Welcome to Contra Costa Plein Air

                    

Contra Costa Plein Air is a friendly group of artists who get together to paint at scenic locations all around the Bay Area, mostly focused on Contra Costa, Alameda and Solano Counties. We've recently teamed up with the Jade Fon Painters and we're following the calendar of Saturday paint-outs they've planned for the rest of this year. In addition to Saturdays we often set up mid-week paint-outs on a completely random schedule inspired by the weather, special opportunities and members' suggestions. New artists are always welcome, open to all media and all experience levels, no fee to participate, no RSVP's required. Just show up and enjoy!

To learn about upcoming paint-outs:

• Visit this website, Contra Costa Plein Air
• Visit our Facebook group page @contracostapleinair
• Receive paint-out announcements via email by joining our contacts list. Email Nancy Roberts, nrobertsart@sbcglobal.net to be added to the list.

If you have questions feel free to email group coordinator Nancy Roberts at nrobertsart@sbcglobal.net. We look forward to painting with you sometime soon!

And here's something cool! You can order all kinds of fun and functional products sporting the Contra Costa Plein Air logo.  Click here to browse the collection.

Lafayette Reservoir, January 8, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, January 8, 10 am - 2 pm

Lafayette Reservoir

3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette CA 94549

Park website: Lafayette Reservoir :: East Bay Municipal Utility District

The forecast shows a break in the rain on January 8th so let's head to the Lafayette Reservoir! Our group usually paints at the area next to the Visitors' Center, but you may prefer to paint the views from the main parking lot area (easier getting your stuff to and from your car).

To get to the Visitors' Center drive down the narrow road at the right side of the main parking lot. Parking at the Visitors' Center is a loading zone only, so you can park briefly to drop off your gear, then park your car in the parking lot that's above the Visitors' Center.

The park entrance is at 3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd. Parking permits are required, $7 for a One Day Permit. There are permit vending machines in the parking lot, but if those are broken you can also buy a parking permit at the Visitors' Center.

I'm attaching a map to help you get oriented. Day use fee is $7, restrooms are open, rain cancels. Always a beautiful location -- hope to see you there!

Winter Break December 2025

Paint-out winter break! Enjoy your holidays, plein air friends, and let's get back to it when the weather warms up a bit. This would be a great time to finish some plein air starts in the cozy comfort of your studio. 

Cheers, everyone -- see you next year! 😉

Jade Fon Painters please note, our calendar indicates Coyote Hills for December 20 but we're cancelling due to vehicle access and parking closures. We already planned to have no paint-out on December 27.

Glen Cove Waterfront Park, Vallejo, December 13, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air and Jade Fon Paint-Out

Saturday, December 13, 10 am - 2 pm

Glen Cove Waterfront Park

End of Whitesides Dr., Vallejo CA 94591

Park website: Glen Cove Waterfront Park

Let's go back to beautiful 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.

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

Markham Nature Park, Concord, Nov 29 and Dec 6, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air and Jade Fon Paint-Out

Saturdays, November 29 and December 6, 10 am - 2 pm

Markham Nature Park and Arboretum

1202 La Vista Ave., Concord CA 94521

Website: Visit – Markham Nature Park and Arboretum

Jade Fon Painters please note, this is a change to our calendar (we're postponing the planning meeting.)

Markham Nature Park is always beautiful this time of year! Let's paint there the next two Saturdays, November 29th and December 6th. And here's something nice -- if it happens to be raining we can paint under the large, sheltering gazebo. Just wear layers in case it's chilly!

Park in the lot at the end of La Vista Avenue, then explore the garden pathways to choose your spot. The Creekside Trail is a group favorite with pretty views of Galindo Creek, wild grapevines, lilacs, redwoods, oaks, maples and more.  I'm attaching a map to help you find us.

Please note, there are NO RESTROOMS in this park, but shopping centers are a short drive away. Admission is free, we'll paint rain or shine, hope to see you there!