Black Diamond Mines, Jan 25 and Feb 1, 2025

UPDATE:  The February 1st paint-out at Black Diamond is CANCELLED due to rain

Contra Costa Plein Air and Jade Fon Paint-Outs

Saturdays January 25 and February 1, 10 am - 2 pm

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve

5175 Somersville Rd., Antioch, CA 94509

Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve | East Bay Parks

Let's go back to beautiful Black Diamond! We'll be painting there for the next two Saturdays, January 25 and February 1. There are parking lots at the lower and upper levels and both have great views, so you may like to explore before choosing your spot.

At the lower level 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 pass the entry kiosk. There are good views within steps of the parking lot, or you can cross the road to a trail that runs next to the ranch.

At the upper level you'll find more hill views and a trail that heads up to the historic mines and Rose Hill Cemetery. Be aware that this parking lot can be more crowded on weekends because of the mine tours.

And here's an insider tip: There's another pretty ranch, the Arata Ranch, you pass as you're driving into the park on Somersville Road. It's not open to the public, but artists are allowed to park and set up their easels along the shoulder of the road. Just don't park in any clearly marked "No Parking" areas (e.g. the pull-out at the curve in the road.)

There's a $5 per vehicle park entry fee, restrooms at both levels are open, rain cancels.

Heather Farm Park, January 29, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Wednesday, January 29, 10 am - 2 pm

Heather Farm Park

Parking lot at the Community Center

301 North San Carlos Dr., Walnut Creek CA 94598

Website: Heather Farm Park | Parks | Walnut Creek Arts + Rec

Please note, this is a WEDNESDAY paint-out to take advantage of sunny weather.

Let's paint at beautiful Heather Farm Park in the area around the two lakes. You can park in the lot next to the community center then walk a short distance for a variety of views. I'm attaching a map to show you my two favorite spots. Spot "A" is a little hill with a great view of Diablo with the man-made lake in the foreground (the photo at the top of this post is from that spot). Spot "B" is another Diablo view from the shoreline of the natural lake.

The public restroom is across the street at the sports field (not inside the community center). Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Lafayette Reservoir, January 23, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, January 23, 10 am - 2 pm

Lafayette Reservoir

3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette CA 94549

Lafayette Reservoir :: East Bay Municipal Utility District

Let's try the Res again! (We were rained out last month.) This is a good chance to paint the iconic tower before major seismic upgrade work shortens it by 40 feet.

Enter the park at the main entrance 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’ll need to purchase a One Day Parking Permit for $7. The machine takes cash or cards. (Note that if the machines aren't working you can buy a parking permit at the Visitor Center.)

From there turn right and drive downhill toward the Visitor Center. Parking at the Visitor Center is a loading zone only, but there’s an all-day parking lot just up the hill that’s convenient. I suggest stopping 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 area.

There are also good views from the other side of the reservoir. If you’d rather paint there, you can park in the main lot and set up along the top of the dam or along the trail to the left. I'm attaching a map to help you get oriented.

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

Ardenwood Historic Farm, January 18, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air and Jade Fon Paint-Out

Saturday, January 18, 10 am - 2pm

Ardenwood Historic Farm

34600 Ardenwood Blvd. Fremont, CA 94555

Website: https://www.ebparks.org/parks/ardenwood

Let's paint at Ardenwood Historic Farm in Fremont on Saturday, January 18, 10 am - 2 pm. Park in the lot and then walk into the large grounds to find your spot. Highlights include the historic Patterson House, Arden Station and train, a Victorian garden and animal farms. I'm attaching a map from the East Bay Regional Parks brochure.

Entry fee is $4/adults, $3/seniors, restrooms are open, rain cancels.

Dillon Point, Benicia State Recreation Area, January 16, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, January 16, 10 am - 2 pm

Dillon Point, Benicia State Recreation Area

1 Rose Drive, Benicia CA 94510

Park website: Benicia State Recreation Area

Let's paint at scenic Dillon Point in the Benicia State Recreation Area! This spot has great views in all directions. 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 entry fee ($6 regular, $5 seniors). 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.

Park entry fee is $6 per vehicle, $5 for seniors, restrooms are open, rain cancels. Hope to see you there!

Alviso Adobe, Saturdays January 4 and 11, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air and Jade Fon Paint-Outs

Saturday, January 4 and Saturday, January 11, 10 am - 2 pm

Alviso Adobe Community Park

3465 Old Foothill Rd., Pleasanton CA 94588

Alviso Adobe - City of Pleasanton

The Alviso Adobe and surrounding park are beautiful and peaceful this time of year. We'll be painting there the first two Saturdays in January, Jan 4 and 11, 10 am - 2 pm, along with our new plein air buddies, the Jade Fon Saturday Painters!

There's a parking lot and street parking along Old Foothill Road (one-way street). Restrooms inside the visitor center usually open around noon, the restroom at the trailhead across the street is always open. Admission is free, rain cancels. Hope to see you there!

Alvarez Ninth Street Park, Benicia, January 9, 2025

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, January 9, 10 am - 2 pm

Alvarez Ninth Street Park

Foot of West 9th Street, Benicia CA 94510

Park website: https://www.ci.benicia.ca.us/parks

Let's paint at beautiful Alvarez Ninth Street Park in Benicia this Thursday, January 9, 10 am - 2 pm. There's a big parking lot and a public restroom at the foot of West 9th Street. From there it's a short walk out to great views in all directions.

And here's something new, the vintage little restaurant building has been restored is open now, Got Plate Lunch. I've heard you can buy snacks and beverages there, too.

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

Lafayette Reservoir December 12, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, December 12, 10 am - 2 pm

Lafayette Reservoir

3849 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Lafayette CA 94549

Lafayette Reservoir :: East Bay Municipal Utility District

Let's go back to the beautiful Lafayette Reservoir. This is a good chance to paint the iconic tower before seismic upgrades change its appearance (construction will start in the spring).

Enter the park at the main entrance 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’ll need to purchase a One Day Parking Permit for $7. The machine takes cash or cards. (Note that if the machines aren't working you can buy a parking permit at the Visitor Center.)

From there turn right and drive downhill toward the Visitor Center. Parking at the Visitor Center is a loading zone only, but there’s an all-day parking lot just up the hill that’s convenient. I suggest stopping 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 area.

There are also good views from the other side of the reservoir. If you’d rather paint there, you can park in the main lot and set up along the top of the dam or along the trail to the left. I'm attaching a map below to help you get oriented. Day use fee is $7, restrooms are open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Waterbird Regional Preserve, December 8, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Sunday, December 8, 10 am - 2 pm

Waterbird Regional Preserve

851 Waterbird Way, Martinez, CA 94553

Park website: Waterbird Regional Preserve

Here's a new location for our group, Waterbird Regional Preserve in Martinez. The view is a juxtaposition of nature and industry with a large lake and marshlands, a glimpse of Diablo, and expansive oil refineries in the distance. A fun challenge!

There's a large shade structure, picnic tables and a restroom at the parking lot. Admission is free, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!

Grangers' Wharf, Martinez Shoreline, December 5, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Thursday, December 5, 10 am - 2 pm

Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline Park

Grangers' Wharf parking lot

101 Berrellesa St., Martinez CA 94553

Park website: Ted and Kathy Radke Martinez Regional Shoreline

Let's paint at the beautiful Martinez shoreline, fanning out from the Grangers' Wharf parking lot at 101 Berrellesa St. If that parking lot is full there's more parking just around the corner at the Norcal Courts sports complex, 360 Ferry Street.

Admission is free, the restroom at the Grangers' Wharf parking lot is open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!  

Markham Nature Park, November 30, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Saturday, November 30, 10 am - 2 pm

Markham Nature Park and Arboretum

1202 La Vista Ave., Concord CA 94521

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

Markham Nature Park has some beautiful fall color right now! Let's paint there on Saturday, November 30th, 10 - 2. If it happens to be raining we can paint under the large, sheltering gazebo with views out toward the park.

Park in the lot at the end of La Vista Avenue, then fan out to explore the creek trail, garden paths or 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, open rain or shine. This is a joint paint-out with the Jade Fon group. I hope to see you there!

Diablo view at Northgate HS, November 27, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Wednesday, November 27, 10 am - 2 pm

Field across from Northgate High School

425 Castle Rock Rd., Walnut Creek CA 94598

Pop-up paint-out!  This Wednesday, November 27th is forecast to be sunny and the school will be on Thanksgiving break so conditions are perfect for painting at one of our favorite locations, the wide-open field and Diablo view across from Northgate High School. 

Head to Northgate High School and park in the wide shoulder area across the street from the school, then walk out onto the wide, paved trail to find your spot. There's a good chance there will be water in the pond and the creek at the upper end of the trail so there should be some pretty views. The gravel edge of the trail is an active bridle path so let’s not block it with our set-ups.

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. I hope to see you there! 

Sycamore Grove again, Nov 13, 2024

Contra Costa Plein Air Paint-Out

Wednesday, November 13, 10 am - 2 pm

Sycamore Grove Park

1051 Wetmore Rd., Livermore CA 94550

Sycamore Grove Park - Livermore Area Recreation and Park District

Sycamore Grove is so beautiful right now, let's go back! Park in the lot at 1051 Wetmore Road and pay for your $5 parking permit, then fan out to find your spot. I suggest taking the trail that heads to the right leading toward the pedestrian bridge and creek, sycamores, vineyards and hills.

Parking is $5 per vehicle, restrooms are open, rain cancels. I hope to see you there!