Diablo view at Northgate HS, Sunday, October 1, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Sunday, October 1, 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. Air quality seems to be OK now, but it's always a good idea to check on conditions the morning of the paint-out. If you're uncomfortable with the air quality it's best to stay home.

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!

Forest Home Farms, Sept 23, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, September 23, 10 am - 2 pm

Forest Home Farms Historic Park

19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., San Ramon CA 94583

Forest Home Farms Historic Park

Let's go back to beautiful Forest Home Farms! Enjoy vintage ranch buildings, farm animals, gardens, tractors, a restored Victorian house and more, all nestled into a lovely hillside setting.

The park driveway gate opens at 10:00 am. Enter the driveway at 19953 San Ramon Valley Blvd., then go left and park in the bark/dirt parking area. Parking or driving is not allowed in any of the paved areas. If the dirt lot happens to be full there is more parking available just down the road at 20503 San Ramon Valley Blvd., across from the Glass House Museum.

Restrooms are located next to the gift shop, near the parking lot. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Rain cancels. This is a joint paint-out with the Burlingame Plein Air Painters. Should be a nice day!

Big Break Regional Shoreline, Sept 16

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, September 16, 10 am - 2 pm

Big Break Regional Shoreline

69 Big Break Rd., Oakley CA 94561

Big Break Regional Shoreline | East Bay Parks (ebparks.org)

Let's go back to the beautiful Big Break Regional Shoreline! Park in the lot, then walk out the paved trail to find great views of the San Joaquin River, a kayak launching lagoon, delta marshlands, and relics of old barges and dredging equipment. There are picnic tables under a shade structure, a lawn area and tree-shaded footpaths along the shoreline. You can even set up on the observation pier. Just make sure your gear is tied down because it can get breezy out there. This location has restrooms and a drinking fountain.

I'm attaching a map to help you find us. Admission is free, restrooms are open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Arneson Park, Benicia, Sept 12

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Tuesday, September 12, 10 am - 2 pm

Arneson Park

Foot of West 4th Street, Benicia CA 94510

Arneson Park - Benicia, California

Let's paint at beautiful Arneson Park in Benicia! It's located at the end of West 4th Street where it intersects West "I" Street (as in the letter "I".) There's a tiny parking lot in front of the play structure, and you can also park on the nearby streets. Just be sure to stay clear of residents' driveways and the bike path.

This park doesn't have restrooms, but there are public restrooms a short drive away at Alvarez Ninth Street Park at the foot of West 9th Street. Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!