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.

Alvarez Ninth Street Park, Benicia, May 30 & June 6, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air and Jade Fon Paint-Out

Saturdays, May 30 and June 6, 10 am - 2 pm

Alvarez Ninth Street Park

Foot of West 9th Street, Benicia CA 94510

Park website: Alvarez 9th Street Park - Benicia, California

On two Saturdays, May 30th and August 6th, 10 am - 2 pm, we'll be painting at Alvarez Ninth Street Park in Benicia. There's a big parking lot and a public restroom at the foot of West 9th Street. From this shoreline spot along the Carquinez Strait you'll find great views in every direction.

Note that the Benicia Plein Air Paint-Out event will be happening at the same time, but this paint-out is open to everyone, not just BPAPO participants.

Admission is free, restrooms are open, rain cancels. A really beautiful spot -- hope to see you there!

Sycamore Grove Park, Livermore, May 9 & 16, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air and Jade Fon Paint-Out

Saturdays, May 9 and May 16, 10 am - 2 pm

Sycamore Grove Park

Wetmore Road Entrance, 1051 Wetmore Rd., Livermore CA 94550

OR Arroyo Road Entrance, 5049 Arroyo Road, Livermore CA 94550

Website: Sycamore Grove Park - Livermore Area Recreation and Park District

The next two Saturdays, May 9th and 16th, we'll be painting at Sycamore Grove Park. The "Paint Livermore" event will be happening at the same time, but our paint-out is open to everyone (not just "Paint Livermore" participants.) So much natural beauty in this area -- a group favorite!

Plan to park at the main entrance at 1051 Wetmore Road, pay for your parking permit at the kiosk, then fan out to find your spot. If the Wetmore Road lot happens to be full you can drive up to the second entrance at 5049 Arroyo Road and explore that area of the park.

There's a $5 parking fee at both park entrances, restrooms are open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Howe Homestead Park, May 22, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Friday, May 22, 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 beautiful Howe Homestead Park, a group favorite. The community gardens are full of blooming spring color!

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