Portrait and Figurative Art in and around Orange County

As a portrait artist, I have visited many art museums throughout the world, yet when I come back home and look at what is housed in our local museums, I am always amazed at the number of quality master portrait collections so close to home.

Here is a list of my favorite places to visit:

Orange County

Laguna Art Museum
This museum has a very contemporary collection. You won't find too many portraits or classical paintings, but if you are in the neighborhood I would stop bye to see what's new.


Laguna Beach MuseumIt's worth a drive to tour the museum and then take a nice stroll along the beach. The museum has a nice permanent collection of works by California artists and brings interesting works from contemporary artists.





Orange County Museum of Art
Usually has very contemporary exhibits.


The Bowers Museum of Cultural Art
California's Golden Years period (1915 to 1935) highlight the museum's spectacular collection mostly of plein air paintings, but there are some nice portraits as well.


The Irvine Museum





In Los Angeles

Los Angels County Museum of Art







J.Paul Getty Museum






San Diego


San Diego Museum of Art
Has "The Shepherdess" by William Adolphe Bouguereau!