Round Valley Regional Preserve, February 17, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, February 17, 10 am - 2 pm

Round Valley Regional Preserve

19450 Marsh Creek Rd.

Brentwood CA 94513

Round Valley Regional Preserve

Let's go back to beautiful Round Valley! There's a chance of rain, so you'll want to check on conditions that morning before leaving home. We'll skip it if it's raining, but if it's just cloudy and cool it may be worth trying. Some artists like overcast lighting conditions and dramatic, cloudy skies. Just bundle up! You can find nice views of the valley, hills and trees within steps of the parking lot, or venture a little further for views of Marsh Creek.

Admission is free, restrooms are open, rain cancels. This is a joint paint-out with the Jade Fon plein air group. I hope to see you there!

Diablo view across from Northgate HS, February 11, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Sunday, February 11, 10 am - 2 pm

Diablo view across the street from Northgate High School

425 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94598

It's SuperPaint Sunday! (OK, I made that up...) Let's go back to one of our favorite locations, the Diablo view across the street from Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. With all of the recent rain the pond should be full and looking pretty. A clear day is forecast, although it may be a bit grey and cool.

Head to Northgate High School, 425 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94598. Park in the wide shoulder area across the street from the school, then walk out onto the trail to find your spot. The gravel edge of the trail is an active bridle path so let’s not block it with our set-ups. There's plenty of room along the other side of the trail.

Please note -- there are no restrooms at this location, so plan ahead. There are shopping centers within a short drive.

Admission is free. Rain cancels, but if it's just cloudy we'll go ahead and paint. I hope to see you there!

Black Diamond Mines again, February 3, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, February 3, 10am - 2 pm

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

5175 Somersville Rd., Antioch, CA 94509

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

On Saturday, February 3rd we'll be going back to Black Diamond Mines for a joint paint-out with the Jade Fon group. There's a chance of rain, though, so you'll want to check on conditions that morning before driving to Antioch.

We'll be painting at the lower level of the park where you'll find views of the hills and valley as well as a picturesque old ranch. Park in the first parking lot on the left after you drive through the entry gate, then fan out to find your spot. One favorite area is the trail that runs along next to the old ranch and has great views up the valley. This trail starts at a hikers' gate marked "Lougher Loop Trail" across the street from the parking lot. It's a nice level, dirt trail (fire road). You can also find some good views right in the area of the parking lot.

Admission is $5 per vehicle at the entry gate unless there's a sign saying "No Fee Today." The restroom is open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Howe Homestead Park, January 25, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, January 25, 2024

Howe Homestead Park

2950 Walnut Blvd., Walnut Creek CA 94596

Howe Homestead Park | Parks | Walnut Creek Arts + Rec

Let's go back to Howe Homestead Park in Walnut Creek. It's a small historic ranch with vintage buildings, farm equipment and a charming community garden.

Admission is free, the restroom is open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Black Diamond Mines, January 18, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, January 18, 10 am - 2 pm

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

5175 Somersville Rd., Antioch, CA 94509

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve | East Bay Parks (ebparks.org)

Let's go back to beautiful Black Diamond Mines! This time we'll be painting at the lower level of the park where you'll find beautiful views of the hills and valley as well as a picturesque old ranch.

Park in the first parking lot on the left after you drive through the entry gate, then fan out to find your spot. One favorite area is the trail that runs along next to the old ranch and has great views up the valley. This trail starts at a hikers' gate across the street from the parking lot. It's a nice level, dirt trail (fire road). You can also find some good views right from the parking lot. 

Please note, my photos are from last Spring when it was so green -- it's not as green as this right now, but it's still very pretty!

Admission is usually free this time of year but be prepared to pay a $5 fee if the entry gate kiosk happens to be staffed. Restrooms are open, rain cancels.

Dillon Point, Benicia State Recreation Area, January 11, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, January 11, 2024, 10 am - 2 pm

Dillon Point, Benicia State Recreation Area

1 Rose Drive, Benicia CA 94510

Park website: Benicia SRA (ca.gov)

Let's go back to scenic Dillon Point in the Benicia State Recreation Area. This spot has great views in all directions, including Mt. Diablo to the south. You can see good stuff from the parking lot level, or if you pack light you may like to take the trail down to the dramatic, rocky shoreline. There's a restroom, picnic tables, and a little bit of shade at the parking lot.

Directions: From northbound Hwy 780 take the Columbus Parkway exit, turn left at Rose Drive to loop back over the freeway, then turn right at the signs for the State Park. For your GPS use the address 1 Rose Drive. (The park brochure says 1 State Park Rd., but some GPS's don't recognize that address.)

There's a kiosk at the park entry where you pay your fee of $6 per vehicle. Sometimes the kiosk is staffed, but if not, just beyond it you'll see a supply of envelopes for your money and a slot. Be sure to bring small bills or a check because with the envelope system there's no way to get change.

After you pass the entry you're on Dillon Point Road. Drive all the way to the end of the road to the Dillon Point picnic area parking lot. If the lot is full there's another lot a short distance back down the road.

Admission is $6 per vehicle, restrooms are open, rain cancels. Hope to see you there!

Round Valley Regional Preserve, January 4, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, January 4, 2024, 10 am - 2 pm

Round Valley Regional Preserve

19450 Marsh Creek Rd.

Brentwood CA 94513

Round Valley Regional Preserve

Let's ring in the new year with a paint-out at beautiful Round Valley! The weather forecast is partly cloudy, high of 60, only 8% chance of rain, so we should be OK. You can find nice views of the surrounding valley, hills and trees within steps of the parking lot, or venture a little further for views of Marsh Creek.

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

Lafayette Reservoir Visitor Center, December 14, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, December 14, 10 am - 2 pm

Lafayette Reservoir

3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette CA 94549

Lafayette Reservoir :: East Bay Municipal Utility District (ebmud.com)

Let's go back to the Lafayette Reservoir and paint at our favorite area around the Visitor Center. While you're there, I'd like to invite you to come inside the Visitor Center to see a little exhibit of my paintings and enjoy some refreshments with me!

Enter the park at 3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd. and drive up to the main parking lot. In the middle of the parking lot there are ticket machines where you can purchase a One Day Parking Permit for $7. From there turn right and drive down to the Visitor Center. It's next to the docks with all the colorful boats.

Parking at the Visitor Center is a loading zone only, but there’s a large all-day parking lot just up the hill that’s convenient. I suggest popping into the loading zone to drop off your gear, then driving up the hill to park. From there you can walk down a series of steps to the Visitor Center.

I'm attaching a map to help you find our paint-out spot at the Visitor Center and clarify the parking.

Day use fee is $7, restrooms are open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Nancy Roberts

Nancy Roberts Fine Art (nancyrobertsstudio.com)

Black Diamond again, December 7, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, December 7, 10 am - 2 pm

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

5175 Somersville Rd., Antioch, CA 94509

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

Let's paint at Black Diamond again, but this time at the upper level. After you enter the park, pass the first parking lot and continue driving all the way to the parking lot at the top of the hill. There are great views within a few steps of the parking lot, or you can walk up the paved trail for even more options, including views of the historic Rose Hill Cemetery.

Admission is usually free on weekdays, but be prepared to pay a $5 fee if the entry gate kiosk happens to be staffed. Restrooms are open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve, November 29, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Wednesday, November 29, 10 am - 2 pm

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

5175 Somersville Rd., Antioch, CA 94509

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve 

Let's go back to beautiful Black Diamond Mines! This time we'll be painting at the lower level of the park where you'll find beautiful views of the hills and valley as well as a picturesque old ranch.

Park in the first parking lot on the left after you drive through the entry gate, then fan out to find your spot. One favorite area is the trail that runs along next to the old ranch and has great views up the valley. This trail starts at a hikers' gate across the street from the parking lot. It's a nice level, dirt trail (fire road). You can also find some good views right from the parking lot.

Admission is usually free this time of year but be prepared to pay a $5 fee if the entry gate kiosk happens to be staffed. The new restroom at this parking lot is open now, rain cancels.

Diablo Foothills Orchard Staging Area, November 26, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Sunday, November 26, 10 am - 2 pm

Diablo Foothills Regional Park Orchard Staging Area

Just beyond Castle Rock Arabians, 1350 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94598

https://www.ebparks.org/parks/diablo_foothills/

Let's go back to one of our favorite spots, the Diablo Foothills Regional Park Orchard Staging Area. Clear weather is forecast so it should be a nice day.

The best views are from the large parking lot. If the large lot's driveway gate is open, drive on in and park. If the gate is closed you can park across the street in the overflow lot. Set up your easel in the clear area around the perimeter of the parking lot, being careful not to block any parking spaces. You can also explore the trails for more view options. I'm attaching a map to help you find us.

Important directions: Please note that this location IS NOT at 1700 Castle Rock Rd., the address the website lists for Diablo Foothills Regional Park. Our spot is a big parking lot on the right side of Castle Rock Rd. just after you pass Castle Rock Arabians at 1350 Castle Rock Rd. The entrance has a big East Bay Regional Park sign and a driveway gate.

The new restroom is probably open, but if not there's a port-a-potty that's always open. Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Markham Nature Park, November 16, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, November 16, 10 am - 2 pm

Markham Nature Park and Arboretum

1202 La Vista Ave., Concord CA 94521

Website: http://markhamarboretum.org/visit/

Let's go back to Markham Nature Park in Concord. There's a chance of rain this Thursday, but if it's only a light rain we might enjoy painting under the large, sheltering gazebo with views out toward the surrounding gardens and trees. There are also some beautiful wisteria vines twisting around the posts of the gazebo that would make for an interesting close-up study. If it's raining hard that day you may choose to stay home, but if it's just cloudy with a chance of light rain, let's give it a try!

Park in the lot at the end of La Vista Avenue, then fan out to explore the garden paths or head to the gazebo if it's raining. I'm attaching a map to help you find us. Please note, there are NO RESTROOMS in this park, but shopping centers are a short drive away. Admission is free, rain does not cancel (see my notes above.) I hope to see you there!

Howe Homestead Park again, November 9, 2023

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, November 9, 10 am - 2 pm

Howe Homestead Park

2950 Walnut Blvd., Walnut Creek CA 94596

Howe Homestead Park | Open Space | City of Walnut Creek (walnut-creek.org)

Howe Homestead Park was so beautiful yesterday (Nov 2), let's go back next Thursday, November 9, 10 am to 2 pm. Or you're welcome to get there earlier if you'd like to get a jump on the day. Be sure to check out the community garden just uphill from the historic buildings. It's a patchwork of homey little gardens full of fall color. You can set up along the pathways for some fun views.

Admission is free, the restroom is open, rain cancels.