Photo of GG Park by Stuart Schuffman. Photo of the woman painting by Piotr Baranowski via Pexels.
by Melanie Graysmith
Plein Air painting, literally painting outdoors, is a favored painting method for many artists working in almost any medium, especially in oils, acrylics, watercolors, and pastels. This painting method gained significant momentum with 19th century Impressionist painters who wanted to depict the effects of light and color in real time. Painting outdoors offers not only artistic advantages but also physical and mental benefits as well—and once artists spend time painting outdoors they may find it hard to go back to the studio. Spending time in nature can lower stress levels significantly, as it promotes relaxation and elevates mood in positive ways. Walking to find suitable painting spots, setting up easels, standing, and moving arms while painting all promote physical and emotional wellbeing. Painting in groups fosters social connections and safety in less familiar areas.
The power of plein air painting is clear in how it helps artists revisit the thrill of painting in nature and seeing their paint colors in true light. Inherent to outdoor painting is its immediacy and dependency on the weather to make color decisions based solely on fleeting changes in lighting, shadows, and other variables in nature. Seasons affect color choices too, as painters keenly observe how atmospheric changes fluctuate even within a short winter day. It’s hard to beat the true color richness painters capture in natural outdoor light.
While San Francisco offers a multitude of stunning spots for painting outdoors, don’t ignore nearby streets, parks, and architecture in your own neighborhood. You don’t need to wander far from home to find sites that offer opportunities for incredible compositions. Even pencil or charcoal drawings work as sketches to prep for future painting when the weather is right for your medium. Vincent Van Gogh often painted close to home in his early years in the Netherlands, and in later years in France he drew and painted much of his most famous work. While Van Gogh certainly wasn’t the only artist to paint outdoors, following his lead is a great incentive to explore what is available nearby to inspire you. Nature can motivate any artist to find something worthy of painting.
I’ve enjoyed plein air group painting at scenic San Francisco locations and identified spots with a range of natural vistas that may be overlooked by some artists, especially those that paint mainly in the studio.
Locations:
Although any spot in Golden Gate Park could make an awesome painting, there are several notable sites that are exceptional points to set up an easel.
Credit: Blue Heron Lake, Melanie Graysmith
This beautiful setting is popular with plein air painters, solo or in groups, especially on weekends. The area is a favorite for walking, picnicking, and pedaling around the lake in boats rented from the boathouse. There is a lovely waterfall and a Chinese pavilion, along with Blue Herons nesting each spring to set the mood for a painting perfect scene. The charming lake has a soothing vibe to spend a few relaxing hours either solo or painting with friends. Another perk here is the plentiful free parking around the lake.
Credit: Lloyd Lake, Melanie Graysmith
Though less high-profile than Blue Heron Lake, the secret is out on Lloyd Lake, a scenic and truly tranquil setting for outdoor painting. The highlight here is the historic column, “Portals of the Past,” a remnant of a Nob Hill mansion destroyed in the 1906 earthquake, making the place an appealing draw for artists. It’s fairly easy to find free parking at John F. Kennedy Drive and 23rd Ave that fronts the lake in the park.
Credit: GGGP San Francisco Botanical Garden
A City favorite, this living museum is a true gem and home to an abundance of rare and exotic plants of the world. With an almost infinite display of landscaped gardens and structures that tell visual stories, the Botanical Garden is perfect for plein air painting. You can bring your easel and set it up in any area as long as you don’t obstruct paths for other visitors. You’re also allowed to bring in a picnic lunch as the garden offers lovely quiet spots surrounded by nature, just remember not to leave any trash behind. The Botanical Garden offers free entry for San Francisco residents, making for a wonderful, no-cost day!
Credit: Conservatory of Flowers, by Freepik
This gorgeous landmark building is home to a rare and tropical plant collection. Painting at the Conservatory of Flowers is allowed, though it depends on the size of your easel. Due to the walkways being very narrow the Conservatory tries to keep them clear of obstructions for the safety of visitors. If your easel is small and compact, there should be no problem bringing it in. Picnicking is allowed, though limited to designated areas. The Conservatory itself, however, does not allow food or drinks inside. Entry is free for San Francisco residents.
Credit: GGP Japanese Tea Garden
This exquisite sprawling garden dates back to 1894, and offers a rich blend of Japanese-style gardens. It may surprise local artists to know that The Japanese Tea Garden allows outdoor painting as long as artists apply the same rules as in the Conservatory of Flowers. This location offers a mix of key features as inspiration for artistic expression, highlighting natural beauty, cultural elements and variations that come with seasonal changes, offering a diverse palette throughout the year: from cherry blossoms in the spring to colorful autumn leaves. No outside food or drinks are allowed. Entry is free for San Francisco residents.
Credit: Lands End, Freepik
For stunning views wherever you turn, Lands End is a must-see, and a natural for painters. The location offers spectacular trails winding through stands of cypress and eucalyptus to gorgeous views of the headlands, ocean, and scenic cliff overlooks; the Golden Gate Bridge is postcard splendid from this point. Lands End offers numerous awesome vistas, so choose a stable level spot that best captures your desired scene, but be mindful of the wind and possible weather changes here.
Credit: Presidio.gov
The Presidio encourages plain air painting! Its scenic trails, amazing views, and all around natural beauty including birds, native plants, and various crawling, flying, and wandering native critters make it an excellent location to set your easel. Adding to the many natural features, there are picnic areas, food options, restrooms, plus plentiful transit options including the free Presidio GO Shuttle. If driving is a must, there is also paid visitor parking. Check getting to and around the park here.
Open for Registration: For a scheduled plein air class, City College Extension has a summer course running June 20 – July 18, Saturdays, 10 AM–1 PM. Learn more and register here.
There are several plein air painting groups dedicated to Bay Area artists on Facebook and at Meetups:
