Inside the artists’ studios

Suzie Harrison

It would be fascinating to see a blueprint of an artist’s creative

mind -- to be able to see the thought process as it unfolds.

With that not readily available, the Sawdust Art Festival has come

up with a viable alternative -- its annual Art Studio Tour on April 9

and 10.

Now in its 14th year, the tour offers a rare opportunity to

experience where an artist’s creativity is fostered -- by showcasing

56 artists’ private working studios and some homes.

“The Sawdust Art Festival is a nonprofit that educates the public

about art created in Laguna Beach,” marketing and community relations

manager Rebecca Meekma said. “We saw something missing in the arts

community; this is one way to fill that void, by taking the public to

the artists.”

Art enthusiasts get to see another side of Laguna Beach’s active

artist colony, besides the galleries, art festivals and events.

Three tours are available, focusing on North and Central Laguna

and the canyon.

“North Laguna definitely has the old Laguna feel to it with

historic types homes and quaint cottages,” Meekma said.

The canyon tour is the most eclectic and gives views to spaces not

usually accessible, with hidden hillsides, intriguing hideaways and

gardens.

“If you are looking for views go on the central tour, it takes you

up some of the hills, which offer unparalleled views,” Meekma said.

“It also boasts quaint cottages -- and several studios on Coast

Highway that you never knew were there.”

Iris Adam is on the north tour. She works in Chinese brush,

watercolor and acrylic; she has been participating for the past 13

years.

“I was teaching private [art] classes at the time; I taught as

part of my being,” Adam said. “I figured it was an honor.”

Adam gives a demonstration and a watercolor mini-lesson to

tourgoers, which is her favorite medium.

“Geraniums are so easy; everybody can turn out a fairly good

painting,” Adam said.

She illustrates brush strokes and how to procure color.

“They have to really watch closely, so they can do the same

stroke,” Adam said. “They can make it two-toned while it is still

wet; one color on top of the other to darken it.”

Adam said she has received a lot of positive feedback.

“So many people are appreciative, it’s an incentive,” Adam said.

“I received a letter from one of them, a husband and wife who had

never done art before. He was a doctor and ended up with a great

painting. The reason he was so good is that he watched very carefully

and did exactly what I was doing.”

On the opposite end of the art spectrum, James Koch creates

found-object sculpture.

“My house functions as my studio; it’s an eclectic older home

built around 1927,” Koch said. “It has a crazy brick driveway with a

planter, where I grow my vegetables.”

The tranquillity of his frontyard is juxtaposed with his larger

work -- huge sculptures in metal and stone.

“My favorite part of the house is the backyard, which is my

studio,” Koch said. “I’m very fortunate to have a large backyard

where I can work.”

Koch is from the rural Midwest and finds treasures for his work

there. He estimates in the last six years he has shipped eight to 10

tons of materials back to Laguna.

“There’s a tremendous amount of wealth in scrap yards, town dumps

and old farms,” Koch said. “That’s where I glean my raw materials and

supplies. It makes my found objects different from a lot of artists

on the West Coast because it’s imported.”

Beyond his work area is a large sculpture garden accented by many

of his pieces.

“I really do like abstract art the best, yet I sell more work

that’s representational,” Koch said.

Koch, who is a self-taught artist, has opened his home studio for

the tour for six consecutive years.

“It’s a great way to teach people about my process and how I make

my art,” Koch said.

The Sawdust Art Festival Studio Art Tour, 935 Laguna Canyon Road,

is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days. One day tickets are $45 and

are $75 for the weekend.

Shuttles leave from the Sawdust grounds frequently for tours. Each

day starts at 9:30 a.m., with complimentary mimosas, pastries and

coffee. At the end of the tour, there’s a reception with live

entertainment, wine and hors d’oeuvres.

For information or tickets, call (949) 494-3030.