Art That Inspires Wonder

Dwight’s Circa 1932                                             

Sepia Watercolor & Gouache

Created as a commissioned piece for Dwight’s Beach Concession, this artwork captures the playful spirit and early days of Huntington Beach when sun umbrellas dotted the sand, and beachgoers gathered for simple seaside fun. Founded in 1932, Dwight’s was the very first concession on the beach—serving generations of locals and visitors as a hub of coastal life just steps from the shore. Painted in warm sepia watercolor and gouache, Dwight’s Circa 1932 blends nostalgia with whimsy, celebrating a time when beach days were unhurried, community mattered, and the shoreline buzzed with laughter, towels, and timeless summer rituals. This piece honors not just a place, but a living piece of Huntington Beach history.

Company names are used for identification purposes only. All artwork © Toni Haas

Commissioned Character Design

Watercolor and Technical Pens

As part of Dwight’s creative rebrand, Toni Haas created a cast of original characters inspired by the stand’s most iconic menu items, channeling the playful cool of the classic drive-in era.

Leading the lineup is the legendary tortilla strip—reimagined as a bold, confident ringleader with undeniable swagger—setting the tone for the whole crew. Close behind is the world-famous basket of cheese strips, brought to life as an exuberant fan favorite, along with a fearless, saucy sidekick (because let’s be honest… it’s all about the sauce!). 

Illustrated with mid-century flair and beach-town attitude, these characters capture the fun, flavor, and carefree spirit of classic Southern California.

GUESS WHAT? They’ve even leapt off the page as plushies, letting fans take a piece of Dwight’s retro-cool world home with them.

Together, they transform Dwight’s into more than a place to grab a bite—it becomes a living, playful world where history, food, and surf-town culture collide.

Dwight’s Circa 1948                                 

Sepia Watercolor & Gouache

Rendered in sepia watercolor and gouache, the piece evokes the warmth of vintage photographs, capturing a pivotal post–World War II moment in the late 1940s when Dwight’s expanded into a drive-in at Pacific Coast Highway and Beach Boulevard. During this period, drive-ins flourished across Southern California, reflecting the rise of automobile culture and the changing rhythms of postwar life near the Huntington Beach Pier.

The scene features women working as carhops, a hallmark of mid-century drive-in culture, who served customers directly at their cars and became recognizable figures of the era. Their uniforms, gestures, and interactions—alongside period vehicles and architecture—illustrate the optimism, social connection, and everyday rituals that defined this chapter of American history.

Through Dwight’s Circa 1932, history is not merely documented but thoughtfully re-imagined, preserving a meaningful slice of Huntington Beach’s cultural past and inviting viewers to step back in time to experience the stories, spirit, and community that once gathered along the coast.

Company names are used for identification purposes only. All artwork © Toni Haas

Step into a world of digital art and discover the limitless possibilities of this exciting medium. Toni Haas's digital art is a true testament to the power of technology and creativity.

In addition to her commissioned and character-driven work, Toni Haas is actively illustrating children’s books that blend art, storytelling, and local history. She is currently collaborating with historian and author Chris Epting on Time Surfers, the first title in the Hidden History Explorers series. The book introduces young readers to the rich and surprising history of Huntington Beach, California, through imaginative time-travel adventures and vibrant illustrations. Time Surfers is scheduled for release in late spring / early summer, inviting children and families to discover local history in a fun, engaging, and visually immersive way. 

Sepia and gouache watercolor on paper

Painted by Toni Haas, Artist, this work was created as a special gift for Jack Clapp, Dwight Clapp’s son, honoring both family and legacy. 

Inspired by early Huntington Beach beach-era imagery from around 1932, the painting reflects Dwight’s role in the formative years of Dwight’s and the pioneering coastal culture of the time.

With Dwight’s preparing to re-open, this enduring legacy continues—connecting generations through tradition, community, and place.

Custom Artwork 

Want something personal? 

Toni offers custom, one-of-a-kind artwork created just for you.   You bring the idea.

Toni brings it to life—brushstroke by brushstroke. 

This painting is part of the Surfing into Seasons series of (4) paintings.   Artwork can be printed on a variety of surfaces, including canvas, fine art paper, and more.

Custom Painting – H.B. Corner Market

This custom painting of H.B. Corner Market was created by Toni Haas, an Artist, for Suzanne, the owner, to celebrate her community impact and the market’s legacy as a local landmark. 

Rendered in watercolors and technical pen, the piece captures the character, charm, and everyday familiarity that make the market such a meaningful part of the Huntington Beach community.

Through careful line work and layered washes of color, the painting blends architectural detail with a sense of place—celebrating not just the building itself, but the stories, memories, and neighborhood spirit it represents.