Las Gallinas Valley Birding Loop and Wildlife Ponds - Plein Air

Hello 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!