SOLANA BEACH — By Jeff O’Brien

SOLANA BEACH — Greg Balogh, a professional artist and owner of the Gregory J. Balogh Gallery, was shocked at what he discovered when he arrived at his gallery at 337 South Cedros Avenue on Nov. 12.

A burglar had climbed a trellis to the second-story gallery, smashed a sliding glass door to break in, and stolen seven paintings — three of which were unfinished.

One of the paintings depicted a still life scene while the others were paintings of koi fish in vibrant shades of red, green and blue. Balogh estimated the loss at $12,000.

According to Balogh, the break-in occurred either late Nov. 11 or early Nov. 12 and the person left mud tracks while leaving the scene.

“It looks like it was only one individual,” Balogh said. “Along with the paintings, some of my new brushes were stolen. This person also took my iPod.”

The burglar passed over the works of two other artists that were in the gallery as well as a set of electric tools.

Balogh said the burglar might be looking to resell the stolen paintings. Anyone with more information is asked to call the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department’s Encinitas Sheriff Station at (760) 966-3500.