Capturing the Coast: A Watercolor Tribute to La Jolla Shores

La Jolla Shores Lifeguard 33, Watercolor on paper (11" x 14") Bruce Black

There is a specific feeling that washes over you when you finally arrive at your "happy place." For my wife and me, that place is La Jolla Shores.
We make the pilgrimage from Phoenix every year. We leave the daily routine behind and trade it for the expansive sands, the towering sunny cliffs, and that distinct, surprisingly small-town vibe that "The Shores" manages to maintain despite being part of San Diego.
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As a professional artist, I am always looking for scenes that don't just look beautiful, but feel specific. On our last trip, I found myself captivated by the end of the day—that "golden hour" exhale when the light softens and the ocean turns a dusty purple.
I wanted to capture that feeling in my studio. The result is my latest piece: a La Jolla Shores watercolor painting depicting the iconic Lifeguard Tower 33 at sunset.

The Artistic Process: Painting Tower 3

​Capturing the atmosphere of the California coast in watercolor was a deliberate choice. The medium is fluid and slightly unpredictable, just like the ocean itself.
For this piece, I focused on the contrast between the man-made and the natural. Tower 33 is a sturdy, geometric anchor in the composition, standing tall against the soft, bleeding washes of lavender, muted orange, and pale yellow in the sky.
If you look closely at the foreground, you’ll see I used wet-on-wet techniques to paint the sand. I wanted to replicate that mirror-like reflection you get at low tide, just as the water recedes. The figures—surfers gathering by the tower—are painted as silhouettes. They could be debating catching "one last wave" or simply watching the sun dip below the horizon.

A Brief History of La Jolla Shores​

La Jolla Shores Historical Photo. Photo credits unknown.

Part of why I love creating artwork about La Jolla is the rich history of the location. It feels different than the rest of the area for a reason. While the main "Village" of La Jolla sits on a rocky promontory (famous for the Cove and the seals), "The Shores" is a long, flat, crescent moon expanse tucked away to the north.

From "Long Beach" to a Coastal Gem
Historically, this area was sometimes just called "Long Beach" because of its geography. For a long time, it was vast, open land. The community we know today really began taking shape in the 1920s. Developers realized this flat expanse was perfect for a more relaxed, accessible style of beach living compared to the rugged cliffs of the Village.
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The Vibe Today
What’s remarkable is how it has retained its character. While much of Southern California built up rapidly, The Shores still feels accessible. It’s known for having the gentlest waves in San Diego, making it a haven for families, kayakers, and longboarders.
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It has that "small town feel" my wife and I cherish. You can walk off the sand and grab a casual taco or an ice cream cone without the pretense found in other tourist hubs.

Bringing the California Coast Home

We love the sunny cliffs that frame the northern end of the beach near Scripps Pier, and we love the endless walks on the hard-packed sand.

This painting is my way of bottling that experience. It isn't just a picture of a lifeguard tower; it’s a memory of those fleeting sunset moments where the world feels calm, beautiful, and exactly where it should be.

​If you are looking for original watercolor paintings of La Jolla Shores to bring a piece of the coast into your home, I hope this painting resonates with you. I also know that we all have our own unique 'happy place.' If you have a favorite photo from your own travels that you would love to see painted, I am currently accepting commissions. Feel free to send me your photo, and let's turn your memory into a custom work of art.

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