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.

Howe Homestead Park, April 30, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, April 30, 10 am - 2 pm

Howe Homestead Park

2950 Walnut Blvd, Walnut Creek CA 94596

Park Website: Howe Homestead Park | Parks | Walnut Creek Arts + Rec

Let's go back to Howe Homestead Park, a group favorite. The community gardens should be full of blooming spring color!

Admission is free, the park restroom is open, rain cancels. Always a beautiful spot -- hope to see you there!

Lafayette Reservoir, Sunday, April 26, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Sunday, April 26, 10 am - 2 pm

Lafayette Reservoir

3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette CA 94549

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

🠊 Please note that this is a Sunday paint-out.

Let's head back to the beautiful Lafayette Reservoir! Don't be discouraged by construction happening around the park. Access to the Visitor Center, both parking lots, trails and viewpoints are open as usual. Some areas within the parking lots are blocked off but there are still parking spaces available on both levels.

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!

Mystery Spot, Walnut Creek, April 11 and 18, 2026

On Saturdays April 11 and 18, 10 am - 2 pm, our casual group of local artists will be painting at this beautiful park in the foothills south of Walnut Creek. If you're on our mailing list you'll receive an email with details. If you'd like to be added to the list contact Nancy Roberts at nrobertsart@sbcglobal.net.