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.

Town of Locke, April 4, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, April 4, 9:30 am - Noon

Town of Locke

Locke Historic District Parking Lot

1271 Locke Road, 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 quiet residential area with vintage houses, gardens and farm buildings. Park in the public parking on Locke Road and fan out from there to explore and find your spot. 

Our fellow artist Martha Esch will allow us to use the restroom and water in her building at 13959 Main Street (the old Lockeport Grill and Fountain.) Please note, Martha's diner is temporarily closed so plan to bring your own lunch. Martha is also offering special artists' rates for overnight stays in her charming inn. Contact her for details and reservations, Martha Esch, Mesch.decs@gmail.com, (916) 776-1000.

Admission is free, rain cancels. Always a fun day -- I hope to see you there!

Back to the Lake, Livermore, March 26, 2026

This spot was so beautiful a couple of weeks ago, let's go back! The forecast is warm, spring weather (no more heat wave), so it should be very pleasant.

Our casual group of local artist friends will be painting at this beautiful park in the hills south of Livermore on Thursday, March 26, 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.

aRt Cottage Gardens, March 19, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, March 19, 10 am - 2 pm

aRt Cottage

2238 Mt. Diablo Street Concord, CA 94520

Website: www.artcottage.info

The wisteria is blooming at the aRt Cottage! Gallery owner and fellow artist Frogard Schmidt has invited us to come paint in the charming gardens surrounding the cottage, full of spring color and fun garden sculptures.

Park on the street then come on in through the front gate. We're welcome to explore and paint in the front, side and backyard areas. Admission is free, the bathroom will be open, rain cancels. Hope to see you there!

Mystery Spot, Livermore, March 12, 2026

 

Our casual group of local artist friends will be painting at this beautiful park in the hills south of Livermore on Thursday, March 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.

Oakley Orchards Again, March 5, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, March 5, 10 am - 2 pm

Oakley orchards along the Marsh Creek Regional Trail

750 Delta Road, Oakley CA 94561

The Oakley orchards were so beautiful this week -- let's go back! 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, commercial plum orchard on the west side and a smaller, more rustic grove of mixed 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 clear days you can see Diablo to the west.

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!