China Camp Beach / Village in San Rafeal – Plein Air

Hello MPAP members! We will be painting at China Camp Beach / China Camp Village in San Rafeal. See photos section for additional scenes to paint.

Parking: If you have a CA State Park pass, it is free. Otherwise, parking is $5. ***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 area in front of the beach pier, which is down the hill of China Camp Beach Village Road. 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 in the area in front of the pier for a "show and tell" of our art work. See the photo attached to the event.
Amenities: Restrooms onsite.
Shade: If it is a sunny day, you may want to bring a sun umbrella or sun hoodie.

Some elements that make this Marin County spot so special for outdoor painting:

• Historic Atmosphere: Set up your easel near the 1880s Chinese shrimp-fishing village. The weathered, rustic structures and vintage wooden boats offer fantastic textures and a rich sense of history to incorporate into your work.
• Dynamic Light and Color: The atmosphere is famous for its warm, golden afternoon sunshine that cuts through the bay's slight haze. You can capture the brilliant contrast of the vibrant blue water against the warm, earthy tones of the shoreline and headlands.
• Tranquil Scenery: The view stretches across the tranquil, shallow waters of the bay. As you paint, you might incorporate the quiet pier, the bobbing boats, or the sprawling, grassy meadows and madrone trees that frame the water's edge.
• Peaceful Environment: Unlike the bustling city, China Camp offers a quiet, slower pace. The soft sounds of lapping water, rustling trees, and the occasional call of a passing egret create a deeply meditative environment for artistic focus.
• Ever-Changing Skies: The open sky over the bay is a playground for plein air painters. Whether you are mixing cool morning blues and grays, or capturing the fiery, glowing hues of a late afternoon glow, the skyscapes provide endless inspiration

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!