Wet, Wild and Action-Packed

While Northern California enjoys the stylized nautical artistry of the legendary Jim DeWitt, Southern California has Ron Bartczak. The 80-year-old Newport sailor spent most of his life as an advertising executive. “When I retired from the ad game, I began looking for sailing art for my walls,” says Bartczak. “I couldn’t find what I wanted so I broke out my brushes and paint. The result was what I call ‘Action Sailing Art’, which depicts sailing as it should be illustrated: wet, wild, exciting and action-packed.”

If you find yourself in the Costa Mesa area this summer, be sure to drop by Anne’s Boutique Wines (270 E. 17th St.; 949-631-6627) to check out Bartczak’s current exhibit of ‘action sailing art’, which ends September 1. Though his website is currently under construction, you can email the artist directly.