Previous Guest Artist Demos
In 4th grade, Mary complete her first plein-air painting and that memorable experience seeded a lifelong desire to pursue the arts. She went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington and then began work as a cartographer.
In ensuing years she studied with renowned artists and took courses at such places at the Gage Academy and the Watts Atelier. She began earning many private and public commissions and also worked as Artist in Residence for the Stillwater School District in Stillwater, MN.
Years have passed and now Mary is an Artist Member of the California Art Club, a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, The Pastel Society of the West Coast and a Master’s Circle Member of the International Association of Pastel Societies. Mary has received considerable recognition for her pastels and has received numerous awards in various exhibitions. She has been recognized in the annual Pastel 100 of the Pastel Journal and has recently exhibited her work in “American Women Pastelists in France” in 2022. She shows her work in the summer at the Festival of Arts, Laguna Beach.
Among Barbara’s recent awards are:
People's Choice Award, LPAPA Annual Waterworks Exhibition
2rd Place, Laguna Plein Air Salon, 2022
Best in Show, LPAPA Plein Air Invitational, 2020
Honorable Mention, Watercolor Plein Air Salon, 2022
Honorable Mention, Mendocino Paint Out, 2021
Current Shows:
LPAPA Gallery
414 N.Coast Highway
Open: Thursday-Monday 11-5 (closed Mon/Tues/Wed)
Image showing Gil Dellinger's pastels of choice;
Click on the image below to watch Febuary 2023 Demo!
One sculpture class was all it took for Gil Dellinger to fall in love with art. He describes that experience as the moment his life “caught fire” and he has been pursuing art ever since. A multi-talented artist best known for his seascapes, Gil is equally adept in three mediums, primarily using acrylic for his studio work, but also working in oils or pastels while painting on location. Over the years Gil’s works have been collected into numerous private, corporate, and museum collections and he has participated in numerous solo and group exhibitions. He has also been an active proponent of the plein-air movement and has often participated in plein-air competitions and events. Three particular events have been his career highlights: painting as one of 12 artists on the Forbes Trinchera Ranch near Durango, Colorado in 1996; in 1997 painting as one of 25 artists at the Forbes Chateau in Bailerov, France, and in 1999 painting as one of 15 artists rafting down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. Being part of the larger artists’ community is important to Gil. He is past president and Signature Member of the Plein Air Painters of America; a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America, The Laguna Plein Air Painters Association and the California Art Club. Teaching is another way that Gil gives back to his fellow artists. He served as Professor of Art at the University of the Pacific, teaching drawing and painting for more than 30 years. While there he received the Distinguished Faculty Award Award for Teaching Excellence and Professional Contribution. He now teaches part-time at the Laguna College of Art and Design and he also teaches painting workshops as well. Gil has recently moved to Laguna Woods and he now focuses his energy on painting the California coast.
The final painting from our February watercolor demonstrator, Barbara Tapp: The Tourists: Nubble Lighthouse, Maine
The final painting from our March watercolor demonstrator, Mary Aslin: Roses