Cavallo / Fort Baker in Sausalito - Plein Air

Hello MPAP members! Join us at Cavallo / Fort Baker on Sommerville Road, Sausalito
for another outdoor painting event.
Cavallo Point at Fort Baker in Sausalito offers premier, serene plein air painting locations with iconic, direct views of the Golden Gate Bridge, the San Francisco skyline, and historic, white-trimmed military buildings with red roofs. Artists can capture dramatic, high-contrast scenes featuring natural landscapes, coastal scrub, and the bay, often accompanied by moody, shifting fog.

Meet and greet: At 9:30 AM, we will be in the parking lot area on Sommerville Rd past the 1633 building and boat ramp in front of Horseshoe Bay. See the map attached in the photos section for exact location. MPAP artist Greg S. will be hosting this event.
Show and tell: At the end of the event around 12:15, we will gather back at the meet and greet area for a "show and tell" of our art work.
Amenities: Porta potty along Moore Rd or try the public bathroom next to the Bay Area Discovery Museum.
Parking: Free. Ample parking along Sommerville Rd overlooking Horseshoe Bay.
Shade: 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!