Heather Farm Park Equestrian Center, March 2, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, March 2, 10 am - 2 pm

Heather Farm Park near the Equestrian Center

390 North San Carlos Drive, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Heather Farm Park | Parks | Walnut Creek Arts + Rec

This Saturday we'll be painting at Heather Farm Park in the area near the Equestrian Center. The Equestrian Center is located at 390 North San Carlos Drive at the north end of Heather Farm Park. Park in the dirt and gravel lot, then explore to find your spot. There are some nice views of Diablo and a lake.

Please note that there is no public restroom at this location, but park restrooms are nearby. Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Nortonville Road, February 24, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, February 24, 10 am - 2 pm

Nortonville Road, Pittsburg

For GPS you can use 5780 Nortonville Rd., Pittsburg CA 94565

Nortonville Road is looking beautiful right now! Let's paint there this Saturday, February 24th, 10 am to 2 pm. Enter Nortonville Road from Kirker Pass Road on the outskirts of Pittsburg. You can use 5780 Nortonville Rd., Pittsburg CA 94565 in your GPS to help you find the street (that address is one of the private residences, not our actual spot.)

The almond blossoms were out when I scouted today (Feb 18), but there's a chance they'll get knocked off by high winds this week. If that happens, no worries -- the area is still beautiful anyway! Rustic barns and ranch buildings, rolling green hills, cattle, gnarly old almond trees and magnificent oaks. 

Park and set up your easel along the gravel shoulder of the road. The big, scenic barn is near the beginning of the road, or drive to the end of the road for views of almonds and oaks and the little green farmhouse.

Heads up -- when you leave, if you need to go in the direction of Concord turning left onto Kirker Pass can be scary (high speed traffic). It's easier to turn right and then find a safe way to circle back.

And please note, there are no restrooms in the area so plan ahead. Rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Round Valley Regional Preserve, February 17, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, February 17, 10 am - 2 pm

Round Valley Regional Preserve

19450 Marsh Creek Rd.

Brentwood CA 94513

Round Valley Regional Preserve

Let's go back to beautiful Round Valley! There's a chance of rain, so you'll want to check on conditions that morning before leaving home. We'll skip it if it's raining, but if it's just cloudy and cool it may be worth trying. Some artists like overcast lighting conditions and dramatic, cloudy skies. Just bundle up! You can find nice views of the valley, hills and trees within steps of the parking lot, or venture a little further for views of Marsh Creek.

Admission is free, restrooms are open, rain cancels. This is a joint paint-out with the Jade Fon plein air group. I hope to see you there!

Diablo view across from Northgate HS, February 11, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Sunday, February 11, 10 am - 2 pm

Diablo view across the street from Northgate High School

425 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94598

It's SuperPaint Sunday! (OK, I made that up...) Let's go back to one of our favorite locations, the Diablo view across the street from Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. With all of the recent rain the pond should be full and looking pretty. A clear day is forecast, although it may be a bit grey and cool.

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. There's plenty of room along the other side of the trail.

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!