LGAA Plein Air Group
The Los Gatos Art Association runs an outdoor painting event every Monday at selected locations. All mediums are welcome. Members will be there to greet you and start the session when you arrive at the location. You can also check out a map of where we've painted in previous years with pictures and descriptions.
Email the current Plein Air Chair to be added to or removed from the Plein Air mailing list, or for questions or location suggestions.
Nick White, (1943-2009)
Plein Air Group Founder
at the 2nd Jazz in The Park event.
Nick painted on his own and each meeting he would invite others to go out and paint with him.
He was then asked to make a group for our club.
Nick was always there - it didn't matter if no one else showed up or not.
He loved painting and was very dedicated.
- Rebecca
Plein Air Schedule
every Monday 9am to 12noon (unless otherwise noted)
February 20
Alviso Marinaand Lunch at MariaElena's Restaurant
Wetlands with rich colors, waterways and distant hills. New Marina Park with boat launch. Take Hwy 237 (East from Highway 101 or West from Hightwy 880) to North First Street exit. Turn right on North First Street (which becomes North Taylor); turn right on Gold Street, left on Elizabeth Street and right on Hope Street. Maria Elena's, 1450 Gold Street, Alviso. Rest Rooms.
February 27
Sierra Azul Open Space DistrictSan Jose
Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District's largest preserve with more that 18,400 acres of mostly rugged and steep terrain. Expansive views of Almaden Valley and Mt Hamilton to the east. Take Highway 85: from southbound 85 turn left on Camden; from northbound 85 turn left on Branham Avenue and then left on Camden. Proceed on Camden about 1.6 miles. Turn left on Hicks Road and travel about 6.3 miles. Turn right on Mt Umunhum road; preserve parking lot is on the right. No fee; facilities.
Thursday, March 1
Alum Rock ParkSan Jose
15350 Penitencia Creek Road, San Jose, CA 95132 Many mineral springs was once a turn of the century resort. This was very popular the last time we went. 125 year old park with creek, stone bridges with old trees and romantic history. Take Penitencia Creek Road off Capitol Expressway. Go east into park and park in farthest parking lot from entrance. Bring a lunch and enjoy the park. Fee $6, $2. for seniors.
March 5
Ano Nuevo State Park1 New Year's Creek, Pescadero
Expansive views, bluffs,sheltered beach,a pond, some old buildings. Take Highway 17 south to Santa Cruz. Exit Highway 1 north and proceed approximately 20 miles. Look for park sign on the left and proceed to parking lot. Fee $10; facilities.
March 12
San Juan BautistaHolister
From Hwy 101 North and South take the Hwy 156 exit east towards San Juan Bautista/Hollister. Travel approximately 3 miles on Hwy 156 to the City. A favorite with a beautiful Mission, unique Historical Downtown. We have enjoyed a group lunch at a local restaurant with some returning to do an afternoon painting. Make a day of it and bring a friend.
March 19
Novakovich Orchards14251 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga
"Family owned farm sinche 1925. Fruit trees, farm equipment and a yellow Victorian. From Highway 85, exit Saratoga Avenue west towards West Valley College. Turn left on Fruitvale and proceed around 0.7 mile, look for the Novakovich sign and turn right down their long driveway. Park on the right just before the large redwood. Do not block the driveway. Fruit stand; facilities.
March 26
Picchetti Winery and Open Space13100 Monte Bello Road, Cupertino
Turn of the century winery buildings, small creek, tree lined hills and views of the valley. Take Freeway 280 to the Foothill Grant Road exit in Cupertino. Travel southwest on Foothill Blvd. 3.5 miles (Foothill Blvd. becomes Steven's Canyon Road) through a residential section, past Steven's Creek County Park, Stevens Creek Reservoir and Dam. Montebello Road will appear on your right. Travel up Montebello road 6/10ths of a mile to Picchetti Winery. The first left hand turn goes to the Picchetti Winery, the second, a short distance away goes to a general parking area. OK to cross the split rail fence to paint.
April 2
Home of Elke Groves108 Harwood Court, Los Gatos
Beautiful gardens and views of the valley. From Highway 85, take the Union Avenue exit and head west towards Blossom Hill. Turn left on Blossom HIll, right on Harwood Drive and right on Harwood Court. Elke's is the first driveway on the right. Parking is limited; carpool from the Walgreens parking lot on Harwood Drive. Park on Harwood Court across from Elke's, facing down the hill towards Harwood Drive.
Thursday, April 5
San Jose History Park
Old buildings from the early days of San Jose. From 101, take the Story Road exit west. Turn left on Center Road and left into the parking area between the Japanese Tea Garden and the History Park. From southbound 280, take the 10th/11th Street exit. Turn right on 10th Street at the bottom of the off ramp. Turn left on Keyes, right on Center and left into the parking lot. Possible parking fee, $6; facilities.
April 9
Scenic Overlook, Highway 9
Expansive views of the Santa Cruz mountains towards the ocean. This is the trailhead for the Sky to Sea Trail. Follow Highway 9 out of Saratoga towards Skyline. Cross Skyline and continue about 2 miles on Highway 9. The paved parking area is on the left. Facilities.
April 16
Lovers PointPacific Grove
Ocean view, iceplant -- which may be in bloom. From Highway 1 southbound, take the Del Monte Avenue exit west. Take a slight right at Lighthouse Avenue, continue onto Central. Turn right at 15th street and a slight left on Ocean View Blvd. Continue on Ocean View past Lovers Point. Parking turnout is on the right just past Sea Palm Avenue. Facilities at Lovers Point.
April 23
Villa MontalvoSaratoga
Once grand estate of Senator Phalen, Villa Montalvo offers a lovely Mansion surrounded by formal gardens. Hidden water features make it. quite and peaceful place. Take Montalvo Road off Saratoga Los Gatos Road and follow it around to the end. Meet in parking lot #3 to left of Mansion.
April 30
Jackson RanchEast of Morgan Hill
2 miles above Anderson Lake. From 101 South go East on Dunne Rd. towards Coe State Park , cross over Anderson bridge, go 2 miles to Jackson Ranch on left which is on a hair-pin turn. Our SIGN will be displayed. Sam Pearson has arranged for the Ranger to open the gates at 8:30. Grand Vistas back toward the lake with a Historical House and Barns to paint and California Hills all around.
Thursday, May 3
ELkhorn SloughNational Estuaine Research Reserve
1700 Elkhorn Road Watsonville, CA 95076. From Highway 1 heading south from Santa Cruz or Monterey Take Highway 1 to Moss Landing; at the power plant, turn east onto Dolan Road; go 3.5 miles on Dolan Road, turn left onto Elkhorn Road; go 1.9 miles on Elkhorn Road, turn left into the Reserve gate. Parking is free if you plan on leaving the paved areas there is a hiking fee. Meet at Scenic Lookout spot past Nature Building. You will be able to look down on spectacular vistas, views of old barns, slough and ocean.
May 7
Sunol Regional Wilderness1895 Geary Road, Sunol
A 6,859 acre wilderness and multi-use land management area of the East Bay Regional Park District with oak studded hills, streams, meadows, cattle, horses. From I-680 northbound, exit Calaveras Road. Turn right on Calaveras Road and proceed to Geary Road which leads directly into the park. Continue past the park office to the Horse Trailer Staging and parking area on the right. Possible fee $5; facilities.
May 14
San Jose Municipal Rose Garden
Beautiful roses and majestic redwoods in a charming neighborhood. Take Highway 17 (880) to Steven's Creek Blvd. Go right on San Carlos, left on Meridian, veer left on Park and left on Naglee. Turn right on Dana Avenue. We will meet at the Dana Avenue entrance. Facilities.
May 21
Santa Cruz Boat Harbor
Take Highway 17 to Santa Cruz. Continue to the end of Ocean Avenue and turn left on East Cliff Drive. Turn left on Murray, right on Sea Bright and left on Atlantic Avenue. Turn left into the parking lot. Parking meters take quarters. Facilities.
May 28
Arastradero PreservePalo Alto
California Hills and a small, wooded lake setting nearby. Take 280 north to Page Mill Road. Go left on Page Mill Road, and right on Arastradero. Go about a half a mile to the preserve parking lot on right.
June 4
Vasona County Park333 Blossom Hill Road, Los Gatos
Local favorite with lots to paint, Meet in parking fishing pier parking lot, Go through gate and take road going to the right (which runs parallel 17). Go straight do not turn until you see the parking on your left. Fee $6 unless you have senior pass.
Thursday, June 7
Wilder Ranch State Park
North of Santa Cruz on Hwy 1 past Western Drive. Park Headquarters. will be on left The address is 1401 Old Coast Rd. Fee This state park offers historic barns corrals and Ranch House, old Adobe and wetlands with the ocean nearby.
June 11
Coyote Creek TrailSan Jose
Lake and creek setting with views of the hills on both sides of the valley. Also, home to the Santa Clara County Model Aircraft Skypark. Take Highway 85 south to 101, exit Bailey Avenue. Go right on Bailey and stay in the right lane! Veer right towards Monterey Road, Turn left on Monterey Road and proceed 4.7 miles. Make a U-turn at Tilton Avenue and backtrack 1.8 miles to the huge electrical towers. Turn right and follow the road towards the Aircraft Skypark. Facilities at the Skypark.
June 18
Moran Lake Park
Tree lined estuary across from the beach. From Highway 17, take the Highway 1 south. Exit on 41st Avenue, heading west Turn right on Portola Drive, left on 26th Avenue and left on East Cliff Drive. Parking area is on the left. Facilities.