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, October 1, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, October 1, 10 am - 2 pm

Diablo view from Clayton

Mountaire Parkway, Clayton CA 94517

Let's go back to this awesome Diablo view in Clayton! Our spot is the far southern end of Mountaire Parkway (just past Mt. Trinity Ct.,) where you'll find panoramic views of Diablo's northern peaks and slopes. 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!

Balfour-Guthrie Park, Brentwood, September 17, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, September 17, 10 am - 2 pm

Balfour-Guthrie Park

1701 Balfour Rd., Brentwood CA 94513

This is a new spot for our group, a park on the outskirts of Brentwood with a panoramic view of Diablo and the eastern foothills. There's a large grassy field and a lot of trees for setting up in the shade, picnic tables, restrooms and plenty of parking. The park is right next to some great little shops and eateries, too.

Be aware that Heritage High School is nearby and traffic is heavily impacted in the early morning and mid-afternoon (bell hours are 8:30 am to 3:20 pm.) We should be fine if we start around 10 am and clear out no later than 2:30 pm.

Admission is free, restrooms are open, rain cancels. A super location -- hope to see you there!

Scenic Lake, Livermore, September 19 & 26, 2026

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturdays, September 19 and 26, 10 am - 2 pm

Scenic lake, Livermore CA

Let's paint at our favorite lake in the wooded hills south of Livermore! 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.