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.
*
*
*
***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
2
Olompali State Historic Park in Novato – Plein Air
Olompali State Historic Park, 8901 Redwood Highway 101, Novato, CA, USHello MPAP members! We will be painting at Olompali State Historic Park in Novato. Check out some of the photos at this website: https://www.parks.ca.gov/Gallery/465 , and this link gives a nice history with more photos and a map: https://www.parks.ca.gov/pages/465/files/OlompaliWebBrochure2011.pdf
Parking: If you have a CA State Park pass, it is free. Otherwise, parking is $8. Pay by cash, check, or via smartphone with QR code at the parking lot. ***Note: California public library-card holders can check out a State Library Parks Pass via their local public library, and place the pass on your dashboard to park for free.
Meet and greet: At 9:30 AM, we will be in the parking lot area. See the photo attached to the event. MPAP artists Greg S. and G.R. Brown will be hosting this event.
Show and tell: At the end of the event around 12:15, we will gather back at the picnic tables under the trees in front of the visitor center for a "show and tell" of our art work. See the photo attached to the event.
Amenities: Restrooms at the visitor center which doesn’t open until noon. Portable, no-flush restroom is available near the parking lot area.
Shade: If it is a sunny day, you may want to bring a sun umbrella or sun hoodie.Plein air painting at Olompali State Historic Park offers a serene immersion into Marin County's natural beauty, featuring rolling pasturelands, dense live oak woodlands, and dramatic views of Mount Burdell. Artists often capture the shifting shadows and luminous greens of the park, particularly in early spring when wildflowers thrive.
Key features of this location for artists include:- Diverse Landscapes: The park offers a mix of shady, quiet forests and open, sunny meadows.
- Historic Scenery: Painters can focus on the rustic structures and the ancient oaks that frame the area.
- Vibrant Light: The area offers a consistent quality of light ideal for capturing the "California Impressionism" style
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!3 attendees
Past events
6
