RESULTS: 73rd NBPA paintout - Sunday, March 26, 207 @ Rush Creek, Ca.

Almost rained out twice.... Photos slowly uploading from our painters, Check it Out Here: https://www.meetup.com/North-Bay-Plein-Air/photos/27723785/

67th NBPA paintout - Sunday, March 27, 2016 @ Santa Margarita Island, San Rafael, Ca (12pm - 4pm)

Did Someone say Margarita? on an Island? and on Easter? Join us this Sunday for the 67th NBPA paintout @ Santa Margarita Island in San Rafael, Ca. Thanks! -Gerald

Agenda: 
12:00pm - 4:00pm - Let's Paint! 

4:00pm - 4:15pm - Let's meet back at the concrete bridge (entrance) to share our findings, techniques or just to chat (not a critique). 

PARKING: There is minimal amount of parking in front of the entrance to island. Additional Parking available along residential sidewalks. Please Do Not park/Do Not block the gate entrance to island. And please be mindful not to block any house drive ways. Your vehicles will be towed.

66th NBPA Paintout - Niven Park, Greenbrae (12:00pm - 4:00pm)

Greetings Painters! This week's weather is looking promising with sunshine and blue skies! Let's pack up our gear and head to the city of Greenbrae, CA. and paint along the Corete Madera Creek.

Just a friendly Reminder: When setting up your easel, carts, folding chairs please do not block any walk-ways and PLEASE STAY CLEAR of Main Paved Trail, dirt trail (used for joggers and mountain biking), and any private property.

There are plenty of benches to use, also grassy areas to set up. Keep in mind lots of dog walkers as well with dogs playing in grassy area. 

All directions offer wonderful views to paint! 

Open Trails: Yes. Easy Flat Trail along Corte Madera Creek.

Bathroom: No. (There are public restrooms closer to Peet's Coffee in Shopping Center)

Parking: Street Parking.

Agenda:
12:00pm - 4:00pm - Let's Paint!

4:00pm - 4:15pm - Let's meet along highlighted area on map, to share our findings, techniques or just to chat (not a critique). 

Park Website: http://justplaygrounds.com/niven-park/

Directions: http://www.mapquest.com/us/ca/greenbrae/94904-3037/13-barry-way-37.945323,-122.520729

Artist Getaway in Occidental, CA. - Reserve your spot Now! May 1st-6th, 20015

Full Detail HERE: http://www.artistgetaway.com/occidental_2016.html

Artist Getaway in Occidental California is a painting vacation in the coastal redwood forest. Occidental is a small town nestled in Northern California beauty.

​​In Occidental we paint en plein air, the Sonoma Coast and Russian River painting locations are no further than 10 miles from the hotel. We will go to a location each day as a group to paint and then meet at 5 pm at the hotel pool to for painting sharing and discussion.

Artist Getaway's purpose is to enhance the social, cultural and emotional well being of artists and the community by supporting artists in their work and providing opportunities to promote art to the public. An Artist Getaway is a vacation for Plein Air painting for any level of experience and in any medium, oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, etc. and was founded in 2012. Plein Air (painting in the open air) became famous in France in the 19th century. Some of the hotels we stay in have meeting rooms where we can paint indoors as well in the open air. Artists can paint on their own or paint as a group in the scenic locations where we stay.

​​Samantha McNally, Artist Getaway founder, is a member of the California Watercolor Association, the East Bay Pleinair Painters, the East Bay Artist Guild, the North Bay Pleinair Painters and the Benicia Pleinair Painters.Samantha has paintings in the Valley Art Gallery in Walnut Creek,CA and in the Benicia Plein Air Gallery in Benicia, CA. Samantha served on the CWA (California Watercolor Association) Board of Directors for 4 years from 2007 through 2010 and is currently the co-chair of the CWA pleinair group and on the CWA National E
xhibition Committee. Samantha has lots of experience planning and chairing and participating in art events and looks forward to planning your Artist Getaway. If you have any questions please send an email to info@artistgetaway.com

65th NBPA Paintout @ Bartholomew Park, Sonoma, Ca. (12pm-4pm)

Let's squeeze in another paintout before the Thanksgiving Holiday!

http://www.bartholomewpark.org/

Join us this Sunday, Nov. 22nd for a paintout at Bartholomew Park in Sonoma, Ca.
Lots of Vineyards and rolling hills with Fall colors surrounding us :)

After entering main gate, veer LEFT to main parking lot. (if you veer right, you will head up to winery, additional parking in gravel parking lot if needed, but you will have to walk down the hill - or feel free to hike trails along the side).

Address:
1000 Vineyard Lane, Sonoma, Ca.

Please be sure to add this address to your GPS ahead of time and check out the link above for park rules and info (Direct Link Above).

Open Trails: Yes

Bathroom: Yes. 

Parking: Free

Agenda: 
12:00pm - 4:00pm - Let's Paint!

4:00pm - 4:15pm - Let's meet back at benches under trees, to share our findings, techniques or just to chat (not a critique).

Map: http://www.bartholomewpark.org/maps/

Directions:
From San Francisco

Take highway 101 north to highway 37 east. Take 121 north toward SONOMA/NAPA and turn left onto highway 12 into SONOMA. At the SONOMA PLAZA, turn right onto E NAPA STREET. Turn left on 7th STREET EAST. At the next stop sign, turn right (veer to the left-most road) onto VINEYARD LANE and follow it to the gates of our winery.

From Sacramento

Take highway 50 west to interstate 80 west. Take the CA-12 exit towards NAPA/SONOMA. On highway 12, make a right onto highway 29 north. Follow highway 29 for 5 miles and turn left onto highway 12/121 towards SONOMA. Turn right on NAPA RD. Make a right onto 8TH STREET EAST.  Continue for approx. 1.5 miles and make a left onto E NAPA STREET.  Take the first right onto 7th STREET EAST and at the next stop sign, turn right (veer to the left-most road) onto VINEYARD LANE and follow it to the gates of our winery.

64th NBPA Paintout - Helen Putnam Regional Park (Petaluma, Ca) Sunday October 25 (12pm-4pm)

64th NBPA Paintout - Helen Putnam Regional Park (Petaluma, Ca

• Sunday, October 25, 2015

  12:00 PM to 4:00 PM
• Helen Putnam Park

  411 Chileno Valley Road, Petaluma, CA (map)
• 
  
  
  
• Please note there are 2 entrances. 

  The first is the main parking lot at address below.
  ($7.00 /per vehicle)

  Address: Please take time to research and enter address in your GPS ahead of time.
  Helen Putnam Regional Park 
  411 Chileno Valley Road, Petaluma

  The second parking (FREE) is at back part of the Park (SEE DIRECTIONS AT THE BOTTOM)

  Details on Park: Helen Putnam Regional Park lies just outside of Petaluma and offers a variety of terrain across 5.87 miles of trail. Excellent views of Petaluma to the east and rural Sonoma County to the west can be enjoyed from the Panorama Trail. The viewpoints may be accessed via a steep climb up the trail from the parking lot, or a gentler approach via the paved Ridge Trail past the Fish Pond. Fillaree, Pomo, and South Loop trails wind through forested areas offering shade on hot summer days. Equestrians, hikers, and bikers are welcome on all trails. 
  
  Bathroom: Yes. 
  
  Parking Fees: $7.00 (Recommended to bring cash just in case the kiosk is not working). 
  
  Agenda: 
  
  12:00pm - 4:00pm - Let's Paint! 
  
  4:00pm - 4:15pm - Let's meet back at Main Paid parking lot to share our findings, techniques or just to chat (not a critique). 
  
  Directions to Back side of Park (FREE Parking - on first come basis) 
  (From San Rafael): 
  Take the US-101 NORTH (17.6 mi) 
  Exit onto Petaluma Blvd S (1.1 mi)  
  
  At the traffic circle, continue straight to stay on Petaluma Blvd S (1.4 mi)  
  
  Turn left onto Western Ave (1.9 mi)  
  
  Turn left onto Chileno Valley Rd (0.8 mi) 
  Take the 1st left onto Armstrong

Thank you Point Reyes Field Institute for continued Sponsorship 2015 - 2016

Greetings Painters,

We are thrilled to announce the continued support and sponsorship from PRFI for 2015 - 2016!

The Point Reyes Field Institute (PRFI) is proud to be sponsoring our North Bay Plein Air Meetup Group. Art in the Park has a long and rich history with the National Park Service and hope to offer our local Plein Air painters access to remote areas of the park and in return to be inspired by the art.

Founded in 1964 the Point Reyes Field Institute offers educational activities for the general public inside the park. Registration Fees go towards their programs which raise funds to support critical resource preservation projects and offer year-round environmental education programs that engage the public in accessing, enjoying and understanding Point Reyes. Since their founding, PRNSA has raised millions of dollars to support park projects and environmental education programs that enhance the visitor experience, protect the park’s resources, improve wildlife habitat and make a profound difference in the lives of children and adults. Thank you for your support and enjoy your time in the park!

Be sure to check out our Meetup calendars for upcoming Classes and workshops taking place at the Point Reyes Field Institute.

***If interested in registering any of the workshops Please let them know you are a current member of the North Bay Plein Air Meetup Group***

You can view current class offerings here: http://www.ptreyes.org/camps-classes-programs/field-institute/class-topics/arts¬

More information on the Point Reyes Field Institute can be found at: www.ptreyes.org/about

Many Thanks and looking forward to our upcoming Paintouts!

63rd NBPA Paintout at Ring Mountain, Corte Madera CA (12pm-4pm)

Let's visit RING MOUNTAIN!

There's 2 entrances. 

MAIN ENTRANCE Once on Paradise Drive, the road will bend right .... entrance on RIGHT SIDE. Park along dirt shoulder. BE CAREFUL IF CROSSING THE STREET! It's much longer hike to get up on the hill. Use this address for your GPS: 5300 Paradise Drive, Corte Madera, CA.

ALTERNATE ENTRANCE
Once you get on Paradise Drive,
Make a RIGHT TURN on Westward Drive
Continue all the way up the hill. Road will end (This is entrance).
Find Parking along sidewalk. 

PARKING (along Westward Drive)
There's parking along the sidewalks. But if that fills up, there's a dirt shoulders
at the bottom of the hill (off main road of Paradise Drive - but you'll have to walk a little bit to get to the entrance of trail) So walk up this hill towards the Blue trash can under the trees.

NOTE: There's quite a few mountain bikers zipping down the trails. So make sure to set up off to the side.

Agenda
12:00pm - Since there's 2 entrances, No meetup at beginning. Let's start painting!!!

12:00pm - 4:00pm - Let's Paint! - Meet back at MAIN ENTRANCE of trail (dirt shoulder parkin). We will share our findings, techniques or just to chat (not a critique).

San Rafael, Ca - Plein Air Competition - Saturday August 29, 2015 (8am - 4pm)

REGISTER HERE:

For more information, visit http://downtownsanrafael.org/Artists-in-Action-A-Plein-Air-Paint-Out or call the SRBID at 415-720-5591.

Plein air artists are invited to participate in the  Downtown Artists in Action a Plein Air Competition in Downtown San Rafael on Saturday, August 29, from 8 am – 4 pm. Participating artists will create an original plein air painting or drawing of any location within Downtown San Rafael.  Presented by The Downtown San Rafael Business Improvement District (SRBID) and Marin Open Studios (MOS),  Downtown Artists in Action Celebrates the arts community in Marin and invites Bay Area artists to discover Downtown San Rafael. Completed works will be judged at the end of the day and prizes awarded as follows:  

Best in Show $300 (RileyStreet Art Supply), 

First Place, $200 (The Folk Art Gallery) 

Second Place, $150 (Stephan Hill Jewelers), 

Third Place, $100 (Aroma Café). 

Completed works will also be exhibited at Art Works Downtown (AWD) in conjunction with Second Friday’s Art Walk and throughout the month of September. This event is open to all plein air artists of all skill levels. Pre-registration is $35.  Download the Call for Artists and registration form at www.downtownsanrafel.org

“We are thrilled to host the first Plein Air paint out in Downtown San Rafael, said Carol Thompson,  SRBID Executive director.  “There is much beauty to discover in our downtown, from historic buildings and architecture such as the iconic Mission San Rafael and the gorgeous art deco Rafael Theater. But we also know there are other gems to be captured by the fresh take of an artist’s eye.”  

The San Rafael Downtown Artists in Action Day:

·       Celebrates Downtown San Rafael’s character and culture by inviting artists to capture iconic scenes and smaller snippets of beauty discovered with fresh eyes.

·       Invites the community to enjoy an afternoon strolling through downtown, discovering artists in action while exploring the unique businesses and cafes that enliven our community.

·       Engages families with demonstrations and a youth “paint-out” area.

·       Presents live music, plus store and dining specials throughout downtown.

What: Plein Air painting or drawing in any medium i.e., outdoors, from direct observation of the subject matter.  

Where: On-site at any location in Downtown San Rafael  (map to be provided) When: Saturday, August 29,  8 am – 4 pm 

Exhibition: All completed work will be displayed at Art Works Downtown (AWD) in September. Sale:  Artists may make their work available for sale at the show and throughout the month of September. No commission will be taken.

61st NBPA Paintout - Rodeo Beach/ Lagoon (Marin Headlands)

Revisiting the same location our very first paintout that took place back in 2009! Rain expected on Saturday and looking forward to clearing up on Sunday. Wonderful views in all directions. Parking lot near Headlands Institute with additional parking along dirt shoulder facing lagoon.

Located in the Marin Headlands, Fort Cronkhite is a former World War II military post that stands at the edge of the Pacific Ocean. Fort Cronkhite today is one of the few preserved examples of these World War II "mobilization posts" remaining in the country. The fort's barracks, mess halls, supply buildings, and other structures are preserved to tell the story of the soldiers who waited here for an enemy that never came.

Agenda: 

12:00pm - 12:15pm - Briefly meet at Beach Area or feel free to set up to paint!

12:15pm - 4:00pm - Let's PAINT! 

4:00pm - 4:15pm - Let's meet up between beach and parking lot. We can share our paintings and lean our paintings along the log stumps. Not a Critique.... just time to share our findings, techniques or just to chat.

Directions:

• On Bunker Road, pass through one way Baker-BarryTunnel.
• Follow Bunker Road 3-miles and continue pass Rodeo Lagoon. Head toward the ocean and Fort Cronkhite will be on your right-hand side

Parking: 

Parking lot and additional parking along dirt shoulder facing lagoon.

Bathroom:

Yes, public bathroom by main parking lot.

60th NBPA Paintout - Old Lakeville Road # 3, Sunday March 29th (12pm-4pm)

Painting Times
12:00pm - 4:00pm

Between 12:00pm and 12:30pm, we will all meet at the white fence near the miniature horses.

Location
Old Lakeville #3 Rd. (north side)

How to find us:
Call or Text GERALD (415) 342-6764 or follow us @NBPleinair on Twitter.

Directions Click Here For Google Maps
***Please leave yourself enough time prior to paintout to review address on Google Maps. There are several Old Lakeville Roads. Make sure to meet up on ROAD #3 (North Side) Near Shetland Ponies.***

From the south: If you're on the 101, turn east on to the 37 towards Vallejo. Head about 4 miles and turn north onto Lakeville Road. Drive up another 2 miles and ignore the first "Old Lakeville #3" sign. Go up another mile and a half and turn east onto the second "Old Lakeville #3" to find us.

From the north: Head south until you get to the intersection of Highway 116 East and 101 South in Petaluma. Head east on 116 and keep on the same road after the fork, follow the route that sends you toward "Vallejo." Head south for about 2.5 miles and turn left onto Old Lakeville #3 Road.

Parking
There is no real parking but you can park on the dirt next to the row of eucalyptus, or wherever else you can find near the meetup point.

Results - 59th NBPA Paintout - Olompali Historic State Park, Novato Ca.

Here's a few photos from Sunday's paintout Olompali State Historic Park​ (Novato, Ca). See more at our Meetup Page: http://www.meetup.com/North-Bay-Plein-Air/photos/25950979/

Happy Holiday's Painters - See you in 2015!!!

Greetings Painters! 

December has always been a busy month for everyone. 

We will not have a paintout this month and will resume 2015. 

Please Enjoy the Holidays and Cheers to the New Year!

58th NBPA Paintout - Hal Brown at Creekside Park - Sunday, November 23, 2014 (9am - 4:00pm)

• 
• This will be a new venue for us. Looks like it will be just as nice tomorrow as it is today! I am looking forward to painting this view of Mt. Tam. Parking seems to be free, but you may want to double-check on their website.

  More info on their website: park website

  Location: 

  Hal Brown Park At Creekside
  231 Bon Air Rd
  Greenbrae, CA 94904 

  Agenda: 

  9:00pm - 9:15pm - Gerald will arrive in the morning around this time. He has early evening plans, so he will be leaving early.

  12:00pm - 1:00pm - Sergio will arrive sometime in this window, while Gerald will be leaving sometime around 1pm. Possible rendezvous around this time for painters who want to share, or plan on leaving early.

  1:00pm - 4:00pm - Sergio will continue to paint during this slot of time, along with anyone else who wants to stay/arrive during this time. 

  4:00pm - 4:15pm - If there are any more painters left besides Sergio, we can decide to meet up at this time to share our findings, techniques or just to chat.

  Directions:
  From Hwy 101 in Larkspur, take exit 450B for Sir Francis Drake Blvd west 1.2 miles. Turn left onto Bon Air Rd and follow 0.3 mile. The park is on the right.

  
• 
  

Results: NBPA's 57th Plein Air Paintout - Nicasio, Ca.

Such a great turnout during Sunday's paintout at Nicasio, Ca. It slightly rained the previous night but the skies cleared up just in time for another fun paintout!

See all the uploaded photos and scans here: http://www.meetup.com/North-Bay-Plein-Air/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=25444412

57th NBPA Paintout - St. Mary's Church - Sunday, October 26, 2014 (12pm - 4:00pm)

Our next destination will be at the St. Mary's Church, Nicasio CA. 

Plenty of hills, large rocks, old buildings, church and large reservoir to paint.

The location is very easy to get to, it's just off Hwy 101. Exit St. Lucas Valley Road. After driving 20 minutes, make a right onto Nicasio Valley Road. Drive about 5 more minutes to the destination. Parking available by the church and general store.

St. Mary's Church
1 Old Rancheria Rd

Nicasio, CA 94946

12:00pm - 12:15pm - We'll meet briefly outside the General Store or feel free to start painting.

12:15pm - 4:00pm - Let's Paint!

4:00pm - 4:30pm - Let's meet back at the front of the church to share our findings, techniques or just to chat.