San Diego resident Michaela Jean Upp has launched an exhibit of watercolor paintings of Pacific Beach and Mission Beach, hoping she can capture those places that have changed just a bit despite the influx of tourism and the city’s urban growth. In “Pacific Beach Paperworks,” Upp has invested a lot of nostalgia, particularly in relation to architecture and space. She has painted 15 mixed media drawings of the beach area, such as catamarans on the sand, that continuously illustrate both neighborhoods’ vibes. After moving away for schooling and other opportunities, Upp noticed the changes made to her home each time she returned to PB. There were a lot of new businesses along Garnet Avenue, and even the side streets seemed to continually sport condominiums in place of old single-family homes. Pacific Beach and Mission Beach, unlike European neighborhoods, have only minimally preserved their historical authenticity. Upp essentially attempts to stop change and time. Upp thinks that fixtures like the Crystal Pier or the Giant Dipper serve as the only implication of the vibrant community that surrounds them and are therefore just as likely to represent the city in 1970 as they are today. Through lines, perspectives and colors, the structures and spaces take on their own personas that reflect their purpose and unique aesthetic. “I intentionally simplify the atmosphere to accurately represent the most common weather patterns seen in the beach community,” Upp says, “but even more importantly to accentuate the beauty of the manmade structure in focus, which can be so easily overlooked when compared to the natural beauty of the communities’ beaches, estuaries, forests of palms, sunsets and mountainous backdrops.” Info
– San Diego artist Michaela Jean Upp has created 15 original watercolor and mixed media works on paper commemorating iconic Pacific and Mission Beach locations.
– “Pacific Beach Paperworks” pay tribute to the jewels of Pacific and Mission Beach that served as the literal building blocks – Paintings are available for purchase at www.michaelajeanart.com
– More info: www.michaelajeanart.com