Experimental, artistic pioneers like Anna Althea Hills and Roger Kuntz also made their mark, teaching bright young students and founding important galleries and museums across Southern California. Incredible California Impressionists like Edgar Payne, Joseph Kleitsch, and William Wendt all called Laguna Beach home from the early to mid 20th century. Unsurprisingly, Laguna Beach artists have included many plein air painters - from the turn of the 19th century up until today - as well as those inspired by the landscape but drawn towards abstractionism. Wendt.1901,’ oil on canvas, 30 x 40 inches, Image from Christie’sīoasting unmatched ocean views, soaring mountainsides, and impeccable weather - in other words, endless fodder for artistic expression - Laguna Beach has attracted and birthed droves of talented artists throughout its history. William Wendt, Cup of Gold, signed and dated ‘W M.
Anna Althea Hills, The Lone Palm, 1918, Laguna Beach, California, Oil on Board, 10 x 7 inches, Image from Christie’s
