Black Diamond again, December 7, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, December 7, 10 am - 2 pm

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

5175 Somersville Rd., Antioch, CA 94509

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

Let's paint at Black Diamond again, but this time at the upper level. After you enter the park, pass the first parking lot and continue driving all the way to the parking lot at the top of the hill. There are great views within a few steps of the parking lot, or you can walk up the paved trail for even more options, including views of the historic Rose Hill Cemetery.

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

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, November 29, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Wednesday, November 29, 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 be painting at the lower level of the park where you'll find beautiful views of the hills and valley as well as a picturesque old ranch.

Park in the first parking lot on the left after you drive through the entry gate, then fan out to find your spot. One favorite area is the trail that runs along next to the old ranch and has great views up the valley. This trail starts at a hikers' gate across the street from the parking lot. It's a nice level, dirt trail (fire road). You can also find some good views right from the parking lot.

Admission is usually free this time of year but be prepared to pay a $5 fee if the entry gate kiosk happens to be staffed. The new restroom at this parking lot is open now, rain cancels.

Diablo Foothills Orchard Staging Area, November 26, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Sunday, November 26, 10 am - 2 pm

Diablo Foothills Regional Park Orchard Staging Area

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

https://www.ebparks.org/parks/diablo_foothills/

Let's go back to one of our favorite spots, the Diablo Foothills Regional Park Orchard Staging Area. Clear weather is forecast so it should be a nice day.

The best views are from the large parking lot. If the large lot's driveway gate is open, drive on in and park. If the gate is closed you can park across the street in the overflow lot. Set up your easel in the clear area around the perimeter of the parking lot, being careful not to block any parking spaces. You can also explore the trails for more view options. I'm attaching a map to help you find us.

Important directions: Please note that this location IS NOT at 1700 Castle Rock Rd., the address the website lists 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 new restroom is probably open, but if not there's a port-a-potty that's always open. Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Markham Nature Park, November 16, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, November 16, 10 am - 2 pm

Markham Nature Park and Arboretum

1202 La Vista Ave., Concord CA 94521

Website: http://markhamarboretum.org/visit/

Let's go back to Markham Nature Park in Concord. There's a chance of rain this Thursday, but if it's only a light rain we might enjoy painting under the large, sheltering gazebo with views out toward the surrounding gardens and trees. There are also some beautiful wisteria vines twisting around the posts of the gazebo that would make for an interesting close-up study. If it's raining hard that day you may choose to stay home, but if it's just cloudy with a chance of light rain, let's give it a try!

Park in the lot at the end of La Vista Avenue, then fan out to explore the garden paths or head to the gazebo if it's raining. I'm attaching a map to help you find us. Please note, there are NO RESTROOMS in this park, but shopping centers are a short drive away. Admission is free, rain does not cancel (see my notes above.) I hope to see you there!

Howe Homestead Park again, November 9, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, November 9, 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)

Howe Homestead Park was so beautiful yesterday (Nov 2), let's go back next Thursday, November 9, 10 am to 2 pm. Or you're welcome to get there earlier if you'd like to get a jump on the day. Be sure to check out the community garden just uphill from the historic buildings. It's a patchwork of homey little gardens full of fall color. You can set up along the pathways for some fun views.

Admission is free, the restroom is open, rain cancels.