Laguna Plein Air Painters Association

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Renae Wang

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"Before Departure" by LPAPA Signature Artist Renae WangLPAPA Signature Artist Renae Wang
Aliso Viejo, California

Renae Wang is a California-based painter working in oil and gouache. She is known for her nocturnal landscapes of “non-places” like gas stations, freeways and airports. Her work explores the theme of isolation in public spaces of transience, and is characterized by rich colors and compositions in first-person perspective. The viewer often becomes a part of the narrative in these nocturnal paintings.

Renae received a BFA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MFA from the Laguna College of Art and Design, where she currently works as an adjunct professor. She is also an instructor at New Masters Academy. She was featured in Southwest Art Magazine’s article 21 Under 31, and Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine’s Three to Watch. She has exhibited at sites like the Salmagundi Club, Hilbert Museum of California Art, California Art Club, Laguna Art Museum, and Laguna Plein Air Painters Association.

Learn more at RenaeWangArt.com.

Danny Folkman

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LPAPA Artist Member Danny Folkman

LPAPA Artist Member Danny Folkman
Los Angeles, California
DannyFolkman.com

While I enjoy painting all kinds of scenery, LA is my lady.

We first met on a family vacation when I was 14. Growing up in New Jersey, I can’t say I had been particularly inspired by the overcast skies and flat suburbs of the east coast. The year-round sunshine, diverse scenery and laid-back lifestyle of Southern California seemed like paradise. I was smitten.

A friend of mine said that my paintings capture “the idea of California”. I like that. As anyone who has lived in LA knows, it isn’t quite what you see in the movies. She’s anything but an easy lover, but if you play your cards right, she might just flash you a smile.

Received LPAPA Signature Artist designation in 2025

Philippe Gandiol

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LPAPA Artist Member Philippe Gandiol

LPAPA Signature Artist Philippe Gandiol
Davis, California

Philippe Gandiol, an award winning Northern California painter, was born and raised in France and moved to California in his early 20’s. He has painted with oils for over 25 years.  He pursued an independent program of study taking classes in France, San Francisco and Sacramento and with several renowned West Coast painters. Philippe likes to paint a variety of subjects like landscapes, cityscapes, still life and figures “en plein air” or in the studio.  He works as much as possible from life, believing that only in life can he find the full range of light and color he wants in his paintings and the spirit and mood of his subject matter. He is actively involved with the California artist community, art events and fundraisers. He also participated in juried art festivals in Easton, Sonoma, Carmel, Napa and San Luis Obispo to name a few. He teaches privately out of his studio or in the outdoor and also offers painting workshops. As an instructor, Philippe is appreciated as a thorough, supportive and inspiring mentor.

Learn more at PhilippeGandiol.com

Manon Sander

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LPAPA Artist Member Manon Sander

LPAPA Signature Artist Manon Sander
North Palm Beach, Florida
ManonSander.com

Manon Sander is a Florida-based oil painter who has taken it upon herself to savor all the flavors of life. Starting a new painting is like hearing the soft, welcoming jingle of the ice cream truck on a sweltering deep-summer day. The air is heavy with the anticipation of a sweet reward, and as the color melts from Manon’s brush onto that hungry canvas, she tastes the simple, joyous flavor of childhood, when life was lived not just to the fullest, but bursting at the seams.

David R. Becker

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LPAPA Artist Member David Becker

LPAPA Signature Artist David R. Becker
Ingleside, Illinois
BeckerArt.net

Since 1983, David had spent most of his artistic life and career in the city of Chicago. Becker studied at The American Academy of Art in Chicago and is the reason that a large majority of his subject matter comes from his life in the city that he loves so much.