Pictured is Wyland's Whaling Wall #31, Gray Whale Migration, in Redondo Beach, Calif. It is painted on the AES power plant building next to the beach.

Sometimes you love art for its statement. Wyland is about the message, but also pays attention to size and placement. But the successful California artist who paints public whale murals on major buildings around the U.S. (and world) is on a mission–to save the oceans, and to reach youngsters who will soon be the decision makers.

Having completed his goal of painting 100 public murals in 2008, it took Wyland 27 years of travel to 5 continents, and he finished his 100th mural in Beijing, China calling it Hands Across the Ocean.

In California several of Wyland's murals have become extinct though you can still see 11 of around 15 “Whaling Wall” murals in cities from San Francisco to San Diego. The biggest mural in the world set the Guinness Book of World Records. It is 1280'wide x 105'high is located next to the Long Beach Convention Center on the Long Beach Arena exterior walls.

Even though his Whaling Wall project is completed, the artist continues to create new projects, most involving children who learn about the ocean through murals and art projects.

Wyland's California appearances November 2011:

• Special Wyland Gallery Show at Laguna Beach, Calif. November 12, 2011, 6 – 10 p.m.
  Wyland Galleries, 509 S. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA Call (949) 376-8000.
• Special Wyland Gallery Show at Seaport Village, San Diego, Calif. November 13, 2011, Noon – 4 p.m.
  Wyland Galleries, 855 W. Harbor Drive, #52, San Diego, CA. Call 800-WYLAND-5.