Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Association

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Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Association We invite you to join us in celebrating the awe-inspiring beauty of our area. Our hope is to preserve and pass on that beauty into the future.

The Monterey Bay Plein Air Painters Association (MBPAPA) is a non profit organization, founded by landscape painters who live and work in the Monterey Bay area to foster the understanding and appreciation of plein air (outdoor) painting. We are dedicated plein air painters inspired by the sea and landscapes of the extended Monterey Bay area, from Half Moon Bay down to Santa Cruz, Monterey, Carmel and along the Big Sur coastline, as well as the adjacent inland areas along our beautiful stretch of California coast. Founded in 2005 by some of the area’s leading plein air landscape painters, we have been active in all things plein air, assisting various conventions and competitions as well as hosting several of our own juried art exhibits every year. Become a part of the impressive history of plein air painters who have cherished our California coast by painting it and sharing it with others.

Our MBPAPA Wednesday paint out is Wed. Oct 21 at 10:00am - Rio Del Mar Esplanade, Aptos. From Hiway 1, take the Rio Del ...
10/19/2026

Our MBPAPA Wednesday paint out is Wed. Oct 21 at 10:00am - Rio Del Mar Esplanade, Aptos. From Hiway 1, take the Rio Del Mar exit. Follow Rio Del Mar Bld west to the Ocean and park in the lot after the roundabout. Paint beach activity, coast and Monterey Bay views.
Art work credit: Victoria Galitzine (Victoria Galitzin) 🎨🫶

Our MBPAPA Wednesday paint out is Wed. Oct 14, 10am- 1pm. Carmel River State Beach. Paint the Carmel River lagoon, or t...
10/12/2026

Our MBPAPA Wednesday paint out is Wed. Oct 14, 10am- 1pm. Carmel River State Beach. Paint the Carmel River lagoon, or the view toward Pt Lobos with the beach and waves. From Rio Rd turn left at Santa Lucia Ave to the end and turn right onto Scenic.
The parking lot will be on the right. Arrive early if you can the parking lot fills up quickly. Restrooms at the parking lot.
Artwork credit: Denise Ballou ✍🏼🎨🫶

Our MBPAPA Wednesday paint out is Wed Oct 7, 10am - Shark Fin Cove at Hiway 1, North of Santa Cruz and Before Davenport....
10/05/2026

Our MBPAPA Wednesday paint out is Wed Oct 7, 10am - Shark Fin Cove at Hiway 1, North of Santa Cruz and Before Davenport. Drive past Santa Cruz and just past Bonny Dune Rd. and cross a small bridge. On the left- look for the cone on my car, park along the strip on the Ocean side of Hiway 1. Unique Ocean scene, popular workshop site by artists and a painters dream. Dress warm, you may want to stay longer if weather is good. Nearest restroom is the bakery at Davenport.
Art work credit: Suzanne Elliott Suzanne Elliott 🎨🫶

Our MBPAPA paint session is Wed Sept 30, 10am - Monterey Municipal Wharf 2Park on the wharf near the London Bridge Pub, ...
09/28/2026

Our MBPAPA paint session is Wed Sept 30, 10am - Monterey Municipal Wharf 2
Park on the wharf near the London Bridge Pub, Sandbar Grill, meters are $1.50/hr. Views of the coastline, Monterey Bay, boats. Restrooms are at the Harbor Master or porta potties at the wharf.
Art credit: Marcia Wilman 🎨🫶

Our MBPAPA paint out session is Wed Sept 23, 10am Capitola Esplanade and Beach - Park near Zeldas and pay $1.50/hr at th...
09/20/2026

Our MBPAPA paint out session is Wed Sept 23, 10am Capitola Esplanade and Beach - Park near Zeldas and pay $1.50/hr at the credit meters. Public Restrooms near end of beach.
Wed Sept 30, 10am - Monterey Municipal Wharf 2
Art credit: Alfred Shamble 🎨🫶

Our MBPAPA paint out is on Wed Sept 16, 10:00am - Otter Point, Pacific Grove. Park in the lot overlooking the coastline ...
09/13/2026

Our MBPAPA paint out is on Wed Sept 16, 10:00am - Otter Point, Pacific Grove. Park in the lot overlooking the coastline and Monterey Bay. Located off Ocean View Blvd. between Shell and Beach.
Porta potties are minutes away at Crespi Pond near Pt. Pinos.

Art credit: Sherree Andersen 🎨🫶

Our MBPAPA Wednesday paint out is Wed Sept 9, 10am - Mission Ranch on Dolores St. Carmel.From Rio Ra. turn onto Lausen D...
09/07/2026

Our MBPAPA Wednesday paint out is Wed Sept 9, 10am - Mission Ranch on Dolores St. Carmel.
From Rio Ra. turn onto Lausen Dr. and go past the Mission and onto Dolores. Park in the lower lot. Paint sheep in the meadow and views of Carmel Bay and distant Pt Lobos. Please use a drop cloth if you are on pavement.
Art credit: Suzanne Roth Suzanne Roth 🎨🫶

09/02/2026

It was a lovely day to plein air! creatives was treated to a mildly cool sunny day; not windy at all. I wasnt able to catch Denise; Tony; Willa.. next time 😊.

You are all invited to view the lovely dynamic art plein air paintings of creatives and witness the hardwork and commi...
09/02/2026

You are all invited to view the lovely dynamic art plein air paintings of creatives and witness the hardwork and commitment of volunteers.

Welcome September. Our MBPAPA paint out is on Wed. Sep 2 at 10am. Paint at Carmel Beach South End. Park near the corner ...
08/31/2026

Welcome September. Our MBPAPA paint out is on Wed. Sep 2 at 10am. Paint at Carmel Beach South End. Park near the corner of Santa Lucia and Scenic Rd. Paint cottages, beach, and coastline. Restrooms at this corner.

Photo credit: Donald Neff 📷🎨🫶

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Monterey, CA

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