Welcome to Contra Costa Plein Air

                    

Contra Costa Plein Air is a friendly group of artists who get together to paint at scenic locations all around the Bay Area, mostly focused on Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano Counties. We've recently teamed up with the Jade Fon Painters and we're following the calendar of Saturday paint-outs they've planned for the rest of this year. In addition to Saturdays we often set up mid-week paint-outs on a completely random schedule inspired by the weather, special opportunities and members' suggestions. New artists are always welcome, open to all media and all experience levels, no fee to participate, no RSVP's required. Just show up and enjoy!

To learn about upcoming paint-outs:

• Visit this website, Contra Costa Plein Air
• Visit our Facebook group page @contracostapleinair
• Receive paint-out announcements via email by joining our contacts list. Email Nancy Roberts, nrobertsart@sbcglobal.net to be added to the list.

If you have questions feel free to email group coordinator Nancy Roberts at nrobertsart@sbcglobal.net. We look forward to painting with you sometime soon!

And here's something cool! You can order all kinds of fun and functional products sporting the Contra Costa Plein Air logo.  Click here to browse the collection.

Mystery Spot, Antioch, December 5, 2025

Our casual group of local artist friends will be painting at this beautiful park in Antioch on Friday, December 5, 10 am - 2 pm. If you're on our mailing list you'll receive an email with details. If you'd like to be added to the list please contact Nancy Roberts at nrobertsart@sbcglobal.net.

Markham Nature Park, Concord, Nov 29 and Dec 6, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air and Jade Fon Paint-Out

Saturdays, November 29 and December 6, 10 am - 2 pm

Markham Nature Park and Arboretum

1202 La Vista Ave., Concord CA 94521

Website: Visit – Markham Nature Park and Arboretum

Jade Fon Painters please note, this is a change to our calendar (we're postponing the planning meeting.)

Markham Nature Park is always beautiful this time of year! Let's paint there the next two Saturdays, November 29th and December 6th. And here's something nice -- if it happens to be raining we can paint under the large, sheltering gazebo. Just wear layers in case it's chilly!

Park in the lot at the end of La Vista Avenue, then explore the garden pathways to choose your spot. The Creekside Trail is a group favorite with pretty views of Galindo Creek, wild grapevines, lilacs, redwoods, oaks, maples and more.  I'm attaching a map to help you find us.

Please note, there are NO RESTROOMS in this park, but shopping centers are a short drive away. Admission is free, we'll paint rain or shine, hope to see you there!

Mystery Spot, Richmond, November 22, 2025

We'll be painting at this pretty spot in Richmond on Saturday, November 22, 10 am - 2 pm. If you're on our plein air group mailing list you'll receive specifics about the location. If you'd like to be added to the list email Nancy Roberts at nrobertsart@sbcglobal.net. Cheers!

Mystery Spot, Martinez, November 15, 2025

Our casual group of local artist friends will be painting at this pretty shoreline park in Martinez on Saturday, November 15 from around 10 am to 2 pm. If you're on our plein air group mailing list you'll receive specifics about the location. If you'd like to be added to the list email Nancy Roberts at nrobertsart@sbcglobal.net. Cheers!

Hagemann Ranch, Livermore, November 1 & 8, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air and Jade Fon Paint-Out

Saturdays, November 1 and 8, 10 am - 2 pm

Hagemann Ranch

455 Olivina Ave., Livermore CA 94551

https://lhg.org/Site_Hagemann/Hagemann_Ranch.html

The first two Saturdays in November, Nov 1 and 8, we'll be painting at the historic Hagemann Ranch in Livermore, always a group favorite. The Livermore Heritage Guild is hosting this artists' day especially for us so there'll be plenty of space and quiet time to explore and paint.

The entrance for Hagemann Ranch has a sign and large address numerals 455 on the fence. (Note that our destination is not Hagemann Park, the adjacent community park.) At that entrance, drive through the gate to park on-site, or if the lot is full you can park on Olivina Avenue. There is usually a volunteer on hand to greet us, but checking in is not required. Just enter through the visitors' gate and wander to your heart's content. The gardens, buildings and displays will be open. There are some shady areas and benches. Bring your own water and snacks.

Admission is free but donations are appreciated. The restroom is open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Lafayette Reservoir, November 6, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, November 6, 10 am - 2 pm

Lafayette Reservoir

3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette CA 94549

Park website: Lafayette Reservoir :: East Bay Municipal Utility District

Let's go back to the Rez! We'll paint in our favorite area around the Visitors' Center where you'll find beautiful views in all directions. 

Enter the park at 3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd. and drive up to the main parking lot. Stop there to buy a One-Day Parking Permit at the ticket machine, then head to the right to drive toward the boat rental and Visitors' Center area. Continue up that road and park at the upper level parking lot.

If you'd like, you can stop briefly in the Visitor's Center Loading Zone to drop off your gear first, then drive uphill to park. Or you can go ahead and park and make your way down to the shoreline on foot. There are steps going down to the front of the Visitors' Center, and there's also a gentle downhill trail at the other end of the parking lot. I'm attaching a map to help you find your way.

Parking permits are required, $7 for a One Day Permit. There are permit vending machines in the parking lot, but if those are broken you can also buy a parking permit at the Visitors' Center. Restrooms are open, rain cancels. Always a great spot -- hope to see you there!

Mystery Spot, Antioch, October 22, 2025

 

A note from Nancy -- I'll be painting at this pretty spot in Antioch on Wednesday, October 22 from around 10 am to 2 pm, and I always enjoy company! Email me if you'd like the deets, nrobertsart@sbcglobal.net

Diablo View near Northgate HS, October 11 & 18, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air and Jade Fon Paint-Out

Saturdays, October 11 & 18, 10 am - 2 pm

Field across from Northgate High School

Parking Option A: street parking near Northgate HS, 425 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94598

Parking Option B: street parking on Trails End Dr., Walnut Creek CA 94598

(Jade Fon Painters please note, this is a change to our calendar to adjust for the new Paint Pleasanton dates, Oct 25 & 26)

The next two Saturdays, Oct 11 and 18, we'll be painting at one of our favorite locations, the wide-open field and Diablo view across from Northgate High School. You'll find great views all along the wide, paved trail. The gravel edge is a bridle path so let’s not block it with our set-ups (horses don't like umbrellas!) Also, keep an eye out for poison oak and ticks in grassy areas.

Parking Option A: In front of Northgate High School you can park in the wide gravel shoulder across the street or find a spot along the curb.

Parking Option B: For access to the top end of the trail you can park on Trails End Drive. Just beyond the roundabout on Oak Grove Rd. turn left onto North Gate Rd., then right on Trails End Dr. Park near the end of the street where you'll see a pedestrian gate to the trail.

Please note -- there are no public restrooms at this location, so plan ahead. There are shopping centers within a short drive. Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there! 

Sycamore Grove Park, Livermore, October 4, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air and Jade Fon Paint-Out

Saturday, October 4, 10 am - 2 pm

Sycamore Grove Park

Plan A: 1051 Wetmore Road, Livermore CA 94550

Plan B: Arroyo Road Entrance, 5049 Arroyo Road

Website: https://www.larpd.org/sycamore-grove-park

Let's go back to beautiful Sycamore Grove Park! We'll be parking at the Wetmore Road entrance at 1051 Wetmore Road. If the Wetmore lot happens to be full when you get there you can head up to the other park entrance at 5049 Arroyo Road. 

Starting from the Wetmore parking lot you have a couple of choices: To the left, the Sycamore Trail has views of vineyards and the hills beyond. To the right, the Arroyo Del Valle Regional Trail passes through groves of sycamores and oaks out to open grassland and more vineyard views.

There's a $5 parking fee at both park entrances (Wetmore and Arroyo), restrooms are open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Howe Homestead Park, Walnut Creek, September 20 & 27, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air paint-out

Saturdays, September 20 & 27, 10 am - 2 pm

Howe Homestead Park

2950 Walnut Blvd, Walnut Creek CA 94596

Website: Howe Homestead Park | Parks | Walnut Creek Arts + Rec

The last two Saturdays this month -- September 20th and 27th -- we'll be painting at beautiful Howe Homestead Park in Walnut Creek. It's a picturesque historic ranch and community garden in a peaceful country setting. A group favorite!

Admission is free, the restroom is open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Update about East Bay Regional Parks paint-outs

Hi plein air friends,

Just wanted to share an update about something new: From now on, when we're planning a paint-out at any East Bay Regional Park I'll be inviting you via personal email rather than posting the details here or on Facebook. We'll just gather as a small group of friends. (That's how it's always been, anyway!)

For destinations that are not East Bay Regional Parks I'll continue posting paint-out details here as well as in our Facebook group, plus I'll send emails.

Many of you are already on my email contacts list for paint-out announcements, but if you're not and would like to be added feel free to email me, Nancy Roberts, at nrobertsart@sbcglobal.net

I look forward to painting with you sometime soon!

Nancy

Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline, Richmond, August 30, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air and Jade Fon Paint-Out

Saturday, August 30, 10 am - 2 pm

Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline

900 Dornan Dr., Richmond CA 94801

Park website: Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline | East Bay Parks

Let's paint at this beautiful park along the San Francisco Bay! I'd like to gather at the south end of the park at the Ferry Point area for views of the historic ferry terminal and fishing pier. I'm calling this "Plan A" on the attached paint-out map. There's a parking lot at the south end of Dornan Drive with a restroom and paved trails out to the shoreline.

Or some of you may prefer to paint at Keller Beach at the north end of the park. I'm calling this "Plan B" on the paint-out map. You'll find parking along Dornan Drive and trails down to the beach. This area has picnic tables and a restroom. 

Admission is free, restrooms are open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!