Sycamore Grove, November 7, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, November 7, 10 am - 2 pm

Sycamore Grove Park

1051 Wetmore Rd., Livermore CA 94550

Sycamore Grove Park - Livermore Area Recreation and Park District

Let's go back to beautiful Sycamore Grove! Park in the lot at 1051 Wetmore Road and pay for your $5 parking permit, then fan out to find your spot. The trail on the left runs alongside a vineyard. The trail that heads out to the right crosses a footbridge with pretty creek views (it's full of water right now) or keep walking for close-ups of some magnificent sycamores and distant views of vineyards, hills and ranches. Fall color is just starting to make an appearance.

Parking is $5 per vehicle, restrooms are open, rain cancels. There are signs warning about ticks, so long pants and insect repellant are recommended. I hope to see you there!

Hagemann Ranch, Sunday, November 3, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Sunday, November 3, 2024, 10 am - 2 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! Please note that this is a special, Sunday paint-out. The Livermore Heritage Guild is hosting this artists' day especially for us so there will be plenty of space for us to spread out and paint, sketch and photograph.

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.

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

Lake Del Valle, October 24, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, October 24, 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! We'll be painting on the East side of the lake at the Arroyo Mocho/Fiesta Grande picnic area. I'm attaching a map here to help you find our spot. Unfortunately there's no cell reception in the park (no kidding!) so we can't find each other by phone or GPS.

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 at all restrooms and at the Marina Store. Rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Rose Hill Cemetery at Black Diamond Mines, October 17, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, October 17, 10 am - 2 pm

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

5175 Somersville Road, Antioch CA 94509

Park website: https://www.ebparks.org/parks/black-diamond 

Brochure about Rose Hill Cemetery:  Rose Hill Cemetery Brochure_English_2022-9-6_1-2.eps (ebparks.org)

Historic Rose Hill Cemetery is just uphill from the old mines at Black Diamond, with graves dating back to the 1800's. You can get a good, distant view within a few steps of the parking lot, or if you're ambitious and pack light you may like to hike all the way up to the cemetery. It's a fairly strenuous hike so be prepared. Most of us stay at the lower level. 

After you pass through the park entry gate drive all the way up to the parking lot at the top level. There's a restroom and water, not much shade. Admission is usually free on weekdays ($5 on weekends and holidays). I hope to see you there!

Glen Cove Waterfront Park, October 10, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, October 10, 10 am - 2 pm

Glen Cove Waterfront Park

End of Whitesides Drive, Vallejo CA 94591

Park website: https://solanoopenspace.org/OtherOutdoor_GlenCovePark.asp

Let's go back to scenic and refreshing Glen Cove Waterfront Park! This spot has great views of the Glen Cove shoreline and a sweeping panorama across the Carquinez Strait. Windy weather is always possible at this shoreline area, so be prepared.

The park is at the end of Whitesides Drive in Vallejo. Park in the small lot or on the street. From there you can walk straight ahead out to the lookout area or turn left to take the trail down to the pretty little beach and agave grove.

Please note that there are no restrooms at this park, but there are public restrooms a short drive up the hill at Glen Cove School Park next to the tennis courts at 605 Glen Cove Parkway or you can drive further up Glen Cove Parkway to the Safeway shopping center. Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!