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 paint on weekdays (usually Thursdays) on a completely random schedule inspired by the weather 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.

Martinez Shoreline, January 29, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, January 29, 10 am - 2 pm

Martinez Shoreline

North end of N. Court Street, Martinez CA 94553

Let's go back to the beautiful Martinez shoreline! We'll be painting in the area around Ferry Point and the Martinez Marina. Park at the Ferry Point Picnic Area at the North end of North Court Street, then fan out to find your spot. It's a short walk to views of the Carquinez Strait, beaches, boats and bridges as well as the remains of the old ferry landing.

I'm attaching a map to help you find our location. Admission is free, there are restrooms in the Harbor Master's Building next to the Marina, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Lafayette Reservoir again, January 14, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

WEDNESDAY, January 14, 10 am - 2 pm

Lafayette Reservoir

3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette CA 94549

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

The Rez is so gorgeous right now -- let's go back! Should be sunny but chilly so plan to wear layers. Our group usually paints at the area next to the Visitors' Center, but you may prefer to paint the views from the main parking lot area (easier getting your stuff to and from your car).

To get to the Visitors' Center drive down the narrow road at the right side of the main parking lot. Parking at the Visitors' Center is a loading zone only, so you can park briefly to drop off your gear, then park your car in the parking lot that's above the Visitors' Center.

The park entrance is at 3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd. 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.

I'm attaching a map to help you get oriented. Day use fee is $7, restrooms are open, rain cancels. Always a beautiful location — hope to see you there!

Lafayette Reservoir, January 8, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, January 8, 10 am - 2 pm

Lafayette Reservoir

3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette CA 94549

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

The forecast shows a break in the rain on January 8th so let's head to the Lafayette Reservoir! Our group usually paints at the area next to the Visitors' Center, but you may prefer to paint the views from the main parking lot area (easier getting your stuff to and from your car).

To get to the Visitors' Center drive down the narrow road at the right side of the main parking lot. Parking at the Visitors' Center is a loading zone only, so you can park briefly to drop off your gear, then park your car in the parking lot that's above the Visitors' Center.

The park entrance is at 3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd. 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.

I'm attaching a map to help you get oriented. Day use fee is $7, restrooms are open, rain cancels. Always a beautiful location -- hope to see you there!

Winter Break December 2025

Paint-out winter break! Enjoy your holidays, plein air friends, and let's get back to it when the weather warms up a bit. This would be a great time to finish some plein air starts in the cozy comfort of your studio. 

Cheers, everyone -- see you next year! 😉

Jade Fon Painters please note, our calendar indicates Coyote Hills for December 20 but we're cancelling due to vehicle access and parking closures. We already planned to have no paint-out on December 27.

Glen Cove Waterfront Park, Vallejo, December 13, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air and Jade Fon Paint-Out

Saturday, December 13, 10 am - 2 pm

Glen Cove Waterfront Park

End of Whitesides Dr., Vallejo CA 94591

Park website: Glen Cove Waterfront Park

Let's go back to beautiful Glen Cove Waterfront Park! This spot has great views of the Glen Cove shoreline and a sweeping panorama across the Carquinez Strait. Windy weather is always possible at this shoreline area, so be prepared.

The park is at the end of Whitesides Drive in Vallejo. Park in the small lot or on the street. From there you can walk straight ahead out to the lookout area or turn left to take the trail down to the pretty little beach and agave grove.

Please note that there are no restrooms at this park, but there are public restrooms a short drive up the hill at Glen Cove School Park next to the tennis courts at 605 Glen Cove Parkway.

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

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, 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.

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