Thirty of the nation’s master plein air painters are turning Laguna Beach, California, into an open-air studio during the 28th Annual Laguna Plein Air Painting Invitational, now through October 11, 2026. You can watch the artists’ work, meet them in person, and discover the paintings they create throughout the week.
“The opening day really tested the grit of our master plein air painters competing in the 28th Annual Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational,” said Toni Kellenberg, LPAPA Board President. “LPAPA kicked off its annual Quick Draw Competition under a record-smashing Southern California heat wave, with temperatures topping out at 95°F in Laguna Beach—nearly 20 degrees above typical October averages and making it one of LPAPA’s hottest Quick Draws on record.
“Despite the extreme weather, every artist persevered to finish a brilliant en plein air painting in just two hours. Immediately following the quick draw at Heisler Park, spectators gathered at the Festival of Arts for a Meet & Greet and Silent Auction….and some ice cold lemonade.
“Resilience is part of plein air painting. Light changes, weather turns, and artists keep painting. LPAPA has carried that same spirit through 28 Invitationals. When given lemons this year, we made lemonade—and created an on-trend craft mocktail bar for the Collectors Art Party. We can’t wait to welcome everyone here.”
Over a century ago, painters drawn to Laguna Beach’s coastline and light built an art colony that inspired plein air painting to flourish on the West Coast, shaping California Impressionism.
Collectors Art Party — Saturday, October 10 | Ticketed
Be first to view and have the opportunity to purchase from more than 250 original paintings. The evening brings artists and collectors together for the artwork’s unveiling, live awards, hors d’oeuvres and sweet bites by Chef Lindsay of Nirvana, and a creative craft mocktail bar. The party begins at 6 p.m. at the Festival of Arts grounds. Tickets are $250, or $225 for LPAPA members; online sales close at 10 a.m. October 9. Sponsorships with 5 p.m. early access are also available.
Laguna Plein Air Art Festival — Sunday, October 11 | Free to Public
The Invitational concludes with a public exhibition and sale at the Festival of Arts grounds from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Meet the artists, watch live demonstrations, and explore original works, including fresh paintings added Sunday morning. The “Sunday Best” small works award ceremony begins at 11 a.m.
Visitors can also find artists painting downtown after dark at the free “Just Plein Happy Nocturne Paint-Out” on Tuesday, October 6, beginning around 5 p.m.
On Wednesday, October 7, Plein Talk at Laguna Art Museum brings artists, collectors, and art experts together to discuss the genre’s past and future. A wine and charcuterie reception begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by the panel and audience questions from 6–7:30 p.m. Tickets are available through the museum.
Learn More
These are just a few of the exciting live events planned across nine days. For the complete Invitational schedule, event details, and tickets, visit lpapa.org/2026-invitational-events/.
Don’t miss your opportunity to create lifetime memories at the Plein Air Convention & Expo! All training sessions are indoors on giant, high-def screens, with incredible paint-outs in the afternoons. Beginners and pros feel right at home, so register at PleinAirConvention.com to join us.
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Blog post prepared for the web by Cherie Dawn Haas, Editor of Plein Air Today
