Put blind faith in these works

BEST BUYS

Paul Bryan Jr.’s black and white portraits of rock ‘n’ roll artists

are striking. David Lee Roth is a Paul Bryan Jr. fan; he placed

Bryan’s painting inside the cover of his greatest hits album. His

exact representational paintings are painted on any surface: canvas,

wood, surfboards, walls -- even lunch pails. Bryan says a garage door

is the perfect canvas. The bigger the better. Influenced by Asian

art, Bryan stamps all of his paintings with a red super-ellipse or

square circle. “East meets West,” Bryan said. Bryan’s art is

showcased at Blind Faith Gallery. The most requested portraits are

Marilyn Monroe, Madonna, Jimmy Hendrix and the Doors. You can ask to

see his latest circular paintings -- mostly famous logos: the Gerber

baby, smiley face, the peace symbol, and an Indian head nickel, as

well as Bryan’s 100 famous faces as children. Cher, Anastasia,

Madonna, Tiger Woods, Alexander Graham Bell and even Hitler are among

the innocent close-ups. 761 S. Coast Highway.

THE ART OF SURFING

The Surf Gallery specializes in surf-related art and photography.

Shows change monthly. Opening nights are a big success, with live

music and refreshments -- about 300 people attend. “Andoland: A

Freebyrd Concoction” is here through March 16. The show features

paintings and drawings by Andy Davis, who’s well known for his Byrd

clothing company. On March 22, local artists will be featured,

including Pat Tobin and Bill Ogden. The biggest show is in June --

John Severson is coming from Maui. He’s probably the most famous

surf-artist in the country. Owner Will Pennantz has connections with

photo editors in the surf industry and goes out of his way to help

you find what you’re looking for. Call for store hours. 911 S. Coast

Highway. (949) 376-9155. www.thesurfgallery.com.

A GOOD FIT OF A DEAL

Today is the last day of Tight Assets buy two, get one free

fitness sale. The offer is good on multiples, too; buy four, get two

free and so on. Open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday;

and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday. 180 S. Coast Highway. (949)

497-0005.

HANDMADE HATS AND THROWS

Mary Carolyn Rowe, a third-generation milliner, owns Cecile

Brunner, named after the beautiful pale pink rose. Rowe sells her

custom hats, interesting pieces by local artists and an assortment of

whimsical gift items. Rowe works at her studio in town during the

week and is usually here on the weekends. Rowe can size and dye hats

and restores vintage hats. Hats are made of high-quality wool, fur

felt, straw, para sisal and lightweight sinamay. Exclusives in town

are Philip F. Kiluk vintage jewel and imported stone picture frames,

plus Lunch at the Ritz jewelry. Louise Benton, a legend in Laguna,

sells her hand-woven shawls and throws here. Open from 11 a.m. to 6

p.m. Monday through Saturday; and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.

Peppertree Lane, 448 S. Coast Highway. (949) 464-9141.

SHAWLS OF ALL SORTS

For more than 20 years, Sutton Place Boutique has offered

affordable fashions for women. It’s known for having the biggest

selection of shawls and scarves in Laguna. Rectangle and triangle

shapes are from Paris, Spain, China and Egypt. Fabrics range from

Pashmina to chenille. Tourists can find deals on special occasion

dresses here; there’s always a $35 dress sale rack. Good deals on

prom, wedding and bridesmaid gowns. Sizes from small to extra large.

Hats for every occasion and costume jewelry. Inexpensive accessories:

headbands at $3, bracelets at $5. Open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday

through Saturday; and from noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Peppertree Lane,

448 S. Coast Highway. (949) 497-1133.

* BEST BUYS is a weekly feature of the Coastline Pilot.