Arizonan Paints Winning Image of San Clemente

An Arizona man who discovered the city's annual "Paint San Clemente" art contest via Google won first place in the competition Saturday.

Josh Clare's oil piece "Su Casa" received top honors and $5,000 at a gala held Saturday evening by the San Clemente Art Association.

“I heard about the show by Googling ‘art competition,’ ” said Clare, an Arizona native. “There’a a lot of really outstanding paintings in the show and I feel privileged to be a part of  it.”

The gala showcased more than 100 artists whose watercolor, oil and acrylic creations were accumulated and judged throughout the week, beginning with the "" competition.

“This year, we raised five $1,000 scholarships,” said San Clemente Art Association chair and event organizer Pam Hill. “It’s great for our schools and our community as we support the arts.”

“I’m learning that I can paint anywhere and anytime,” said Manhattan Beach artist Robert Waxman. “The weather was the biggest challenge, but there’s always somewhere to paint.”