San Diego Plein Air Painting Adventures
Welcome to the inaugural edition of our weekly blog dedicated to the art of plein air painting around the beautiful city of San Diego! Each week, I will be exploring a new part of our vibrant city, capturing its unique charm and beauty on canvas. I'll also be sharing my experiences with you, along with tips and insights into the wonderful world of plein air painting.
Weekly Painting Locations
San Diego is a treasure trove of stunning landscapes, urban scenes, and coastal vistas. Each week, I'll visit a different location, from the turquoise of La Jolla to the bustling pathways of Balboa Park. Here's a glimpse of my plan for the coming weeks, including the ones already begun!
Week 1: Sunset Cliffs – Crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and sailboats on the horizon. (painting available in shop)
Week 2: Law Street Pacific Beach – a local’s favorite, crystal pier, and happy beach goers. (painting available in shop)
Week 3: San Diego Bay/Spanish Landing – nautical charm, city skylines, and bright blue water. (painting available in shop)
Week 4: Balboa Park – Lush gardens, iconic architecture, and vibrant cultural spots.
Week 5: Old Town San Diego – Historic buildings, colorful markets, and lively atmosphere.
Week 6: La Jolla – Majestic ocean views, turquoise waters, and unforgettable sunsets.
*Surprise Locations may also appear and dates are subject to change!*
Weeks 1 and 2:
Sunset Cliffs
Sunset Cliffs is where it all started- my lovely and talented friend Liz suggested this spot as she is a seasoned plein-air painter and I have her to thank for this summer challenge! The water was so active that I wanted to capture it’s movement as it rolled into the curved cliff side. Everyone was full of love and joy during this sunset, there was even a surprise engagement!
Photo Credit: Ismael Arenas
Law Street
I knew my next location had to be the beach I spent my childhoods at, as do the local kids to this day! I went on a Monday (as I knew partaking would be terrible come Saturday), and just as I suspected the beach was perfect and filled with kids on their summer break, or vacationers relaxing in the sun! I got to meet a visitor from DC who asked me all about growing up in San Diego. What a special experience to simultaneously paint a place full of memories, while reflecting on what it is to be San Diegan.
These paintings are of the beach looking south and north. The former includes the iconic crystal pier as the morning sun rose. The beach was still quiet while I began this painting at 8:30 am. The air was crisp was the breeze blew in from the cool sea but the summer sun light warmed my skin as she rose above the east. The sands held the washed in kelp from the full moon tides and locals walked their dogs and surfers finished up their dawn patrol sessions. Mornings and Nights at the beach are my personal favorite.
You can shop “Good Morning Law Street” here.
Thanks to my parents who took my boys fishing, I had time to work on one more painting. I decided to turn north and paint PB Point as seen from the cliffside at law street. Surf camp was now in full swing, life guards busy patrolling the sands, and families rolled in with their chairs, umbrellas and boogy boards. While working I watched the water turn more and more blue as the sun rose higher in the sky.
As I neared a stopping point a gentleman walked up to me, looked at my painting and said, “where are all the people!? There’s no life!”
“No Life? Nature is full of Life!” I thought to myself as I injested his commentary, which admittedly stung. I awkwardly giggled and told him that I keep people out of my paintings to focus on nature and allow the viewer to insert themselves into the work of art. He disagreed and went on his way. When I got back to the studio and started finishing up the painting, I realized in a way he was right. The scene I was painting was just as much about the people as it was the sea and sky. It was a summer’s day at the beach in San Diego, the people were apart of it, just as I had been all my life.
I painted in the people, but then eek! I ran out of time. I am currently adding the finishing touches to this painting in the studio, check back for when she makes her official debut online!
Now don’t get me wrong, I still prefer true landscapes. Nature is to whom my art is devoted. But humans are also nature, so maybe this man had a point. Furthermore, if humanity and nature are in harmony at that moment, maybe my paintings should reflect that? Just a thought.
Connect with the Community
Art is best enjoyed when shared with others. I'd love to hear from you! Share your own plein-air painting locations, suggestions for new spots, or any questions you have about the art of plein-air painting. You can reach me at info@michaelajeanart.com or message me on Instagram @michaelajeanart. Let's create a vibrant community of art lovers and enthusiasts.
If you are interested in purchasing these artworks check out my online shop as they will be added once completed!
Thank you for joining me on this exciting adventure. Stay tuned for next week's edition where we'll dive into the beauty of Balboa Park!
Happy painting,
Michaela