Eckley Pier, September 2

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, September 2, 10 am - 2 pm

Eckley Pier at Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline

Bull Valley Staging Area entrance

166 Carquinez Scenic Dr., Crockett CA 94525

Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline

Let's go back to Eckley Pier, part of the Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline Park in Crockett. This location has a beautiful mix of natural shoreline, water vistas and manmade structures old and new. This is a joint paint-out with the Jade Fon Painters.

Driving tip: I have the best luck entering from the Crockett side instead of the Port Costa side, which can be very confusing. I've heard that GPS can send you on a wild goose chase, so it's helpful to study the map in advance. I'm attaching a map to help you find us -- click on the image to enlarge the view.

Enter the park at the Bull Valley Staging area, then drive down to the parking lot on the lower level where you’ll find Eckley Pier and shoreline views. Or you may prefer to park in the first parking lot at the top of the hill and paint the panoramic views of the Carquinez Strait. There’s also a good view of a classic old barn from the top level.

Please note, there are bees (yellow jackets?) in this area, so consider bringing insect repellent. There’s a small restroom at the top level (new one still under construction) and a port-a-potty at the pier. Bring your own water. Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Benicia State Recreation Area, August 24

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, August 24, 10 am - 2 pm

Dillon Point picnic area

Benicia State Recreation Area

1 Rose Drive, Benicia CA 94510

Benicia SRA (ca.gov)

Let's paint at scenic Dillon Point in the Benicia State Recreation Area this coming Thursday, August 24th. This spot has great views in all directions. You can see good stuff from the parking lot level, or if you pack light you may like to take the trail down to the dramatic, rocky shoreline. There's a restroom, picnic tables, and a little bit of shade at the parking lot.

Directions: From northbound Hwy 780 take the Columbus Parkway exit, turn left at Rose Drive to loop back over the freeway, then turn right at the signs for the State Park. For your GPS use the address 1 Rose Drive. (The park brochure says 1 State Park Rd., but some GPS's don't recognize that address.)

There's a kiosk at the park entry. Park fee is $6 per vehicle. Sometimes the kiosk is staffed, but if not, just beyond it you'll see a supply of envelopes for your money and a slot. Be sure to bring small bills or a check because with the envelope system there's no way to get change.

After you pass the entry you're on Dillon Point Road. Drive all the way to the end of the road to the Dillon Point picnic area parking lot. If the lot is full there's another lot a short distance back down the road.

Admission is $6, restrooms are open, rain cancels. Hope to see you there!

Eckley Pier, August 17

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, August 17, 10 am - 2 pm

Eckley Pier at

Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline

Bull Valley Staging entrance

166 Carquinez Scenic Dr., Crockett CA 94525

Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline

(Please note, the trail closures mentioned on the website are not in the area where we'll be painting)

Let's go back to Eckley Pier, part of the Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline Park in Crockett. This location has a beautiful mix of natural shoreline, water vistas and manmade structures old and new.

Driving tip: I have the best luck entering from the Crockett side instead of the Port Costa side, which can be very confusing. I've heard that GPS can send you on a wild goose chase, so it's helpful to study the map in advance. I'm attaching a paint-out map to help you find us.

Enter the park at the Bull Valley Staging area, then drive down to the parking lot on the lower level where you’ll find Eckley Pier and shoreline views. Or you may prefer to park in the first parking lot at the top of the hill and paint the panoramic views of the Carquinez Strait. There’s also a good view of a classic old barn from the top level.

There’s a restroom at the top level and a port-a-potty at the pier. Bring your own water. Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Matthew Turner Shipyard Park, Benicia, August 10

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, August 10, 10 am - 2 pm

Matthew Turner Shipyard Park, also known as Twelfth Street Park

End of West 12th St. off of West K St., Benicia CA 94510

Park website: Matthew Turner Park - Benicia, California

Let's paint at scenic Matthew Turner Shipyard Park, aka Twelfth Street Park, in Benicia this Thursday, August 10th. This spot has panoramic water views framed by a rocky shoreline, marshy beaches and remnants of old fishing piers. You'll find great views within steps of the parking lot at the end of West 12th Street. If the parking lot is full you can park on nearby West K Street.

It can be windy along the Benicia shoreline so be prepared. The park has a port-a-potty (very basic) and public restrooms at Alvarez Ninth Street Park are a short drive away. Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!