Jim Bensman at work
East Bay Painters
East Bay Painters is a loose assembly of folks who like to paint outside on most Sunday mornings.
Locations are usually posted by Friday or Saturday each week. We start at 8:00am and end 11-ish. Please be aware some locations do not have bathrooms. Use the location pins link below to go to the location pins page for an exact map pin. Sometimes locations shift slightly for various reasons. If you arrive and can’t find us you can call/text Norman (415-615-2229).
We now arrange Sunday morning painting locations through what’sapp. Please use the link below. Location is usally posted by Friday or early Saturday.
click here to join what’s app group
Some questions and answers:
Why do you start so dang early?
Because many in the group have family obligations and it gives us a chance to paint before our tribe starts wondering why we’re spending so much time painting!
Do I have to show up at the appointed time?
No, come when you like but please be aware that some locations are remote or urban and you might be on your own if you stay longer.
Do I have to sign up or let anyone know I’m coming?
Nope.
What if the weather is bad?
If you have any concern about anybody being there when you show up you can text Norman.
What if I’m just semi-social?
You can paint near others or off on your own. We respect privacy but many of us welcome art talk because we are art geeks and obsessed with improving! If you prefer not to have us look at your painting please let us know and we will respect that. We understand what it feels like to struggle with this stuff!
I have no idea what I’m doing. Can I still come?
Oh yeah. There’s a huge array of expertise at these gatherings from raw beginner on up to decades of experience with a formal art education. We’ve all been beginners at one time and everyone of us sometimes gets completely lost or bombs out on a painting. If you don’t want others of us to look at what you’re doing we totally honor that…just let us know.
Can I get feedback?
Yes for sure. There are a few pros and semi pros that come occasionally that make part of their living teaching so don’t expect a workshop. But many are happy to help out if they can. I’ve (Norman) gotten great feedback from the more experienced in the group and a little 2 minute critique can often help me find where my painting is failing.
Any recommended reading?
John Carlson “Carlson’s Guide to Landscape Painting”
Edgar Payne “Composition of Outdoor Painting”
Mitchell Albala “The Landscape Painter’s Workbook”
Aimee Erickson “Plein Air Techniques for Artists”
Below are the two art freaks who started the group because its fun to paint along side other artists.