Marine Artist Wyland Paints 100th Whaling Wall Mural In OC

LAGUNA BEACH, CA —Famed artist Robert Wyland's Laguna Beach gallery is a must-see draw for visitors to the city and lovers of marine art. Artist and muralist of now 100 larger than life "whaling wall" murals, Wyland has developed a plan to salvage the art rather than see more painted over.

"It's harder to save them than it is to paint them," Wyland told the Orange County Register in a recent interview.

Wyland's large-scale murals have disappeared from Laguna Beach and full-sized stadiums, such as the one in Seattle, Washington.

On July 9, his 63rd birthday, he began work on a temporary canvas mural in a recreation of his first mother gray whale and calf.

The painting of local marine life, the whales, kelp forest, along with sea lions, harbor seals, blue sharks, fish, and birds now also includes a male leading the family.

The work of art will be protected with a sealant, and his plan is to relocate it to a marine museum within ten years time.

Wyland says he will continue diving the reef outside of his Laguna Beach studio for inspiration. He will continue painting "whenever he gets a break from studio work through Aug. 15."

The mural will be rededicated at the end of August, Wyland said. "Everyone is invited to the ceremony," he extended an invitation to all to check out the progression of the mural while he paints.