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 and beyond. Our paint-out schedule is random, usually weekdays, with dates and locations inspired by the weather and members' suggestions. New artists are always welcome! There is no fee to participate.

Upcoming paint-outs will be posted here on this blog. You can also visit Contra Costa Plein Air on Facebook to see upcoming paint-out events as well as photos of past paint-outs and helpful posts from members about plein air opportunities and topics of interest.

If you'd like to receive paint-out announcements by email contact Nancy Roberts, nancyrobertsstudio@gmail.com, to join the group. We look forward to painting with you sometime soon!

Now you can order all kinds of fun and functional products sporting the Contra Costa Plein Air logo.  Click here to browse the collection.

Lafayette Reservoir Visitor Center, December 14, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, December 14, 10 am - 2 pm

Lafayette Reservoir

3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette CA 94549

Lafayette Reservoir :: East Bay Municipal Utility District (ebmud.com)

Let's go back to the Lafayette Reservoir and paint at our favorite area around the Visitor Center. While you're there, I'd like to invite you to come inside the Visitor Center to see a little exhibit of my paintings and enjoy some refreshments with me!

Enter the park at 3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd. and drive up to the main parking lot. In the middle of the parking lot there are ticket machines where you can purchase a One Day Parking Permit for $7. From there turn right and drive down to the Visitor Center. It's next to the docks with all the colorful boats.

Parking at the Visitor Center is a loading zone only, but there’s a large all-day parking lot just up the hill that’s convenient. I suggest popping into the loading zone to drop off your gear, then driving up the hill to park. From there you can walk down a series of steps to the Visitor Center.

I'm attaching a map to help you find our paint-out spot at the Visitor Center and clarify the parking.

Day use fee is $7, restrooms are open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Nancy Roberts

Nancy Roberts Fine Art (nancyrobertsstudio.com)

Black Diamond again, December 7, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, December 7, 10 am - 2 pm

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

5175 Somersville Rd., Antioch, CA 94509

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

Let's paint at Black Diamond again, but this time at the upper level. After you enter the park, pass the first parking lot and continue driving all the way to the parking lot at the top of the hill. There are great views within a few steps of the parking lot, or you can walk up the paved trail for even more options, including views of the historic Rose Hill Cemetery.

Admission is usually free on weekdays, but be prepared to pay a $5 fee if the entry gate kiosk happens to be staffed. Restrooms are open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, November 29, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Wednesday, November 29, 10 am - 2 pm

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

5175 Somersville Rd., Antioch, CA 94509

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve 

Let's go back to beautiful Black Diamond Mines! This time we'll be painting at the lower level of the park where you'll find beautiful views of the hills and valley as well as a picturesque old ranch.

Park in the first parking lot on the left after you drive through the entry gate, then fan out to find your spot. One favorite area is the trail that runs along next to the old ranch and has great views up the valley. This trail starts at a hikers' gate across the street from the parking lot. It's a nice level, dirt trail (fire road). You can also find some good views right from the parking lot.

Admission is usually free this time of year but be prepared to pay a $5 fee if the entry gate kiosk happens to be staffed. The new restroom at this parking lot is open now, rain cancels.

Diablo Foothills Orchard Staging Area, November 26, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Sunday, November 26, 10 am - 2 pm

Diablo Foothills Regional Park Orchard Staging Area

Just beyond Castle Rock Arabians, 1350 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94598

https://www.ebparks.org/parks/diablo_foothills/

Let's go back to one of our favorite spots, the Diablo Foothills Regional Park Orchard Staging Area. Clear weather is forecast so it should be a nice day.

The best views are from the large parking lot. If the large lot's driveway gate is open, drive on in and park. If the gate is closed you can park across the street in the overflow lot. Set up your easel in the clear area around the perimeter of the parking lot, being careful not to block any parking spaces. You can also explore the trails for more view options. I'm attaching a map to help you find us.

Important directions: Please note that this location IS NOT at 1700 Castle Rock Rd., the address the website lists for Diablo Foothills Regional Park. Our spot is a big parking lot on the right side of Castle Rock Rd. just after you pass Castle Rock Arabians at 1350 Castle Rock Rd. The entrance has a big East Bay Regional Park sign and a driveway gate.

The new restroom is probably open, but if not there's a port-a-potty that's always open. Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Markham Nature Park, November 16, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, November 16, 10 am - 2 pm

Markham Nature Park and Arboretum

1202 La Vista Ave., Concord CA 94521

Website: http://markhamarboretum.org/visit/

Let's go back to Markham Nature Park in Concord. There's a chance of rain this Thursday, but if it's only a light rain we might enjoy painting under the large, sheltering gazebo with views out toward the surrounding gardens and trees. There are also some beautiful wisteria vines twisting around the posts of the gazebo that would make for an interesting close-up study. If it's raining hard that day you may choose to stay home, but if it's just cloudy with a chance of light rain, let's give it a try!

Park in the lot at the end of La Vista Avenue, then fan out to explore the garden paths or head to the gazebo if it's raining. 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, rain does not cancel (see my notes above.) I hope to see you there!

Howe Homestead Park again, November 9, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, November 9, 10 am - 2 pm

Howe Homestead Park

2950 Walnut Blvd., Walnut Creek CA 94596

Howe Homestead Park | Open Space | City of Walnut Creek (walnut-creek.org)

Howe Homestead Park was so beautiful yesterday (Nov 2), let's go back next Thursday, November 9, 10 am to 2 pm. Or you're welcome to get there earlier if you'd like to get a jump on the day. Be sure to check out the community garden just uphill from the historic buildings. It's a patchwork of homey little gardens full of fall color. You can set up along the pathways for some fun views.

Admission is free, the restroom is open, rain cancels.

Howe Homestead Park, November 2, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, November 2, 10 am - 2 pm

Howe Homestead Park

2950 Walnut Blvd., Walnut Creek CA 94596

Howe Homestead Park | Open Space | City of Walnut Creek (walnut-creek.org)

Let's paint at Howe Homestead Park, 2950 Walnut Blvd. in Walnut Creek (please note, it's Walnut Boulevard, not Walnut Avenue.) Howe Homestead is a small historic ranch with a farmhouse, windmill, barn, old farm equipment, lots of shade trees and a big community garden. It has a parking lot, restroom and picnic tables.

Admission is free, rain cancels. If it's just cool and cloudy we'll go ahead and paint. I hope to see you there!

Northgate HS again! Oct 28, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, October 28, 10 am - 2 pm

Diablo view across from Northgate High School

425 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94598

This spot was so great today (Oct 21), let's go back! Mild temps and a mix of clouds and sun are forecast, so it should be pleasant.

Head to Northgate High School, 425 Castle Rock Rd.in Walnut Creek. Park in the wide shoulder area across the street from the school, then walk out onto the trail to find your spot. The gravel edge of the trail is an active bridle path so let’s not block it with our set-ups. It’s also a popular path for pedestrians and cyclists. The trail is pretty wide, though, so there’s enough room for all of us.

Please note -- there are no restrooms at this location, so plan ahead. There are shopping centers within a short drive.

Admission is free. Rain cancels, but if it's just cloudy we'll go ahead and paint. I hope to see you there!

Diablo View in Walnut Creek, October 21, 2023

 

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, October 21, 10 am - 2 pm

Diablo view across from Northgate High School

425 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94598

Let's go back to one of our favorite locations, the Diablo view across the street from Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Mild weather is forecast, so it should be a nice day. 

Head to Northgate High School, 425 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94598. Park in the wide shoulder area across the street from the school, then walk out onto the trail to find your spot. The gravel edge of the trail is an active bridle path so let’s not block it with our set-ups. It’s also a popular walking path for humans. The trail is pretty wide, though, so there’s enough room for all of us.

Please note -- there are no restrooms at this location, so plan ahead. There are shopping centers within a short drive.

Admission is free. Rain cancels, but if it's just cloudy we'll go ahead and paint. I hope to see you there!

Lafayette Reservoir, October 19, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, October 19, 10 am - 2 pm

Lafayette Reservoir

3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette CA 94549

https://www.ebmud.com/recreation/east-bay/lafayette-reservoir

Let's go back to the beautiful Lafayette Reservoir! This time we'll be painting along the walkway at the top of the dam instead of at the Visitor Center where we've met in the past. Parking is easier at this location and there are spectacular views. The tower is especially dramatic from this side because it catches the morning sun.

Enter the park at the main entrance at 3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd. and drive up to the main parking lot. Look for the parking permit machines in the middle of the lot, purchase a day use permit for $7 (cash or card), and be sure to display your permit on your dash. (I hear that compliance is strictly enforced.) Park in that main lot, then fan out to find your spot. Most of us will probably set up along the concrete walkway at the top of the dam. I'm attaching a map to help you find us.

There are restrooms at the west end of the parking lot. Day use fee is $7, restrooms are open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Lake Del Valle October 14, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, October 14, 10 am - 2 pm

Lake Del Valle

Del Valle Regional Park

7000 Del Valle Road, Livermore, CA 94550

https://www.ebparks.org/parks/del-valle

Let's go back to beautiful Lake Del Valle in the hill country just south of Livermore. Cooler weather is in the forecast so it should be nice.

Please note that there is NO CELL RECEPTION anywhere in the park (no kidding!) so I suggest studying the directions before you leave home. I'm attaching a map to help you find us at the lake.

After you pay your fee at the entry gate make an immediate right turn, then turn left at the signs for Arroyo Mocho and Fiesta Grande and park in the large lot. You'll find great views all along the shoreline in that area.

Entry fee is $6 per vehicle. No cell service but there are pay phones located next to the restrooms. Rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Hagemann Ranch, Sat Oct 7, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, October 7, 2023, 10 am - 3 pm

Hagemann Ranch

455 Olivina Ave., Livermore CA 94551

Livermore Heritage Guild - Hagemann Ranch (lhg.org)

Let's go back to the historic Hagemann Ranch in Livermore! The Livermore Heritage Guild is hosting this artists' day especially for us. There may also be a handful of horse-riders and gardeners but not the general public, so there will be plenty of space for us to spread out and paint, sketch and photograph. Nice that they're letting us stay until 3:00 pm, too!

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 walk around to explore and find your spot. The gardens, buildings and displays will be open. There are some shady areas and benches. Bring your own water. The portable restroom is open.

Admission is free but donations are appreciated -- I suggest putting $5 in the Donation Boot. Rain cancels, but if it's just cloudy and cool we'll go ahead and paint. I hope to see you there!