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 paint on weekdays (usually Thursdays) on a completely random schedule inspired by the weather 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.

Oakley Orchards in Bloom, February 26, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, February 26, 10 am - 2 pm

Oakley orchards along the Marsh Creek Regional Trail

750 Delta Road, Oakley CA 94561

My favorite Oakley orchards are blooming! Let's paint there this coming Thursday, February 26 to enjoy their quiet beauty. Clear weather is forecast so it should be nice. It can get windy and chilly out there, though, so be prepared.

We'll be painting along the Marsh Creek Regional Trail just south of where it crosses Delta Road in Oakley. There are orchards on both sides of Marsh Creek -- a large plum orchard on the west side and a small grove of older trees on the east side next to the paved trail. We can set up along the wide, paved trail for great views in all directions. On a clear day you can see Diablo (it was snowy on Feb 18 when I took this photo.)

The address you can use to find our spot is 750 Delta Rd., Oakley CA 94561. Parking is along the shoulder of Delta Road. Please note, there are no restrooms at this location. Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Nortonville Road, Pittsburg, February 19, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, February 19, 10 am - 2 pm

Nortonville Road in Pittsburg

for GPS use 5780 Nortonville Rd., Pittsburg CA 94565

Nortonville Road is looking beautiful right now! The almond trees are blooming and the hills are green. Let's paint there this Thursday, February 19, 10 am to 2 pm.

Enter Nortonville Road from Kirker Pass Road on the outskirts of Pittsburg. You can use 5780 Nortonville Rd. in your GPS to help you find the location (that address is a private residence, not our actual spot, so please don't disturb the residents.)

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, oaks and the little green farmhouse. At the very end of the road there's a wide-open view of the valley and ranch country beyond. This area is fenced and gated (no trespassing), but you can set up next to the fence for some great views.

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

Please note, there are no restrooms at this location. Rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

"Mystery Spot", Antioch again, February 12, 2026

 

This "Mystery Spot" was so pretty yesterday -- let's go back!

Our casual group of local artist friends will be painting at this beautiful park in the Antioch hills on Thursday, February 12, 10 am - 2 pm. If you're on our mailing list you'll receive an email with details. If you'd like to be added to the list please contact Nancy Roberts at nrobertsart@sbcglobal.net.