Laguna artist Terry Thornsley, 57, found dead at home

Laguna Beach sculptor and painter Terry Thornsley, whose works included the mural at the lifeguard headquarters building at Main Beach, was found dead at his Laguna Canyon home Tuesday.

He was 57.

The Orange County coroner’s office confirmed Thornsley’s death Thursday. Laguna Beach police had received a call from a neighbor asking for a welfare check at Thornsley’s house, Sgt. Tim Kleiser wrote in an email. Officers found Thornsley dead inside.

Kleiser did not provide additional details about the death since the investigation is ongoing. An autopsy was scheduled to be performed Thursday.

Hundreds of Thornsley’s bronze, marble, stone and mixed-media sculptures, and paintings are held in private collections throughout the world, according to his website.

Marine mammals, sea birds, fish, coral and the ocean are recurring subjects in Thornsley’s artwork.

City Arts Commissioner Pat Kollenda called Thornsley’s death “beyond sad” and said he was an “amazing” artist.”

Kollenda was chairwoman when the commission recommended Thornsley’s mural design for the lifeguard headquarters in 2013.

“He was so excited and thrilled,” Kollenda said. “His work was stunning. Terry was a perfectionist.”

Kollenda also noted the bronze tree outside of the Montage Laguna Beach as an example of Thornsley’s craftsmanship.

“Every leaf was separately done,” Kollenda said.

Cultural Arts Manager Sian Poeschl said Thornsley was scheduled to present on Monday his proposal for a bench at Crescent Bay Park.

“Unfortunately, we may never see his creative intentions,” she said. “But the creative contributions he has made to our public landscape will be enjoyed for decades.”

Thornsley grew up in a Navy family and traveled a lot during his youth, his website says. He began his art career in 1972 at age 14.

For many years Thornsley, a self-taught artist, concentrated on sketching and painting. Nature and movement were his favorite themes, and gallery owners began displaying his work when he was in high school.

At 21, Thornsley began to sculpt.

Through keen observation, innate talent and fellowship with other artists, Thornsley developed his abilities, his website says.

In 1976, he settled in Southern California and trained at the master foundry at Mt. San Jacinto College.

Thornsley was single and had no children, Poeschl said.

“His public art pieces were his children,” Poeschl said.