Wyland Wins Appeal to Paint Mural Near ‘Whaling Wall’

In a decision that overturns a design review board ruling, the City Council voted Tuesday to allow well-known artist Wyland to paint a mural at an art gallery now under construction near the landmark “Whaling Wall.”

Wyland had sought permission in July to paint an ocean-themed mural on the gallery property, which he owns, because the “Whaling Wall,” the first in a series of seascapes by the artist, will soon be painted over as part an expansion of the Hotel Laguna.

Since painting his first ocean-themed wall in Laguna Beach 15 years ago, Wyland, who now lives in Hawaii, has completed nearly 70 other murals around the world.

Design board members voted 4 tto 1 against his request, however, saying that the mural would essentially be a large sign to promote the gallery and was too commercial.

The council disagreed.

“I just don’t think it’s a sign. I think that it is primarily art,” Councilman Steve Dicterow said. “You only have to ask a first-grader to look at it to see if it’s a sign or art.”

The new mural will be directly above the original wall in the 500 block of South Coast Highway and will feature an ocean scene similar to the first. It is expected to be finished sometime in the fall.

Some residents expressed mixed feelings about the situation.

“I’m sorry to see the original mural go because I enjoy seeing it every day when I drive to work,” Newport Beach resident Steve Coyne said. “But I’m glad they’re putting up another one.”