About us
Marin Plein Air Painters (MPAP) is a group for anyone interested in creating art outdoors in the tradition of "plein air" painters. Artists of all experience levels are welcome, from complete beginners to seasoned professionals, using any and all mediums - oils, acrylics, watercolors, pastels, pencil, etc. Whether you’re just starting out or have years of experience, you’ll find a friendly and welcoming group here.
We schedule events at different locations in and around the North Bay Area, mainly Marin County, sometimes Sonoma County, and potentially areas within the northern reaches of San Francisco. Events are about 2.5 to 3 hours with an optional "show and tell" at a designated spot at the end of each event. This involves a simple "Hello, I am so and so, and I painted this in oil or watercolor or acrylic". These are not critique sessions; unless you specifically request feedback from other members.
We encourage artists to share their experiences and post photos of their work to our Meetup page. Suggestions for new painting locations are always welcome.
The goal is to build an inclusive community where artists can connect, paint together, share their work, and inspire one another in their creative journeys.
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***Fine Print:
This group and its events are voluntary and are attended at your own risk. We are just a few painters looking to build a community of artists who like painting outside in a group. We cannot control mother nature and her weather patterns. We cannot control traffic, nor the stability of locations and/or parking situations. As a member of Meetup you agreed to their terms of service, specifically 6.Release, which extends to organizers of a group as well:
https://help.meetup.com/hc/en-us/articles/360027447252-Terms-of-Service
"You also agree, to the full extent permitted by applicable law, to release organizers from Claims based on an organizer’s negligence arising out of or in any way connected with their Content, a Meetup group, or a Meetup event. You waive and relinquish all rights and benefits that you have or may have under Section 1542 of the California Civil Code or any similar provision of statutory or non-statutory law of any other jurisdiction to the fullest extent permitted by law.
You acknowledge that some Meetup events carry inherent dangers, such as the risk of illness, bodily injury, disability, or death. By participating in these events, you understand and agree that you have freely chosen to assume these risks."
Upcoming events
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Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds - Plein Air
Las Gallinas Wildlife Ponds, 300 Smith Ranch Road, San Rafeal, CA, USHello MPAP members. Join us for an artistic escape at the Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop & Wildlife Ponds in San Rafael! Discover incredible painting opportunities at this location. On clear days, artists can paint expansive panoramas featuring iconic Mt. Tam or Mt. Diablo and the vast San Pablo Bay, while also focusing on intimate details of vibrant marshland, native grasses, shimmering water, and abundant birdlife.
YouTube video with scenes of Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop
Meet and greet: At 9:30 AM, we will be in the area before the footbridge which leads into the preserve (the parking lot side). MPAP artists G.R. Brown and Sandy M will be hosting this event.
Show and tell: At the end of the event around 12:30, we will gather back at the area before the footbridge, but on the preserve side for a "show and tell" of our art work. There is a palm tree and a small patch of shade near a picnic table. Go to the Photos of this event to see a picture of the parking lot and the footbrige area.
Restrooms: A portable toilet is located in the parking lot. Real restrooms are available back at McInnis Park Golf Center, but you have to drive to get there.
Parking: Free. There is a small parking lot, but also parking on the side of Smith Ranch Rd. Arrive early before the birders!
Shade: Except for one palm tree, there is no tree cover. If it is a sunny day, you may want to bring a sun umbrella or sun hoodie.
What is plein air painting?
"En plein aire" is a French expression which means "in the open air" and is used to describe the act of painting outdoors, which became a central feature of 19th-Century Impressionism.
For newcomers, it's recommended that you do not go out and buy a lot of expensive "plein air" equipment until after your first visit where you see how others have improvised and customized their set-ups.
What to Bring?
Art Supplies - Bring your own art supplies that are relevant to your medium (e.g. paints, pastels, pencils, surfaces, brushes, easel, cleaning supplies). For beginners who don't know how to start or have questions feel free to post in the comments section or message us through Meetup.
Outdoor Wear - It's the North Bay so bring layers, hats, sunscreen and if you don't like the sun, a sun hoodie or small sun umbrella might be handy.
Something to Sit On - If you don't like standing or sitting on the ground, a camp stool or chair may be helpful. Not all locations have benches or picnic tables.
Snacks/Food/Drinking Water - Most locations don't have food or drinks so bring whatever you require.
Keys and tips to enjoying painting outdoors :
- Pack light and know how to set up your equipment before you go
- Stay hydrated by bringing your own drinking water
- Respect the environment, observe all signs, especially the "keep off" ones. Leave nothing behind, including waste. Empty any old painting fluids off-site, including dirty watercolor water.
- Be aware of what's going on around you. We can become so focused on our painting that we are no longer aware of our surroundings. And it is not uncommon for passersby to stop and compliment your art work. Thank them and ask them if they like to paint and if they would like to join MPAP :-)
Looking forward to seeing you!8 attendees
Past events
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