Old Borges Ranch, April 26 & May 3, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air and Jade Fon Paint-Outs

Saturdays, April 26 and May 3, 10 am - 2 pm

Old Borges Ranch

1035 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94598

Website: Borges Ranch | Open Space | City of Walnut Creek

For the next two Saturdays, April 26 and May 3 we'll be painting at Old Borges Ranch in Walnut Creek. Note that the address is 1035 Castle Rock Rd., but the driveway into the park is actually Elise Court, a side street off of Castle Rock Rd. There's a sign at the turn-off but it's hard to see -- keep your eyes open!

Start by trying the main parking lot at the top of the hill. If that lot is full you can circle back and park at the Patrick Hanna Grove Picnic Area. If both lots are full you may like to skip Borges Ranch and head back down to Castle Rock Rd., turn right and continue a short distance to the Diablo Foothills Regional Park Orchard Staging Area. Another good alternate in the same area is the view across the street from Northgate High School on Castle Rock Rd. as you head back into Walnut Creek, 425 Castle Rock Rd.

Admission is free, restrooms are open, rain cancels.

East Contra Costa Historical Museum, April 20, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Sunday, April 20, 10 am - 2 pm

East Contra Costa Historical Museum

3890 Sellers Ave., Brentwood CA

https://eastcontracostahistory.org/

Here's a nice little Easter treat! We've been invited to come paint at the East Contra Costa Historical Museum on Sunday, April 20th during their regular third Sunday open hours, 10 am - 2 pm. You're also allowed to go earlier if you like and paint in the front yard area. Volunteers open the museum, outdoor exhibits and restrooms at 10 am. Admission is free but donations are appreciated. Always a fun day -- I hope to see you there!

Eckley Pier, Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline Park, April 12 & 19, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air and Jade Fon Paint-Out

Saturdays, April 12 and April 19, 10 am - 2 pm

Eckley Pier at Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline Park

Bull Valley Staging Area entrance

166 Carquinez Scenic Dr., Crockett CA 94525

https://www.ebparks.org/parks/carquinez-strait 

For the next two Saturdays, April 12 and 19, we'll be painting at Eckley Pier, part of the Carquinez Strait Regional Shoreline Park in Crockett. This location has a beautiful mix of natural shoreline, water vistas and manmade structures old and new.

Enter the park at the Bull Valley Staging area, 166 Carquinez Scenic Drive, Crockett, then drive down to the lower level where you’ll find Eckley Pier and shoreline views. Or you may prefer to park at the upper level for panoramic views of the Carquinez Strait as well as a classic hillside ranch and barn.  I'm attaching a map to help you find our spot.

There’s a restroom at the top level and a port-a-potty at the pier. Bring your own water. Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Lake Del Valle, April 17, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, April 17, 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

Lake Del Valle is looking beautiful right now! The lake is full and the hills are green. Let's paint there this Thursday, April 17, 10 am - 2 pm, gathering at our favorite spot along the East shore.

After you pay your fee at the park entry gate make an immediate right turn, then turn left at the signs for ARROYO MOCHO and FIESTA GRANDE picnic areas and park in the large lot. I'm attaching a map to help you find our spot. Please study the directions in advance because we can't use our phones or GPS in the park to find each other (no reception.)

The park entry fee is $5 per vehicle. There's no cell reception in the park (no kidding!) but there are pay phones for emergencies located at all restrooms and at the Marina Store. Rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Town of Locke, April 5, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air and Jade Fon Paint-Out

Saturday, April 5, 10 am - 2 pm

Town of Locke

Hosted by Lockeport Grill and Fountain

13959 Main St., Locke (Walnut Grove) CA 95690

Let's go back to the historic Delta town of Locke! There's plenty of great stuff to paint along Main Street, or you may prefer the adjacent residential area with houses, gardens and farm buildings. It's all a short walk from the Public Parking Lot on Locke Road. Martha Esch, artist and owner of the Lockeport Grill and Fountain will be our host and will be allowing us to use her restroom. She also sells yummy lunch items, beverages and ice cream if you'd like a treat!

The Public Parking Lot is on Locke Road, a side street off River Road at the north end of Locke, just up the road from the town of Walnut Grove. The address of the Lockeport Grill and Fountain is 13959 Main St., Locke (Walnut Grove) CA 95690.

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