Howe Homestead Park, November 2, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, November 2, 10 am - 2 pm

Howe Homestead Park

2950 Walnut Blvd., Walnut Creek CA 94596

Howe Homestead Park | Open Space | City of Walnut Creek (walnut-creek.org)

Let's paint at Howe Homestead Park, 2950 Walnut Blvd. in Walnut Creek (please note, it's Walnut Boulevard, not Walnut Avenue.) Howe Homestead is a small historic ranch with a farmhouse, windmill, barn, old farm equipment, lots of shade trees and a big community garden. It has a parking lot, restroom and picnic tables.

Admission is free, rain cancels. If it's just cool and cloudy we'll go ahead and paint. I hope to see you there!

Northgate HS again! Oct 28, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, October 28, 10 am - 2 pm

Diablo view across from Northgate High School

425 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94598

This spot was so great today (Oct 21), let's go back! Mild temps and a mix of clouds and sun are forecast, so it should be pleasant.

Head to Northgate High School, 425 Castle Rock Rd.in Walnut Creek. 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 path for pedestrians and cyclists. 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!

Diablo View in Walnut Creek, October 21, 2023

 

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, October 21, 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. 

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!

Lafayette Reservoir, October 19, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, October 19, 10 am - 2 pm

Lafayette Reservoir

3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette CA 94549

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

Let's go back to the beautiful Lafayette Reservoir! This time we'll be painting along the walkway at the top of the dam instead of at the Visitor Center where we've met in the past. Parking is easier at this location and there are spectacular views. The tower is especially dramatic from this side because it catches the morning sun.

Enter the park at the main entrance at 3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd. and drive up to the main parking lot. Look for the parking permit machines in the middle of the lot, purchase a day use permit for $7 (cash or card), and be sure to display your permit on your dash. (I hear that compliance is strictly enforced.) Park in that main lot, then fan out to find your spot. Most of us will probably set up along the concrete walkway at the top of the dam. I'm attaching a map to help you find us.

There are restrooms at the west end of the parking lot. Day use fee is $7, restrooms are open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Lake Del Valle October 14, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, October 14, 10 am - 2 pm

Lake Del Valle

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 in the hill country just south of Livermore. Cooler weather is in the forecast so it should be nice.

Please note that there is NO CELL RECEPTION anywhere in the park (no kidding!) so I suggest studying the directions before you leave home. I'm attaching a map to help you find us at the lake.

After you pay your fee at the entry gate make an immediate right turn, then turn left at the signs for Arroyo Mocho and Fiesta Grande and park in the large lot. You'll find great views all along the shoreline in that area.

Entry fee is $6 per vehicle. No cell service but there are pay phones located next to the restrooms. Rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Hagemann Ranch, Sat Oct 7, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, October 7, 2023, 10 am - 3 pm

Hagemann Ranch

455 Olivina Ave., Livermore CA 94551

Livermore Heritage Guild - Hagemann Ranch (lhg.org)

Let's go back to the historic Hagemann Ranch in Livermore! The Livermore Heritage Guild is hosting this artists' day especially for us. There may also be a handful of horse-riders and gardeners but not the general public, so there will be plenty of space for us to spread out and paint, sketch and photograph. Nice that they're letting us stay until 3:00 pm, too!

The entrance for Hagemann Ranch has a sign and large address numerals 455 on the fence. (Note that our destination is not Hagemann Park, the adjacent community park.) At that entrance, drive through the gate to park on-site, or if the lot is full you can park on Olivina Avenue. There is usually a volunteer on hand to greet us, but checking in is not required. Just walk around to explore and find your spot. The gardens, buildings and displays will be open. There are some shady areas and benches. Bring your own water. The portable restroom is open.

Admission is free but donations are appreciated -- I suggest putting $5 in the Donation Boot. Rain cancels, but if it's just cloudy and cool we'll go ahead and paint. I hope to see you there!