Paint-Out January 1, 2023, Diablo view at Northgate HS

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Sunday, January 1, 2023, 10 am - 2 pm

Diablo view across the street from

Northgate High School, 425 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94598

Let's ring in the new year with a paint-out at one of our favorite locations, the Diablo view across the street from Northgate High School in Walnut Creek! A sunny day is predicted (a break between storms) and this is a good chance to avoid the usual high school traffic.

Park in the wide shoulder area across the street from the high 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!

Paint-Out Dec 26, Diablo Foothills Orchard Staging Area

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Monday, December 26, 10 am - 2 pm

Diablo Foothills Regional Park, Orchard Staging Area

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

Diablo Foothills Regional Park | East Bay Parks (ebparks.org)

Let's go back to the beautiful Diablo Foothills Regional Park Orchard Staging Area. The weather will probably be cool and overcast, but chances of rain are low. This is a good chance to avoid the usual high school traffic in the area because of the holiday break.

Please note that this location IS NOT at 1700 Castle Rock Rd., the address listed 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 gate is usually closed, though, so plan to park across the street in the overflow parking lot and walk over to the main parking lot where the good views are. (Last time we got lucky and a ranger opened the driveway gate for us.) I'm attaching a map to help you find us.

The good news is that even when the gate is closed the restroom is usually open. And the even better news is that the views from this area are spectacular! Well worth the slight bit of hassle to get there. Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Paint-Out Dec 18, Black Diamond Mines

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Sunday, December 18, 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 paint in the area around the lower parking lot. You'll find beautiful views of the hills and valley as well as a picturesque old ranch. Please note, my photos are from last spring when the area was super-green. I don't think it's this green right now.

Park in the first parking lot on the left after you drive through the entry gate, then fan out to find your spot. A break in the rain is predicted but it may be a bit chilly, so dress warm. I suggest waterproof shoes, too, since the ground can be soggy in places.

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

Paint-Out Dec 7, Sycamore Grove Park

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Wednesday, December 7, 10 am - 2 pm

Sycamore Grove Park

1051 Wetmore Road, Livermore CA 94550

Park website: https://www.larpd.org/sycamore-grove-park

Let's go back to beautiful Sycamore Grove Park! The vineyards and trees should still have some fall color and sunny weather is in the forecast.

We'll be meeting at the park's Wetmore Road entrance. There is a $5 parking fee, payable at the kiosk. The machine accepts cards or cash (small bills only).  Park in the lot, then fan out to find your spot. Most of us will probably head for the vineyard views. Restrooms are open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!