, 2017 by Toni Kellenberg

The 19th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational took place the week of October 7th – 15th, 2017, with 35 participating artists invited to compete in what has been referred to as the “power-house” of plein air invitational events. The annual event is presented by nonprofit Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA) and supports their mission to promote the plein air painting tradition that established Laguna Beach as an Art Colony over 100 years ago. This annual event is made possible with the generous support of our sponsors, patrons and contributors.

2017 Award Winners

LPAPA’s Best in Show Award “Before Sunrise” (14″ x 24″ oil)
by Aimee Erickson

LPAPA’s Award of Excellence “Breaking Light, Three Arches” (24″ x 30″ oil)
by Jason Sacran

SeaWind Properties Distinctive Merit Award “Made In the Shade” (16″ x 20″ oil)
by Zufar Bikbov

Kinsman & Kinsman Spirit of Laguna Award “Red, Red Ruby’s” (12″ x 16″ oil)
by Rick J. Delanty

Dr. Edward H. Boseker Award “Laguna Nights” (24″ x 30″ oil)
by Jennifer Diehl

The Irvine Museum Collection at UCI Award “Main Beach Atmosphere” (18″ x 24″ oil)
by Jim McVicker

LBR/CAF Architectural Award “Beach Shack Crystal Cove” (12″ x 24″ oil)
by Charlie Hunter

Van Cleave Foundation Artistic Palette Award “Midnight On Main Beach” (11″ x 15″ watercolor)
by Andy Evansen

THE REVELITE AWARD “Crystal Clear Morning” (16″ x 20″ oil) by Rita Pacheco

“Laguna Stroll” (8" x 10" oil) by John Cosby — SOUTHWEST ART QUICK DRAW AWARD “Laguna Stroll” (8″ x 10″ oil) by John Cosby

Laguna Plein Air Invitational Artist John Burton — RANDY HIGBEE GALLERY AWARD to John Burton for his Invitational body of work

Laguna Plein Air Invitational Artist Jason Sacran — ARTISTS’ CHOICE AWARD to Jason Sacran for his Invitational body of work

Laguna Plein Air Invitational Artist Jove Wang — COLLECTORS’ CHOICE AWARD to Jove Wang for his Invitational body of work

Laguna Plein Air Invitational Artist Suzie Baker — DIRECTORS’ CHOICE AWARD to Suzie Baker for “Good Morning Laguna” (10″ x 30″ oil)

Laguna Plein Air Invitational Artist Michele Usibelli — THE STRADA AWARD to Michele Usibelli for her Invitational body of work

Greg LaRock “Yard Work” (20" x 24" oil) — PLEINAIR MAGAZINE AWARD to Greg LaRock for “Yard Work” (20″ x 24″ oil)

Laguna Plein Air Invitational Artist Jane Hunt — FINE ART CONNOISSEUR AWARD to Jane Hunt for her Invitational Body of Work

Stephanie Hartshorn “Well Guarded” (10" x 20" oil) — OUTDOOR PAINTER.COM AWARD to Stephanie Hartshorn for “Well Guarded” (10″ x 20″ oil)

Jeff Sewell “South Swell, South Laguna” (16" x 20" oil) — AMERICAN ART COLLECTOR AWARD to Jeff Sewell for “South Swell, South Laguna” (16″ x 20″ oil)

Laguna Plein Air Next Generation Scholarship Awards — NEXT GENERATION SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS to Brandon Gonzales, Emily Bertucci, Ben Jarvis & Kyle Larson

Laguna Plein Air 2017 Lifetime Awards — Lifetime Achievement Award to Rick J. Delanty & Lifetime Member Award to Yvonne Boseker

2017 Laguna Plein Air Invitational Artists Group Photo

When you join the celebration, YOU become part of the tradition!

Laguna Invitational Quick Draw 2017 Award

January 15, 2017 by Toni Kellenberg

The 2017 Laguna Plein Air Painting Invitational events kicked off on Sunday October 8th at 2:00pm in Heisler Park with the annual “Quick Draw” Painting Competition sponsored by LPAPA and Southwest Art Magazine. The artists have two hours, 2pm to 4pm, to create a plein air masterpiece! At 4pm the artists are required to put down their brushes and step away from their easels… the paintings were then be taken to Festival of Arts for framing and hanging for the “Quick Draw Quick Sale”. This is an annual free event presented in association with the Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational.

When you join the celebration, YOU become part of the tradition!

2017 Quick Draw Award winning painting “Laguna Stroll”
by LPAPA Founding Member & Signature Artist John Cosby

For details about the Laguna Plein Air Invitational, visit our event website: LagunaPleinAir.org