The Best of Plein Air

To locals, LPAPA is a local institution, which describes itself as “dedicated to painting the landscape” of Laguna Beach with a mission to preserve the history of the plein air movement of 19th century California. “Paintings created for LPAPA’s ‘Best of Plein Air’ art show challenged the artists to bring forth their very best Plein Air painting skills,” says LPAPA Senior Executive Director Rosemary

Swimm, “encompassing composition, color and design, because they knew they would be competing against the best of the best outdoor painters.” Says Lisa M. Berman, Muck Curator: “Some of the most highly acclaimed Plein Air painters nationally are featured in this exhibition. Having their celebrated work at the Muckenthaler is a wonderful tribute and a gift to our visual arts mission.”

Featured in the exhibit is a collection of Plein Air work by local historical figure Nellie Gail Moulton who was a vibrant and vital person in Orange County history: She managed the Moulton Ranch, was a mother, philanthropist, world traveler and artist. Moulton was the President of the Laguna Art Association (a precursor to the Laguna Art Museum) and founding member of LCAD (Laguna College of Art & Design). Her artwork is graciously on loan from the Moulton Museum as The Muck celebrates collaboration with other museums and art institutions.