Paint-Out Sept 11, Walnut Creek

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Sunday, September 11, 10 am - 2 pm

Diablo view across the street from Northgate High School

425 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94598

Let's paint the spectacular Diablo view from the open space across from Northgate High School! Park on the street, then head out on the trail to find your spot. Please note that the gravel edge of the trail is an active bridle path so let’s not block it with our set-ups. Horses are afraid of umbrellas! It’s also a popular walking path for humans. The trail is pretty wide, though, so there’s enough room for all of us.

There are no restrooms at this location, so plan ahead. Bring your own water and sun protection, and as always in these backcountry grasslands be sure to wear insect repellant (ticks) and keep an eye out for snakes. I think you’ll find that the view is worth a few minor discomforts!

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

Paint-Out Sept 3, Big Break Regional Shoreline

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, September 3, 10 am - 2 pm

Big Break Regional Shoreline

69 Big Break Rd., Oakley CA 94561

https://www.ebparks.org/parks/big-break

Let's go back to the beautiful Big Break Regional Shoreline!  Park in the lot, then walk out the paved trail to find nice views of the San Joaquin River, the observation pier, shoreline foliage, waterbirds and a pretty little kayak launching cove. I'm attaching a map here to help you find the best area to set up.

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

Paint-Out Sept 1 in Crockett (again)

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, September 1, 10 am - 2 pm

Town of Crockett

Host: Milano Gallery, 706 2nd Ave., Crockett CA 94525

Crockett was so awesome yesterday -- let's go back! Plan to park on the street and maybe do a bit of uphill/downhill walking to find your ideal spot. Instead of meeting at one particular place I'm attaching a map with a suggested area for you to explore, and stars marking some of my favorite spots. Yesterday several of us found a perfect, shady spot across the street from Toot's bar, corner of Ceres Street and 2nd Avenue.

Once again our fellow artist Alastair Bolton has generously offered to let us use the restroom in his gallery, the Milano Gallery at 706 2nd Avenue. He'll be painting across the street if you want to check in with him.

Please note that I won't get there until around 11 am, but you'll see other artists around town earlier. So many great spots!

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

Paint-Out Aug 25 in Crockett

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, August 25, 10 am - 2 pm

Town of Crockett

Host: Milano Gallery, 706 2nd Ave., Crockett CA 94525

Let's paint in beautiful old town Crockett! Great urban streetscapes, classic houses and dramatic views up toward the Carquinez Bridge. Plan to park on the street and maybe do a bit of uphill/downhill walking to find your ideal spot. Instead of meeting at one particular place I'm attaching a map with a suggested area for you to explore, and stars marking some of my favorite spots.

Our fellow artist Alastair Bolton has generously offered to let us use the restroom in his gallery, the Milano Gallery at 706 2nd Avenue. And if you're looking for a good place for lunch Alastair recommends Lucia's Craft Sandwiches at 611 2nd Ave., right across the street from the gallery. There's also a great bakery next door to Lucia's.

I haven't decided where I'll set up yet, so if you'd like to find me just give me a call when you get to Crockett.

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

Paint-Out Aug 19, Benicia Clock Tower

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Friday, August 19, 10 am - 2 pm

Benicia Clock Tower

1189 Washington St., Benicia CA 94510

Let's paint at the area around the Benicia Clock Tower. From this hilltop vantage point you can see historic buildings, port industry and views of the Carquinez Strait, Martinez and Mt. Diablo. This is also the location of the beautiful Commanding Officers' Quarters which is now the home of Arts Benicia's gallery.

There's a large parking lot with great views within steps of your car. There are no public restrooms, but Arts Benicia opens at 1:00 pm and they will probably allow our artists to use their restroom. This is a good chance to see their current exhibit, too. Arts Benicia's website is https://artsbenicia.org/

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

Paint-Out August 11, Blake Garden

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, August 11, 10 am - 2 pm

Blake Garden

70 Rincon Rd., Kensington CA 94707

http://blakegarden.ced.berkeley.edu/

Let's paint at beautiful Blake Garden in the Berkeley hills! This is always a cool, refreshing destination when it’s hot inland. The address is 70 Rincon Rd. in Kensington. Enter the parking lot through a stone gate, park in the lot, then walk into the garden through the pedestrian gate and start exploring. It’s a gently sloping hillside terrain with gravel pathways.

There’s beauty everywhere, with colorful formal and informal gardens, the historic house, a tree-lined reflecting pool, fountains, ponds, redwoods, quiet nooks and a spectacular bay view. I’m posting a garden map below to give you some ideas.

Admission is free, restrooms are open. The park is open 8 am to 4:30 pm. Rain cancels. I hope to see you there!