Black Diamond Mines again, February 3, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, February 3, 10am - 2 pm

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

5175 Somersville Rd., Antioch, CA 94509

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

On Saturday, February 3rd we'll be going back to Black Diamond Mines for a joint paint-out with the Jade Fon group. There's a chance of rain, though, so you'll want to check on conditions that morning before driving to Antioch.

We'll be painting at the lower level of the park where you'll find 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 marked "Lougher Loop Trail" across the street from the parking lot. It's a nice level, dirt trail (fire road). You can also find some good views right in the area of the parking lot.

Admission is $5 per vehicle at the entry gate unless there's a sign saying "No Fee Today." The restroom is open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Howe Homestead Park, January 25, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Howe Homestead Park

2950 Walnut Blvd., Walnut Creek CA 94596

Howe Homestead Park | Parks | Walnut Creek Arts + Rec

Let's go back to Howe Homestead Park in Walnut Creek. It's a small historic ranch with vintage buildings, farm equipment and a charming community garden.

Admission is free, the restroom is open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Black Diamond Mines, January 18, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, January 18, 10 am - 2 pm

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

5175 Somersville Rd., Antioch, CA 94509

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve | East Bay Parks (ebparks.org)

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. 

Please note, my photos are from last Spring when it was so green -- it's not as green as this right now, but it's still very pretty!

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. Restrooms are open, rain cancels.

Dillon Point, Benicia State Recreation Area, January 11, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, January 11, 2024, 10 am - 2 pm

Dillon Point, Benicia State Recreation Area

1 Rose Drive, Benicia CA 94510

Park website: Benicia SRA (ca.gov)

Let's go back to scenic Dillon Point in the Benicia State Recreation Area. This spot has great views in all directions, including Mt. Diablo to the south. 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 where you pay your fee of $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 per vehicle, restrooms are open, rain cancels. Hope to see you there!