Matthew Turner Shipyard Park, Benicia, October 3, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, October 3, 10 am - 2 pm

Matthew Turner Shipyard Park

Bottom of West 12th Street, Benicia CA 94510

Matthew Turner Park - Benicia, California

Let's go back to scenic Matthew Turner Shipyard Park! This spot has panoramic water views framed by rocky shoreline bluffs, marshy beaches and remnants of old fishing piers. You'll find great views within steps of the parking lot at the end of West 12th Street. If the parking lot is full you can park on nearby West K Street.

Note that this area is often breezy, so be prepared. The park has a port-a-potty (very basic) and public restrooms are a short drive away at Alvarez Ninth Street Park. Admission is free, rain cancels. Hope to see you there!

East Contra Costa Historical Museum, September 28, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, September 28, 10 am - 2 pm

East Contra Costa Historical Museum

3890 Sellers Ave., Brentwood CA 94513

Home - East Contra Costa Historical Society

Pop-up paint-out! This Saturday we'll be painting at the beautiful East Contra Costa Historical Museum in Brentwood. Nice to be invited back! We'll be painting during the museum's regular Saturday open hours, 10 am - 2 pm, but you can also go earlier if you like and set up in the front yard for views of the historic house, windmill and rose garden. The gate to the outdoor exhibits opens at 10 am. All kinds of cool stuff to sketch and paint!

Admission is free but donations are appreciated, restrooms are open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Lafayette Reservoir, September 26, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, September 26, 10 am - 2 pm

Lafayette Reservoir

3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette CA 94549

Lafayette Reservoir :: East Bay Municipal Utility District (ebmud.com)

Let's go back to the beautiful Lafayette Reservoir!

Enter the park at the main entrance at 3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd. and drive up to the main parking lot. In the middle of the parking lot there’s a ticket machine where you’ll need to purchase a One Day Parking Permit for $7. The machine takes cash or cards. (Note that if the ticket machines happen to be broken you can buy a parking permit at the Visitor Center.)

From there turn right and drive downhill toward the Visitor Center. Parking at the Visitor Center is a loading zone only, but there’s an all-day parking lot just up the hill that’s convenient. I suggest popping into the loading zone to drop off your gear, then driving up the hill to park. From there you can walk down a series of steps to the Visitor Center area. There are also good views from the other side of the reservoir. If you’d rather paint there, you can park in the main lot and set up along the top of the dam or along the trail to the left. I'm attaching a map to help you get oriented.

Day use fee is $7, restrooms are open, rain cancels. Hope to see you there!

Howe Homestead Park, September 19, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, September 19, 10 am - 2 pm

Howe Homestead Park

2950 Walnut Boulevard, Walnut Creek CA 94596

Howe Homestead Park | Open Space | City of Walnut Creek (walnutcreekca.gov)

Let's go back to beautiful Howe Homestead Park! Kathy Brokaw will be the paint-out host, so feel free to ask her if you want tips for finding the best spots or have any plein air questions in general. 

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

aRt Cottage Gardens, September 12, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, September 12, 10 am - 2 pm

aRt Cottage

2238 Mt. Diablo St., Concord CA 94520

aRt Cottage (artscottage.blogspot.com)

Let's paint in Fro's beautiful garden! aRt Cottage owner Frogard Schmidt has invited us back to paint in the gardens, patios, pathways, nooks and crannies that surround her charming cottage art gallery. There are plenty of shady places to sit, outdoor sinks for clean-up and a restroom. It's also a good chance to see the current show.

Park on the street, then walk in through the little green gate and explore the outdoor areas front and back.  Admission is free. Should be a delightful day!