Watch CBS News

Best Abstract Art Exhibits In OC

lagunaartmuseum 610
(credit: Laguna Art Museum)

Joy, pain, innocence and the collective emotions are typically seen in an abstract painting, and it is open to interpretation to the artist and the viewer. Orange County is the home to all art forms, and the creative community is one that is prevalent in all cities throughout the area. Here are the top locations to view abstract art in the Orange County region.

oc museum of art
(credit: Orange County Museum of Art)

Robert Rauschenberg
Orange County Museum Of Art
850 San Clemente Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 759-1122
ocma.net

Robert Rauschenberg was one of the more influential artists that crossed boundaries of material and methods. The artist is best known for his pop art movement in the 50s, and his approach has been referred to by many as "Neo Dadaist" with abstract expressionism. The nine pieces of work on display from Rauschenberg are varied as collages, prints and light boxes. The Orange County Museum of Art aims to enrich the lives of the community with modern and contemporary art. Through Oct. 11, a selection of work by Robert Rauschenberg will be on display dating from 1971 to 1985.

Laguna Beach First Thursdays Art Walk
(credit: Laguna Beach First Thursdays Art Walk)

Marcia Hafif
Laguna Art Museum
307 Cliff Drive
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 494-8971
lagunaartmuseum.org

This local artist spent much of her childhood in Laguna Beach and continued to exhibit her work in the area. She has "emerged in the 1970s as a key figure among artists searching for ways of painting beyond abstraction." Although she lives and works in New York, she still has a home and studio local in Laguna Beach, and her current work at the Laguna Art Museum consists of work that she created during her time in the area. A widely known artist in Europe, this is the first time she is featured in a one-person museum exhibit in her childhood home. The work selected for display are from the Red Paintings, Pacific Ocean paintings, double glaze paintings, TGGT and shade paintings.

John Wayne Airport
(credit: John Wayne Airport)

Paul Gardner
John Wayne Airport
18601 Airport Way
Santa Ana, CA 92707
(949) 252-5200
ocair.com

A unique venue for abstract art is at the local John Wayne Airport, where there is a collection of abstract paintings by the Laguna Beach artist Paul Gardner. Located in the Thomas F. Riley section of the Airport Community Focus Space Program, it is a great opportunity for artists to reach a broader audience outside of the traditional gallery exhibit through the thousands of visitors who pour through each month. The artist received European training and take an image that goes beyond the traditional artwork to reveal colors, textures and amazing forms. He takes the traditional landscape and unveils a deeper form that is true to abstract art.

Related:  Best Summer Art Festivals In OC

Randy Higbee Gallery
(credit: Randy H./yelp)

Randy Higbee Gallery
102 Kalmus
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
(714) 546-2156
randyhigbeegallery.com

The 40-year-old gallery has a mission of supplying clients with the finest wholesale art and it is the home to many interior designers, artists, galleries, restaurants and much more in its 23,000-square-foot showroom. Local artists have exhibited their work at this venue and it is a great place that is unique in its own right. Located in Orange County's Design District, the gallery is a great place to host events with the artwork in place. 

art gallery
(credit: Shutterstock)

Orange County Creatives
761 S. Coast Highway
Laguna Beach, CA  92651
(978) 473-9658
www.orangecountycreativesgallery.com

There is a variety of art on display at this gallery, which features local up-and-coming talent in a variety of mediums. But their exhibitions regularly feature abstract work and artists, making it a great place to come peruse the several exhibitions they have on display at one time. This fall, be sure to check out "green" which, you guessed it, is "embracing the color green," running through Aug. 28. Also check out "Flora and Fauna," celebrating plants, animals and nature, running Aug. 31 - Sept. 25.

Related: Best Upcoming Museum Exhibits In OC

Elle Toussi is a freelance journalist covering all things Southern California. She has traveled to the Middle East in 2013 and 2014 covering the Syrian refugee situation in Jordan. That experience inspired her to become the founder of InOneMinute.org which uses the power of mobile technology and philanthropy to meet specific needs of women around the world. Her previous work can also be found on Examiner.com and AXS.com.
View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.