Rush Creek Trailhead Novato - Plein Air

Hello MPAP members! Let's paint along the Rush Creek trail from the trailhead at Binford Rd Novato. There are lovely views of the Rush Creek Marsh Wildlife Preserve with Sonoma-Napa hills or Mt Burdell in the background.

Meet and greet: At 9:30 AM, we will be at the trailhead gate. See photo attached to the event for exact location. 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 meet and greet area for a "show and tell" of our art work.
Amenities: No drinking water or restroom facilities are available at this location. Make a pit stop at the ExtraMile or Shell located near 7474 Redwood Blvd, Novato, CA 94945 before meeting us.
Parking: Free, ample parking along Binford Rd.
Shade: The Rush Creek trail offers shaded area. There are no shade trees along Binford Rd. If it is a sunny day, you may want to bring a sun umbrella or sun hoodie if you decide to paint in a sunny area.

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!