Cool Coastal Creativity
The Tale of Two Beaches, Memories and Painting
MIND BODY SOUL SPIRIT
August Greetings Friends,
If you are in the northern hemisphere, I hope you stay cool and relaxed this weekend! Artists are always creating (at least in their heads) and planning events. This month I am sharing art news and summer beach painting experiences with a bit of history.
WHERE TO FIND MY ART
Current:
I was delighted to create and donate a small 8”x8” painting to 8x8 Show and Benefit at Gallery of Hermosa, fundraiser, which supports a community youth art program, Young at Art. All works sell for $64!
Upcoming:
Desert Art Dialog group exhibit at Spaghetti Western, Morongo Valley Ca Aug 26 – November 15 – Opening Reception - September 27th 5-7
April 2026 – Featured Artist at the Redlands Art Association
SUMMER – BEACH - ARTMAKING
We bid farewell to July. With a birthday in July, summer has always been my favorite season. The academic calendar made July very attractive, although I always spent time dreaming up new units for the next school year!
The beach and painting have always been synonymous for me. When I was a child, our family traveled to Carmel-by-the-Sea for summer vacations and to Laguna Beach, home of the famous Laguna Beach Pageant of the Masters, where famous works of art are presented in tableau onstage. The tableaux vivants (living pictures) event was first presented in 1933 and requires hundreds of local volunteers.
Laguna Beach is where I first saw the ocean as a toddler! Sand, art festival sawdust and seaside painting became a summer staple in my life. This year is no different although I visited different beaches. It’s an understatement to say it’s been a hot July in the northern hemisphere. Global warming is wreaking havoc.
FRANCE
I was in Provence until Mid-June and spent the last week at the seaside Port of Toulon. Classic French Riviera posters were abundant, and I sought seaside serenity. I escaped the fires and smoke that ensued soon after. Because Toulon is a lesser-known French Riviera destination it was especially attractive and offered complete rest. I learned that the Toulon is one of the busiest ports for large European cruise ships and is the port from which the American Statue of Liberty, a gift from France, was sent. During World War II, the French Navy, upon learning Germans forces were planning to take over the port, sank 77 vessels to avoid capture!
I spent time exploring the harbor and coast, sketching from cafes, driving to destinations such as the Porquerrolles Islands and Saint-Tropez. On the Porquerolles, which is a short ferry ride from the coast, I explored the impressive contemporary art museum, winery and garden, Foundation Carmignac. “Sea, Pop & Sun” the current exhibit, featured a number of works by American artists including Judy Chicago, Duane Hanson, Keith Haring, Jeff Koons, Roy Lichtenstein, Ed Ruscha, Andy Warhol and Tom Wesselman and explored the theme of freedom. The stunning contemporary architecture of the Carmignac Villa and its remote location are magical. The excellent museum restaurant, Le Poisson Ivre, sits outdoors among the pine trees.
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA
During my birthday week in July, I visited Rancho Palos Verdes, California where I grew up, and I stayed in Redondo Beach.
In 1913, millionaire and bank president Frank Vanderlip bought a large portion of the Palos Verdes Peninsula sight unseen. Vanderlip is known for his part in founding the Federal Reserve System and for founding the first Montessori school in the United States. When he visited the property he wrote, “I found myself reminded vividly of the Sorrentine Peninsula and the Amalfi Drive: Yet the most exciting part of my vision was that this gorgeous scene was not a piece of Italy at all but was here in America, an unspoiled sheet of paper to be written on with loving care.” (from History of Palos Verdes Estates, Maureen Megowan January 3, 2019, South Bay History)
Early investors dreamed of a community that resembled those on the Mediterranean coast. After WWI, the new community was laid out and landscaped by the famous Olmsted Brothers, sons of Frederick Law Olmsted, Senior, designer of New York City’s Central Park.
Today, many of the buildings, now over 100 years old, look and feel like the Amalfi coast. In fact, when I visited Sorrento, Italy in the 70’s I thought - well, this looks like home!
With easel and paints packed, I spent several days sketching and painting near the old plaza. During my senior high school, I worked as a lunch supervisor at Malaga Cove (Middle) School, completed in 1926, and reinforced my ambition to teach. Nearby is the Neighborhood Church of Palos Verdes where we were married. The structure was built originally as a home for J.J. Haggarty in 1928 by Italian Architect Armand Monaco. I explored once again the lovely garden, seaside walkways, and a private entrance (rumored for smuggling). Source
When we moved to Palos Verdes in the 1960’s, the beautiful Malaga Cove Library was the only library on the peninsula. Architect Myron Hunt designed both Malaga Cove Plaza buildings and the Malaga Cove Library which were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995. On this visit, I painted the fountain once again and sketched the concert crowds on the green by the library!
I recently learned that the fountain was built at Farnham Park before the library building was constructed! Etan Rosenbloom has provided an excellent history and review of the Malaga Cove Library in his blog Etan Does LA.
In the April 1927 issue of Pacific Coast Architect, architect Myron Hunt wrote an article called “Palos Verdes – Where Bad Architecture Is Eliminated.” The Neptune fountain in the center of Malaga Cove Plaza is faithful replica of the original bronze Fontana del Nettuno designed by Italian artist Tommaso Laureti in Bologna, Italy in 1563.
As a ten year old, I thought it was quite funny one Sunday morning when we drove past the plaza to see someone had thrown a pair of boxers on the outstretched hand of Neptune. I imagine this was a frequent prank. In 1969, modest community opinions prevailed, and Neptune received a fig leaf to make him family friendly.
Not all discoveries are positive. I learned that the designers of Palos Verdes used deed restrictions to control development. The deed restrictions prohibited businesses such as polluting industries, bars and cemeteries. The deed forbade an owner from selling or renting a house to anyone who wasn’t white. The “sundown rule“ was strictly in effect until 1948 when such restrictions were declared unconstitutional. I’m still in a bit of shock. This is a very sad part of our history.
Attraction or annoyance. Frank Vanderlip brought peacocks to the Palos Verdes Peninsula to stock a private aviary on his new estate. There are two stories: one is that they were a gift from the daughter of William Wrigley Jr. and another is they were a gift from Luck Baldwin of LA. At any rate, I saw more peacocks on this trip than ever roaming the streets and paths of Palos Verdes. And they are LOUD!
Part of my reminiscing included a drive to Hermosa Beach where I visited the Gallery of Hermosa and met founder and owner, Kimie Joe. I was fortunate to see the exceptional exhibit by master painter, Jove Wang. I was also delighted to learn I could paint and donate a small 8”x8” painting to a Gallery of Hermosa fundraiser which will support a community youth art program, Young at Art.
Honestly, Toulon reminded me of Redondo Beach decades ago, and Malaga Cove reminds me of France.
KEEP CREATING!
Wherever you live, there are remarkable sights, venues and very often architectural wonders. I encourage painters to travel with a sketchpad and pencil and more art supplies if possible. In France, I usually take only my small watercolor pad and paints. On this trip, which included an art residency in a tiny village, I ordered supplies to be delivered when I arrived. By car—we all pack as much as we can. On this trip, I chose my French easel as it is sturdier than my lightweight pochade box. I carried what I needed and was able to park close to my plein air destinations. I chose Malaga Cove Plaza and Redondo Beach because they are less crowded than other Southern California beaches and because of my precious memories. What a great place to spend a summer birthday!
Celebrate your birthday month and those of loved ones! One of the best gifts is time. Life is precious. Tell those whom you love, “I love you!” Travel while you can. Sadly, three people I know who are my age who passed this month, and it reminds us of the circle of life. Each day is one we have been given but not promised.
MY ART ONLINE
Sea Themes
ARTSY
https://www.artsy.net/artwork/janis-commentz-lunada-bay-fog-palos-verdes
https://www.artsy.net/artwork/janis-commentz-summer
ETSY
https://www.etsy.com/listing/4548136333/painting-carmel-looking-toward-point
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1525681168/card-la-mer-summer-seashells-5x5
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1057823941/greeting-card-beach-wedding-bride-and
I would love to hear from you. What are your favorite beaches? Or points of interest?Inspired by all of you!
