‘More real than a photograph’
Plein air painter Greg LaRock can’t count the number of times he has painted Monument Point in Laguna Beach, but he never tires of the view.
“It’s different every time,” he said. “Depending on the time of day and year you have different paintings.”
LaRock spends hours at his portable easel, working quickly with one brush and a full palette of colors to create realistic but impressionistic landscapes that draw viewers in.
“You don’t have to do much more than suggest” a scene, LaRock said. “That gives the viewer more to do, so the viewer becomes part of the painting and engaged in the painting, rather than spelling it all out for them.”
People also enjoy seeing the paintings come to life before their eyes, and this often triggers a sale, he said.
LaRock, a Newport Beach resident, believes the artist’s eye is more discerning than a camera lens, but he does occasionally use photographs to help him complete his work in the studio.
“The camera sees differently from the eye,” LaRock said. “A painting should feel more real than a photograph.”
One of the challenges of plein air painting is that as the painting emerges, the subject matter changes due to the movement of the sun or weather. But the painter must always remember the scene that presented itself when the easel was set up, LaRock said.
“When you decide on a scene you have to stay with that light, remember the light,” he said.
LaRock is one of 45 plein air artists asked to participate in the 13th annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Invitational, sponsored by Laguna Art Museum and the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painters Assn., known as LPAPA. Some of the city’s best-known artists will participate, including Jacobus Baas, Ken Auster and Maria Bertran, as well as noted artists from around the country.
The event will kick off with a Quick Draw competition at Heisler Park on Sunday and culminate in a gala Collector’s Soiree on Oct. 15 and public showing Oct. 16 at the museum. In between are various opportunities to meet artists and watch them paint, and learn about plein air work.
This year, the Laguna College of Art & Design is sponsoring a competition for its students, and students from Laguna schools will also be invited to test their painting skills at a Kids’ Paint Out. Their work will be for sale, with proceeds benefiting the schools.
“The 2011 Plein Air Painting Invitational focuses more than ever on engaging our local community, which in turn strengthens our nationwide reach and attraction,” LPAPA President Greg Vail said in a prepared statement.
“This year’s theme, ‘Sea, Sage and Sustainability,’ emphasizes the crucial role plein air artists play in portraying and communicating the value of our cherished — and endangered — landscapes and seascapes. The protection of these resources is vital to the fundamental quality of our lives,” Vail added.
The Laguna Beach event is one of nine plein air events LaRock will attend this year, he said. He usually goes to more than that, but the economy has forced him to cut back on his activities. This is his fifth Invitational.
Plein air events have proliferated throughout the country, bringing artists and art-lovers together. LaRock has attended events in Maryland, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, San Luis Obispo, and numerous plein air events in the local area, including San Clemente, Huntington Beach, Crystal Cove, and his hometown of Newport Beach.
Artists benefit in many ways from joining such events, he said. They gain visibility, sell work, and also improve their technique by seeing how others paint.
LaRock said he loves it when someone watches him complete a painting and then wants to buy it.
“It’s like magic,” he said.
Twitter: @CindyFrazier1
Plein Air Invitational Events
Sunday:Quick Draw Paint Out, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Heisler Park (public invited for viewing);
Meet and Greet artists reception, 1 to 2 p.m, Laguna Art Museum (free admission);
Monday through Oct. 14:
Quick Draw Silent Auction, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at Laguna Art Museum (free admission);
Monday:
Kids’ Paint Out and Cupcake Reception; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Heisler Park (public invited for viewing);
Environmental Awareness Panel Discussion; 7 p.m., Laguna Art Museum (free admission);
Tuesday:
Tours of Laguna Canyon Foundation and Artists Paint Out; 9 to 10:30 a.m.; with two hikes into Laguna Canyon wilderness areas, where artists will be painting. Call (949) 497-8324 for reservations
Fine Art lecture with Jean Stern, “The Art of Looking at Art: Developing a Critical Eye for Art,” 7 p.m. at Laguna Art Museum; (free admission).
Wednesday:
LCAD Next Generation Paint Out, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Heisler Park; (open to public for viewing).
Thursday:
Paint Out at Crystal Cove, 8 a.m. to noon, Crystal Cove State Park (open to public for viewing).
Gallery Open House, 5 to 7 p.m. at DeRu’s Fine Art, Hotel Laguna Lobby Gallery, and Pacific Edge Gallery in Laguna Beach.
Oct. 14:
Outdoor Artist Demonstrations, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Heisler Park amphitheater; free. An oil painter, water colorist and pastel artist will demonstrate their techniques.
Oct. 15:
Collector’s Soiree, 6 to 10 p.m., Laguna Art Museum. $125 for museum members; $150 for non-members to have first chance to view and purchase work created during the Invitational.
Oct. 16:
Public Art Show and Sale; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Laguna Art Museum. View and purchase plein air paintings by participating artists. (Free admission.)
For more information, call (949) 494-8971 or visit https://www.lagunaartmuseum.org.