Turnbull Park, Benicia, August 1, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, August 1, 10 am - 2 pm

Turnbull Park

Bottom of East 5th St., Benicia CA 94510

Park website: Turnbull Park - Benicia, California

Let's paint at Turnbull Park in the Benicia Marina area. This park has panoramic views of the Carquinez Strait, including the old ferry dock with Diablo in the distance. Or if you're into boats there's the whole marina scene. The park has a small restroom building but it's not always open (the marina restrooms are not for public use). Other public restrooms are a short drive away. Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Lafayette Reservoir, July 23, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Tuesday, July 23, 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!

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 parking briefly in 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 situation.

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

Martinez Shoreline again, July 13, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, July 13, 10 am - 2 pm

Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline Park

Ferry Point area

North end of North Court Street, Martinez CA 94553

Ted and Kathy Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline | East Bay Parks (ebparks.org)

It was too windy at the Martinez Shoreline last Saturday -- let's try again! There's an area at the end of the fishing pier where you can get a little wind shelter behind the old ferry structure, so you may like to head out there if it's windy along the shoreline. That's where I'll be. I'm attaching a map to help you find the spot I'm talking about.

Plan B to evade the wind is to paint from your car. You can park around the edge of the Ferry Point parking lot, or you can park at the marina for more view options. And Plan C is to drive to Grangers' Wharf at the end of Berrellessa Street. That lot is pretty small, though, and it's often full. There is a restroom at Grangers' Wharf.

Admission is free, public restrooms are located inside the Harbor Master's building, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Martinez Shoreline, July 6, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, July 6, 10 am - 2 pm

Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline Park, Ferry Point Area

North end of North Court Street, Martinez CA 94553

Park website: Ted and Kathy Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline

HEADS-UP: Heat alert, possible park closure

Many parks are experiencing closures this week because of the heat. On Saturday morning you can check the status of Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline Park on the East Bay Regional Parks website: Ted and Kathy Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline.  I also recommend checking your weather app that morning and thinking about your own comfort. It's OK if you decide to sit this one out. There's always next time!

Let's go back to the beautiful Martinez shoreline! We'll be painting in the Ferry Point area at Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline Park. I'm attaching a map to help you find our location.

Park at the Ferry Point Picnic Area at the North end of North Court Street, then fan out to find your spot. It's a short walk out the trail to find panoramic views of the Carquinez Strait, marshlands, boats and bridges.

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

Dillon Point, Benicia, June 29, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, June 29, 10 am - 2 pm

Dillon Point

Benicia State Recreation Area

1 Rose Drive, Benicia CA 94510

Park website: Benicia State Recreation Area (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 that 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!

Glen Cove Waterfront again, June 19, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Wednesday, June 19, 10 am - 2 pm

Glen Cove Waterfront Park

End of Whitesides Drive, Vallejo CA 94591

Park website: Glen Cove Waterfront Park (solanoopenspace.org)

Glen Cove Waterfront Park was so nice today, let's go back this coming Wednesday, June 19th. This spot has great views of the Glen Cove shoreline and a sweeping panorama across the Carquinez Strait. Heads-up, it does get windy so be prepared to tie things down.

The park is at the end of Whitesides Drive in Vallejo. Park in the small lot or on the street. From there you can walk straight ahead out to the lookout area or turn left to take the trail down to the pretty little beach and agave grove.

Please note that there are no restrooms at this park, but there are public restrooms a short drive up the hill at Glen Cove School Park next to the tennis courts at 605 Glen Cove Parkway or you can drive further up Glen Cove Parkway to the Safeway shopping center.

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

Glen Cove Waterfront Park, June 16, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Sunday, June 16, 10 am - 2 pm

Glen Cove Waterfront Park

End of Whitesides Drive, Vallejo, CA 94591

Park website: https://solanoopenspace.org/OtherOutdoor_GlenCovePark.asp

Let's go back to scenic and refreshing Glen Cove Waterfront Park! This spot has great views of the Glen Cove shoreline and a sweeping panorama across the Carquinez Strait. Windy weather is always possible at this shoreline area, so be prepared.

The park is at the end of Whitesides Drive in Vallejo. Park in the small lot or on the street. From there you can walk straight ahead out to the lookout area or turn left to take the trail down to the pretty little beach and agave grove.

Please note that there are no restrooms at this park, but there are public restrooms a short drive up the hill at Glen Cove School Park next to the tennis courts, 605 Glen Cove Parkway, or you can drive further up Glen Cove Parkway to the Safeway shopping center.

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

Alvarez 9th Street Park, Benicia, June 6, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, June 6, 10 am - 2 pm

Alvarez Ninth Street Park

904 W 9th St, Benicia CA 94510

Alvarez 9th Street Park - Benicia, California

Let's beat the heat and go to the beach! This coming Thursday we'll be painting at Alvarez Ninth Street Park in Benicia. This scenic shoreline location is always refreshing with cool breezes coming in off the Carquinez Strait. You'll find great views within steps of the parking lot.

Admission is free, there is a public restroom. I hope to see you there!

Arata Ranch at Black Diamond, May 30, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, May 30, 10 am - 2 pm

Arata Ranch at Black Diamond Mines

For GPS use the address 4546 Somersville Rd., Antioch CA 94509

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

Arata Ranch is the first ranch you see when you're driving into Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve from Antioch. It's technically part of the park but it's not open to the public, so we're only allowed to paint it from the road. We'll be parking and painting along the shoulder of Somersville Road. For your GPS you can use the street address 4546 Somersville Rd., Antioch CA 94509. I'll attach a map to help you find us.

There's no shade and be prepared for ticks. It's also rattlesnake season, so just be aware. The good news is that there's a nice new restroom just up the hill at Black Diamond in the lower parking lot. Also, Plan B -- if for some reason we can't park near Arata Ranch you can continue up to Black Diamond Mines and paint there.

Admission is free, restroom is nearby, rain or extreme heat cancels. I hope to see you there!

Diablo Foothills Orchard Staging Area again, May 25, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, May 25, 10 am - 2 pm

Diablo Foothills Regional Park Orchard Staging Area

For GPS use 1027 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94598

Let's go back to the Diablo Foothills Regional Park Orchard Staging Area before the summer heat kicks in. A high of 65 is forecast, perfect plein air weather! Just watch out for snakes (not kidding).

The best views are from the large trail staging parking lot. If the large lot's driveway gate is open drive on in and park. If the driveway gate is closed you can park across the street in the overflow lot or along the shoulder of the road. There are great views from the parking lot and the adjacent trails. I'm attaching a map to help you find us.

IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS: For your GPS you can use the address 1027 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek. (Please note that our location IS NOT at 1700 Castle Rock Rd., the address that EBRP's 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. The entrance has a big East Bay Regional Park sign and a driveway gate.

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

East Contra Costa Historical Museum, May 19, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Sunday, May 19, 10 am - 2 pm

East Contra Costa Historical Museum

3890 Sellers Ave., Brentwood CA 94513

East Contra Costa Historical Museum

Let's go back to the beautiful East Contra Costa Historical Museum in Brentwood! We'll be painting during the museum's regular Third Sunday open hours, 10 am - 2 pm, but you can also go earlier if you like and set up in the front yard for views of the historic house, windmill and rose garden. The gate to the outdoor exhibits opens at 10 am. All kinds of cool stuff to sketch and paint!

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

Diablo Foothills Orchard Staging Area, May 18, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, May 18, 10 am - 2 pm

Diablo Foothills Regional Park Orchard Staging Area

For GPS use 1027 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94598

Let's go back to one of our favorite spots, the Diablo Foothills Regional Park Orchard Staging Area! The best views are from the large trail staging parking lot. If the large lot's driveway gate is open drive on in and park. If the driveway gate is closed you can park across the street in the overflow lot or along the shoulder of the road. There are great views from the parking lot and the adjacent trails. I'm attaching a map to help you find us.

IMPORTANT DIRECTIONS: For your GPS you can use the address 1027 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek. (Please note that our location IS NOT at 1700 Castle Rock Rd., the address that EBRP's 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. The entrance has a big East Bay Regional Park sign and a driveway gate.

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

Los Vaqueros Interpretive Center, May 11, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, May 11, 10 am - 2 pm

Los Vaqueros Interpretive Center

Park entry gate address for GPS: 121 Walnut Blvd., Brentwood CA 94513

Los Vaqueros Interpretive Center

Let's go back to beautiful Los Vaqueros! We'll be parking at the Los Vaqueros Interpretive Center and painting the views from that area. Enter the park from the Brentwood side, address 121 Walnut Blvd., Brentwood, pay your entry fee at the gate, then drive straight ahead all the way up to the end of Walnut Blvd. to the interpretive center parking lot. You can't see the reservoir from this vantage point (unless you want to hike up to the top of the dam) but there are lots of pretty views of the hills and valley. There's also a small pond, benches and a shade structure along the paved trail that starts at the parking lot and heads in the direction away from the dam. I'm attaching a map to help you find our paint-out location.

Park entry fee is $6 standard, $5 seniors, $4 Diablo Water District customers. There's a restroom at the Interpretive Center parking lot and also inside the building. Rain cancels.