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 usually paint on weekdays (often 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.

Diablo View, Clayton, September 3, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, September 3, 10 am - 2 pm

Diablo view from Clayton

Mountaire Parkway, Clayton CA 94517

Our spot is the far southern end of Mountaire Parkway (just past Mt. Trinity Ct.,) where you'll find panoramic views of the north side of Diablo. Park on the street, then explore a little to find your spot. Views are good from street level, or you can venture down the trail that heads into Mt. Diablo State Park. 

Note that there are no restrooms at this location, but shopping centers are a short drive away. Admission is free, rain cancels. A beautiful spot -- hope to see you there!

Crockett Shoreline, August 22 and 29, 2026

The last two Saturdays of this month, August 22 and 29, 10 am - 2 pm, we'll be painting at this scenic shoreline park just outside of Crockett, a group favorite. If you're on our mailing list you'll receive an email with all of the details. If you'd like to be added to the list feel free to contact Nancy Roberts at nrobertsart@sbcglobal.net.  Always a super location -- hope to see you there!

Richmond Shoreline and Scenic Beach, August 15, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air and Jade Fon Paint-Out

Saturday, August 15, 10 am - 2 pm

Richmond Shoreline and Beach

Dornan Dr, Richmond, CA 94801

This destination was so fabulous a couple of weeks ago -- let's go back! 

Just beyond the Point Richmond Tunnel you can park along Dornan Drive, then explore to find your spot. There are panoramic bay views within a few steps of the sidewalk along Dornan, or you can walk down to Keller Beach via the paved trail that starts at the corner of Dornan Drive and Western Drive (see the attached paint-out map.)

You can paint right on the beach (pay attention to incoming tides) or follow the shoreline trail for some good lookout spots, benches and picnic tables. 

If you're in the mood to explore the area you can continue south along Dornan Drive to find more scenic views at the swim lagoon and historic Ferry Point.

Admission is free, restrooms are at Keller Beach, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!