Move over, oils — watercolor just made a splash in Laguna Beach! For the first time in its 27-year history, the Laguna Beach Plein Air Painting Invitational awarded its top honor, Best in Show, to a watercolor.
Southern California artist Jason Li took home the coveted $10,000 grand prize for his luminous watercolor Catching Sunset, a piece that wowed both jurors and spectators with its atmosphere, depth, and energy. The win is doubly historic: not only is it the first watercolor ever to claim the Invitational’s highest award, it’s also the first time the top landscape didn’t depict Laguna Beach itself.
Li’s painting was selected by an esteemed panel of judges including Jean Stern (Emeritus Director of The Irvine Museum), Rosemary Swimm (LPAPA Director Emeritus), and Ned Mueller (LPAPA Signature Artist and this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award recipient). And as if one victory weren’t enough, Li also captured the public-voted Quick Draw Award for his dynamic watercolor Breakthrough — cementing his reputation as one to watch in the plein air world.
Presented by the Laguna Plein Air Painters Association (LPAPA), this year’s Invitational wrapped up with record-breaking art sales, perfect painting weather, and over $50,000 in cash and prizes awarded. The event continues to support LPAPA’s year-round art and education programs — and with Li’s groundbreaking win, it’s also helping shine a well-deserved spotlight on watercolor’s power, versatility, and growing presence on the plein air stage.
But Li wasn’t the only watercolor artist taking home big prizes. We also want to celebrate Geoff Allen’s win of The Irvine Museum Award for Town Proud.
Watercolor’s definitely having a moment, and we’re here for it!
