POSTPONED to Apr 18: Olompali State Historic Park in Novato – Plein Air

NOTE: POSTPONED to Apr 18 due to rain forecast
Hello 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!