Sunday, May 17, 2015

La Laguna

Yesterday the Saturday paint-out group met at Vincent Lugo Park in San Gabriel.  Not an ordinary park!  It's home to La Laguna de San Gabriel a children's playground of giant, whimsical, cement sea creatures.  The animal sculptures were created by artist Benjamin Dominguez.  La Laguna and its sculptures are a state landmark and are being restored.

We weren't aware ahead of arriving that it happened to be the exact 50th anniversary for La Laguna.  Opening Day was May 16, 1965!  The last time we painted at the park it was very quiet but not for the 50th celebration.  There were city officials, old photos, music, a big cake, and even a drum line.  I remembered on my previous visit Ollie the Octopus had a broken tentacle and was fenced off from climbing kids.  It was great to see he's been restored.  I tried a pretty fast gouache piece since it was a hectic day at the park.     


5" x 7" Gouache








12 comments:

  1. Your sketch is beautiful, love the light! It is wonderful to see a park like this being restored and not torn down.The octopus is my favorite.

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  2. Looks like an interesting place. I do like that octopus too.

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  3. I see you added the kid - the photos I took came out really good

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    1. meant the photos I took of your painting (those were the only ones that came out good)

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  4. I love this. I like the kid. It has a Puff the Magic Dragon kind of feel to it. I'm glad we were there for the birthday.

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