Paint-Out Oct 27, Lafayette Reservoir

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, October 27, 10 am - 2 pm

Lafayette Reservoir

3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette CA 94549

Lafayette Reservoir :: East Bay Municipal Utility District

The Lafayette Reservoir was so beautiful last week -- let's go back!

Enter the park at the main entrance on Mt. Diablo Blvd. and drive up to the main parking lot. In the middle of the parking lot there’s a ticket machine where you’ll need to purchase a One Day Parking Permit for $7. The machine takes cash or cards. From there turn right and drive uphill toward the Visitor Center. Parking at the Visitor Center is a loading zone only, but there’s an 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 area. Do the same in reverse when you’re ready to leave. We can all help each other keep an eye on our stuff.

There are also great views from the other side of the reservoir. If you’d rather paint there you can just park in the main lot and head to the left. I'm attaching a map here to help you find our paint-out spot at the Visitor Center.

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

Paint-Out Oct 16, Mangini Ranch

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Sunday, October 16, 10 am - 3 pm

Mangini Ranch, Concord

Mangini Ranch - Save Mount Diablo

UPDATE 10/10/22:  This event is SOLD OUT. I'll update this post if more spaces become available.

Paint-out Sunday, October 16th at Mangini Ranch, hosted by Save Mount Diablo.

This educational preserve is not open to the general public and is only available to groups by reservation, so this is a very special opportunity for us. Features include grassland, blue oak woodland, chaparral, oak savannah, stream canyons, desert olive scrub, several springs and a pond. 

We'll be meeting at 5318 Crystyl Ranch Drive, Concord, CA 94521, then the Save Mount Diablo docent will open the gate for us to drive in and park on-site. Please note that there are no restrooms, so plan ahead.

Space is limited to 20 participants. Open to painters, sketchers and photographers. Save Mount Diablo has created an Eventbrite page where you can sign up for our October 16th plein air event. The link is Plein Air Painting, Sketching, & Photography - Mangini Ranch Tickets, Sun, Oct 16, 2022 at 9:00 AM | Eventbrite

Paint-Out Oct 15, Diablo view at Northgate HS

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, October 15, 10 am - 2 pm

Diablo view across the street from Northgate High School

425 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94598

Let's go back to the great Diablo view across the street from Northgate High School in Walnut Creek! 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. 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, but if it's just cloudy we'll go ahead and paint. I hope to see you there!

Paint-Out Oct 13, Lafayette Reservoir

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, October 13, 10 am - 2 pm

Lafayette Reservoir

3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette CA 94549

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

Let's paint at the beautiful Lafayette Reservoir! For this paint-out I’m suggesting we all set up in the area around the Visitor Center. From here you can find great views of the water and shoreline, wooded hills, the iconic water tower, colorful boats, people fishing and hiking.

Enter the park at the main entrance on Mt. Diablo Blvd. and drive up to the main parking lot. In the middle of the parking lot there’s a ticket machine where you’ll need to purchase a One Day Parking Permit for $7. The machine takes cash or cards. From there turn right and drive uphill toward the Visitor Center. Parking at the Visitor Center is a loading zone only, but there’s an 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 area. Do the same in reverse when you’re ready to leave. We can all help each other keep an eye on our stuff.

There are also great views from the other side of the reservoir. If you’d rather paint there you can just park in the main lot and head to the left. I'm posting a map below to help you find our paint-out spot at the Visitor Center.

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

Paint-Out Oct 8, Lake Del Valle

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, October 8, 10 am - 3 pm

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! We'll be painting on the EAST side of the lake. Make an immediate right turn after the entry kiosk, then park in the first large parking lot on the left (drive past the Eagles View group camp). There are really nice overlook views at the south end of that lot and that's where I'll be, but you can also explore the whole shoreline for more great views. You can also park in the second large parking lot if you prefer the views there. I'm attaching a map to help you find us.

Please note, there is no cell reception anywhere in the park (really!) They do have pay phones for emergencies. It's sometimes windy around the lake so be prepared.

Entry fee is $6 per vehicle. Restrooms are open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!