Artists take to the open air for Laguna painting contest

Artists from around the country are in Laguna Beach this week painting scenes of the city during the 18th annual Plein Air Painting Invitational.

The outdoor painting showcase features 35 artists creating original works at various spots around town as they compete for more than $20,000 in prizes, including the $10,000 Best in Show award.

The event began Saturday and included a two-hour Quick Draw Paint Out contest on Sunday and a Kids Paint Out on Monday.

Here is the remaining schedule:

Wednesday

• Next Generation Paint Out, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Heisler Park, Cliff Drive. Includes plein air painters from the Laguna College of Art + Design and UC Irvine.

• “Plein Talks: Painting En Plein Air,” 6 to 8 p.m., Forest & Ocean Gallery, 480 Ocean Ave. Jean Stern, executive director of the Irvine Museum, will discuss the development of outdoor painting from the 1840s to the present. Admission is free.

Thursday

• Outdoor artist demonstrations, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Heisler Park, Treasure Island Park and Main Beach.

• Children’s Artwork Exhibition and Sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Forest & Ocean Gallery, 480 Ocean Ave. Works created by schoolchildren during Monday’s Kids Paint Out will be available for purchase, with proceeds donated to the participating schools.

Friday

• Collectors Gala Reception, 7 to 10:30 p.m., Tivoli Too, 777 Laguna Canyon Road. Plein air artists will present what they consider their three best paintings created during the week for awards judging, and guests can purchase artwork in advance of the general public. Tickets are $175.

Saturday and Sunday

• Public Art Show and Sale, Tivoli Too, 777 Laguna Canyon Road. Public can attend for free to meet participating artists and buy their artwork. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.

Information: lagunapleinair.org