by Bill Thomas

Summer Art Activities

San Clemente’s local artists - with another successful plein air and quick draw competition under their palettes - will continue to be heavily exhibited for the three remaining summer Thursday Night Art Walks scheduled for July 27, August 31 and September 28, 5:30 to 9 pm. Co-sponsored by the SC Art Association and the Downtown Business Association, 30 galleries, lounges, restaurants and other organizations feature exhibits, some offering wine and cheese tidbits, as well as entertainment. Many of our local businesses are keeping their doors open on Avenida Del Mar and El Camino Real for customer convenience. A roomy shuttle bus is available to combat gas prices and parking problems. 

The Art Association, now numbering 350 members, is planning 11 art shows for the coming months. The first, Members Paint San Clemente, takes place between July 31 and September 14, including both plein air and studio work, with judging on July 29 and a public reception on the 30th.

Want to hone your painting skills? 

There are four proven sources for art education in the local area: San Clemente Art Supply, The City of San Clemente Recreation Department, the Van Lortz’ Sidestreet Gallery, and Saddleback College. This summer, the Art Supply store is offering four classes on Mondays from July 10 to August 14, including introduction courses to watercolor and drawing, and beginning and intermediate watercolor opportunities. Throughout the rest of the summer, there are 24 different workshops for both adults and children, including two or more hour sessions on pastels, still life’s, plein air, watercolor, and concentrated focus on trees, skies, flowers and foliage. Other successful programs are the Demonstrations and Green Flash (sunsets) Gallery Shows, including both expert art guides and their works. 

Call 369-6603 or visit www.scartsupply.com for information. 

Our local recreation department schedules an array of art classes for the public, which are already in motion this summer but will also be available beginning in September. Mary Von Lortz has a loyal following in her enlarged studio one block north of Avenida Del Mar. 

Mary Stephan has studied at the Von Lortz studio for over five years and considers her instructor “a wonderful inspiration.” Kay Marcom is also a longtime student and enjoys the challenge of painting and the camaraderie she finds at the gallery. 

Mary Von Lortz states, “I can teach anybody to paint if they have a desire.” She invites all levels of expertise to enjoy creating landscapes, seascapes, florals, still life’s and portraits. She also provides drawing instructions with a very unique system – GridArtTM. And when you tire of painting, you can always take guitar lessons at the same location, 205 Ave. Cabrillo. 

For information, call 492-7244 or email [email protected]. 

Saddleback College’s Emeritis Institute has a class in intermediate sketching running at the Senior Center this summer and will offer two art classes for seniors in the fall: Beginning Watercolor at the Presbyterian Church and Pastels and Landscapes at the Senior Center. 

Call 582-4835 for details. 

And … Don’t forget Laguna Beach’s Festival of the Arts and Sawdust Art 

Festival extending to the first week of 

September.b