Announcement: The future plans for our Plein Air Group!

ANNOUNCEMENT:  FUTURE PLANS FOR RENO TAHOE PLEIN AIR PAINTERS

As many of you may know, due to family health problems, I am retiring from being Administrator of this blog for this painting group the end of April 2016.  This group has grown in the 3 years of its existence!!!!  And it is because of the many active participants, the group will continue on with the help of two more blog administrators!

We had a meeting today and many new ideas were discussed...including possibly a Monday and Tuesday weekly paint-out.  Also, our group has been promised another show venue at the Reno City Office Gallery (The Metro Gallery).

I am so thrilled that enough people will continue the tradition of this group in my leave of absence!

We will keep you posted with the future developments....

Sincerely yours,

Carolyn Jean Thompson 

February 22, 2016 (Monday) Lower Eagle Falls Paint-Out

Date:          February 22, 2016 (Monday)
Time:          10:00 am
Place:          Lower Eagle Falls at Emerald Bay

I will not be able to attend, but I am setting this location per a request of one of our painters.  She says the road is clear and there is not much snow if any.

Amenities:    Bathrooms at Eagle Falls and Emerald Bay turn-off, but it is unknown at this time if they are open
Meeting Place:      Eagle Falls free parking area outside of the fee parking lot.

Directions:
From Reno:  take 580 south to Carson City, at the end of the freeway take Fairview Exit and turn Right onto Fairview.  Turn Left at old 395 So Carson Street, turn Right on Highway 50.  Stay on 50 going through South Lake Tahoe for a total of 27 miles.  Turn Right on CA-89/Emerald Bay Road.  Go 8.5 miles.  Trailhead and parking is on your Left.

Video of Summer 2015 paint-outs

Greetings painters and visitors!

I created my first YouTube video of paint-outs we went on this summer of 2015!   (I am a total amateur, so don't get too critical!!!)

We have been to so many wonderful painting locations and this shows only a few....

Enjoy!

August 24, 2015 (Monday) Speedboat Beach Paint-Out

From the internet

Date:          August 24, 2015 (Monday)
Time:          9:00 am
Place:          Speedboat Beach (close to Kings Beach, Lake Tahoe)
Meet:          At the beach - there is a short access trail
Park:          Neighborhood street parking
Amenities:   NONE - you must go to Kings Beach or Incline for bathrooms, etc.

Directions:
From South Reno:  take Mt Rose Hwy to Incline.  Right on 28.  Pass Crystal Bay and before you get into Kings Beach at the point - turn Left on EITHER Harbor Ave. OR Speedboat Avenue.  Go to the end and park in the neighborhood.  There is a beach access trail at the end of Speedboat Avenue.

From North Reno:  take 80 to Truckee, take 267 to Kings Beach.  Turn Left on 28 and then turn right on either Speedboat Avenue or Harbor Ave. at the point.

Links:

http://www.yelp.com/biz/speedboat-beach-lake-tahoe

http://www.tahoepublicbeaches.com/speedboat-beach/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esPkaeaOp5o

http://northtahoeparks.com/beaches

http://www.outdoorproject.com/adventures/swimming-holes-cliff-jumping/speedboat-beach

August 10, 2015 (Monday) Bliss State Park Paint-Out

Date:          August 10, 2015 (Monday)
Time:          9:00 am
Place:          Bliss State Park, Lake Tahoe
Meet/Park/Paint:    Lester Beach Parking lot
Amenities:  Bathroom, beach, beautiful views, picnic areas, trails
Fee:          $10 entrance

Back by popular demand!  This time we will meet at Lester Beach Parking Lot.  It is a larger parking lot than Rubicon Point, and a little closer walk to the beach.

Map available by download:  go to this site:  http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=505 and then click on "Brochure" and then go to page 7 (the map) and print page 7 - it will download as a PDF.

Directions:  Please use Google Maps to decide which is the fastest from your location.  It could be going Mt. Rose Hwy and going north along the lake through Tahoe City and then down to Bliss, or it could be Hwy 50 to South Lake and going past Emerald Bay for others.  Still others may find I-80 to Truckee and going to Tahoe City via 89 and then on down to Bliss is the fastest route.

June 29, 2015 (Monday) Paint-out at Bliss State Park

Date:          June 29, 2015 (Monday)
Time:          9:00 am  PARK CAN FILL UP IN SUMMER BECAUSE PARKING IS LIMITED, SO BE SURE TO GET THERE BEFORE 10AM.!  IT SOUNDS LIKE THEY COUNT CARS AND THEN TURN PEOPLE AWAY FOR THE DAY WHEN THEY TAKE THEIR MAX.
Place:          Bliss State Park, South Lake Tahoe
Fee:            $10.00
Amenities:    Bathrooms, picnic areas, trails, beach
Meet:          Go in the entrance to the park, at the check-in station pay $10, then go to the first parking area you see.  I will be there and then we can drive around and check out the other parking areas and views from those locations.  Pictures were provided by Trina and I'm not sure where these locations are on the map.  So prepare to EXPLORE!

Map available by download:  go to this site:  http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=505 and then click on "Brochure" and then go to page 7 (the map) and print page 7 - it will download as a PDF.

Directions:  Please use Google Maps to decide which is the fastest from your location.  It could be going Mt. Rose Hwy and going north along the lake through Tahoe City and then down to Bliss, or it could be Hwy 50 to South Lake and going past Emerald Bay for others.  Still others may find I-80 to Truckee and going to Tahoe City via 89 and then on down to Bliss is the fastest route.

June 15, 2015 (Monday) Paint-Out at Tahoe Keys

Tahoe Keys - spring colors

Tahoe Keys before greening - last year

Date:          June 15, 2015  (Monday)
Time:          9:3:00 am
Place:          Venice Drive across the street from 1827 Venice Drive,
                        So Lake Tahoe 96150
Parking:       Plenty of street parking on Venice Drive.
                        There is a meadow there with a view
                        of Mount Tallac.  Look for artists and easels.

Directions:    From Reno, take I-580 south to Carson City, last exit is Fairview Drive - turn Right on Fairview Drive, at old 395/South Carson Street turn Left, then at Highway 50 turn Right and go west.
Stay on 50 for 27 miles, going through the casino area and then
Right on 89/Emerald Bay Road and go 1.1 mile
Right on 15th Street and go a half mile
Left on Venice Drive and go about .2 mile.  The meadow is on the left side.  See map link below

Amenities:    No bathrooms there but it is close to the business districts of South Lake Tahoe

Map:         Here is a google map of the area.  Do one click on one of the house icons about midway up the map.  A small box on the upper left will appear with the address and mini picture of the house and the address.  Try to click on the one that says 1827 Venice Drive.  Then from this box, click on the street view, then click on the rotation compass on the right a few times - you can do a 360 degree rotation and see the houses on one side and the grass common area with view on the other side. That is where we will park and paint.  https://www.google.com/maps/@38.929443,-120.022357,18z

What to bring:

• camera
• painting gear
• drinking water
• sunscreen and hat and artist umbrella
• carts work fine - we paint close to our cars on a grassy strip
• lunch
• cell phone
• check forecast for temps if you need a jacket

March 16, 2014 (Monday) Sand Harbor Paint-Out

the beach at the boat lanch

WEATHER PERMITTING

Date:          March 16, 2014 (Monday)
Time:          10:00 am
Place:          Meet at Sand Harbor - the boat launch parking lot beach
Fees:            there is a fee envelope slot
Paint:           wherever you wish!
Amenities:   Restrooms
Host:          None, but this is so popular, if the weather is good there will be painters!

What to bring:

• painting gear
• camera
• Nevada State Park Auto Pass or cash for fee
• food/drink
• appropriate clothing - check forecast
• hat, sunglasses
• art umbrella

Directions:

From Reno:  Take the Mt. Rose Hwy(431) to Incline.  Turn left at Country Club Drive (there is a sign that says "Sierra Nevada College" - that is the turn).  At Hwy 28 (the road that goes along the lake) turn left.  Go south on this road about 3 miles.  Sand Harbor is on your right.  The boat launch parking is the first turn.  The main entrance for people without boats is the next entrance.  

From South Lake Tahoe - take HWY 50 towards Carson City.  At the summit get in the left turning lane and turn left on Hwy 28.  Go about 10 miles towards Incline.  Sand Harbor will be on your left before you get to Incline Village.

ttp://parks.nv.gov/parks/sand-harbor/

February 2, 2015 (Monday) Kings Beach/Lake Tahoe Paint-Out

Date:          February 2, 2015 (Monday)
Time:          10:00 am
Place:          Kings Beach (the beach) at Kings Beach, Lake Tahoe
Host:          Pat Edwards
Meet:          At the beach across the street from Safeway
Parking:      Kings Beach has a parking lot, and also you can park in the Safeway parking lot across the street from the painting place.
Amenities:     bathrooms are at Safeway and Starbucks.  Spindleshanks restaurant is also in the area

There is a beautiful beach park and green lawn and down the short bluff to a sandy beach with panorama of Tahoe.

Location:  on Highway 28 almost at the intersection where 267 comes into Kings Beach from Truckee.

Directions:  please check out google maps and directions for the best route from where you live.

Links:  http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=511

August 18, 2014 Carnelian Bay Paint-Out

Date:          August 18, 2014 (Monday)
Time:          9:00 am
Place:          Carnelian Bay
Meet:          Near the pier in front of Garwood's
Parking:       Perhaps along the street.
Amenities:     Garwoods is there and they serve wonderful lunches on their deck!  Also, Waterman's Landing has a cafe and public restrooms and parking

This writer is unable to attend, but Monika will be there.

Here are some links for the area and also a map:

Patton Landing – Watermans Landing | Lake Tahoe Public Beaches

http://www.watermanslanding.com/

http://www.tahoepublicbeaches.com/patton-landing/

Map:

39°13'33.3"N 120°05'03.5"W

http://goo.gl/maps/SBZtD

July 21, 2014 (Monday) Sand Harbor Paint-Out

Date:          July 21, 2014 (Monday)
Time:          9:00 am
Place:          Sand Harbor State Park
Meet:          In front of the Visitor Center
Fee:            $10
Amenities:    Bathrooms, Snack Shack, Bar with umbrella drinks!, soft icecream!
Roadwork on Mt. Rose Hwy - expect 10 min delay
What to bring:

• camera
• painting gear
• $10 or more
• cell phone
• lunch & drink
• hat/sunglasses/art umbrella/sunscreen
• optional:  swimsuit, beach stuff and floaties!  It is that time of year!

Directions:

From Reno:  Take the Mt. Rose Hwy(431) to Incline.  Turn left at Country Club Drive (there is a sign that says "Sierra Nevada College" - that is the turn).  At Hwy 28 (the road that goes along the lake) turn left.  Go south on this road about 3 miles.  Sand Harbor is on your right.  The boat launch parking is the first turn.  The main entrance for people without boats is the next entrance.  

From South Lake Tahoe - take HWY 50 towards Carson City.  At the summit get in the left turning lane and turn left on Hwy 28.  Go about 10 miles towards Incline.  Sand Harbor will be on your left before you get to Incline Village.

ttp://parks.nv.gov/parks/sand-harbor/

June 9, 2014 (Monday) Hike 'n Sketch Eagle Lake (OR) paint Eagle Falls

Eagle Lake (from the internet)

Date:          June 9, 2014 (Monday)
Time:          9:00 am
Place:         Eagle Lake Trailhead, near Emerald Bay
Parking:      Free parking on the street in front of the trailhead
Additional Parking:   Fee parking inside entrance to trailhead.
Hikers Meeting Place:     Near the bathrooms (upwind!)
Non-Hikers Meeting Place:  There is no leader for this group.  Just find each other in the parking areas

You have a choice of:  the hike 'n sketch Eagle Lake, (OR) paint Eagle Falls which is across the road from the parking area.  Your choice!  Hikers, please email me that you wish to join me so I look for you.  Email me at carolynjean@carolynjeanthompson.com

HIKERS PLEASE NOTE:  We will be taking the trail to Eagle Lake.  This is a one-mile hike uphill.  Although it is short, it is uphill and there are big granite steps at times.  Hiking boots recommended and hiking poles are very helpful.  A LIGHT BACKPACK IS A MUST.  Bring plenty of water!  Scale your art materials down to the lightest weight possible.  If that means doing a pencil sketch or taking a small watercolor set, or a mini acrylic or oil set, please do so.  Bring your camera for future photographic references for a studio painting.

What to bring:

• light weight painting gear - lighter than what you usually do
• small backpack
• camera
• drinking water - twice as much as you usually bring
• about $8 (?) for parking fee if you want to park inside the lot
• bug spray
• benedryl if you are allergic to bee stings
• hat, sunglasses, sunscreen
• hiking boots
• hiking poles if you have them
• lunch or snack
• pencil to fill out wilderness permit (for the hike)

Directions from Reno:  take 580 south to Carson City, at the end of the freeway take Fairview Exit and turn Right onto Fairview.  Turn Left at old 395 So Carson Street, turn Right on Highway 50.  Stay on 50 going through South Lake Tahoe for a total of 27 miles.  Turn Right on CA-89/Emerald Bay Road.  Go 8.5 miles.  Trailhead and parking is on your Left

Links:  www.tahoesbest.com/eagle-falls-trail-lake-tahoe

http://www.truckee-travel-guide.com/vikingsholm-trail.html
http://www.waterfallswest.com/waterfall.php?id=lower-eagle-falls-emerald-bay-lake-tahoe-221
http://www.truckee-travel-guide.com/eagle-falls-trail.html

April 14, 2014 (Monday) Paint-Out at Tahoe Keys

Kids are back in school!  Let's paint Mt. Tallac before the snow melts!

Date:          April 14, 2014  (Monday)
Time:          10:00 am
Place:          Venice Drive across the street from 1827 Venice Drive,
                        So Lake Tahoe 96150
Parking:       Plenty of street parking on Venice Drive.
                        There is a meadow there with a view
                        of Mount Tallac.  Look for artists and easels.

Directions:    From Reno, take I-580 south to Carson City, last exit is Fairview Drive - turn Right on Fairview Drive, at old 395/South Carson Street turn Left, then at Highway 50 turn Right and go west.
Stay on 50 for 27 miles, going through the casino area and then
Right on 89/Emerald Bay Road and go 1.1 mile
Right on 15th Street and go a half mile
Left on Venice Drive and go about .2 mile.  The meadow is on the left side.  See map link below

Amenities:    No bathrooms there but it is close to the business districts of South Lake Tahoe

Map:         Here is a google map of the area.  Do one click on one of the house icons about midway up the map.  A small box on the upper left will appear with the address and mini picture of the house and the address.  Try to click on the one that says 1827 Venice Drive.  Then from this box, click on the street view, then click on the rotation compass on the right a few times - you can do a 360 degree rotation and see the houses on one side and the grass common area with view on the other side. That is where we will park and paint.  https://www.google.com/maps/@38.929443,-120.022357,18z

What to bring:

• camera
• painting gear
• drinking water
• sunscreen and hat and artist umbrella
• carts work fine - we paint close to our cars on a grassy strip
• lunch
• cell phone
• check forecast for temps if you need a jacket

March 16, 2014 (Sunday) Paint-Out at Donner Pass Bridge (aka Rainbow Bridge) Lookout

Date:        March 16, 2014 (SUNDAY)
Time:        10:00 am
Meet:        Wild Cherries Coffee, 11429 Donner Pass Road, Truckee
Caravan to:     We will continue on Donner Pass Road (aka Lincoln Hwy) over Hwy 80, then pass Donner Lake and continue up the hill and cross the bridge to the large parking turn-out on the left (seen in above photo).

There are several other turn-outs with smaller parking areas further up the road for anyone who wants to continue on for other views.  Some views are of big granite cliffs and if you go a little further there are lakes and ski places and lodges.

The weather is supposed to be beautiful, sunny and not too cold!

What to bring:

• camera
• painting gear
• hiking boots or good walking shoes with tread if you wish to go off pavement
• hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, maybe an umbrella if not too windy
• layers of clothing
• water, snacks, lunch

Amenities:  none at the overlook.  That's why we are meeting at Wild Cherries Coffee.  The coffee place also has maps of the ski areas (Norden, Sugar Bowl) where we are headed if you are interested.

Directions:  From Reno, take Hwy 80 west to Truckee, and take the downtown exit that says 89 to Tahoe City.  At the end of the exit ramp, turn right at the round-about and then turn left at the light at Donner Pass Road.  Go about a block and a strip mall is on your left and Wild Cherries is on the furthest corner.  From the spagetti bowl, allow about 35-40 minutes to get there.

Links:
http://www.wildcherriescoffeehouse.com/contact.html
http://www.route40.net/page.asp?n=30

February 17, 2014 (Monday) Paint-out/snowshoe at Spooner Lake State Park

photo from RGJ.com article on 1st snowshoe of year 2014

WEATHER PERMITTING.....

Date:          February 17, 2014 (Monday) (Holiday - President's Day)
Time:          10:00 am (it is supposed to be a warm day!)
Place:          Spooner Lake State Park
Meeting Place:     Parking lot inside the park - there are two loops in the parking lot - look for Monika and I
Parking:       Park Fee envelopes at the entrance, plenty of parking
Amenities:    toilets.  Cross-country ski concession is no longer there. I don't know if rangers will be there
Pets:          Normally pets are not allowed.  I don't know if it is enforced in winter or not.

Optional:  Cross-country skiing to paint, snow shoeing to paint, hiking to paint, or paint close to your car.

What to bring:

• Paint gear
• Backpack, sled or means to carry said gear
• camera
•  sunscreen, sunglasses, hat
• appropriate snow clothes and boots - dress in layers
• water and snack or lunch
• your means of getting around - snowshoes, cross-country skiis, snow boots, appropriate poles
• cell phones - however they don't work there very well.

Where to go and what to paint:

1. The loop around the lake is easy and you don't have to go far or go all the way
2. The trail to Marlette lake is a dirt road and you don't have to go far to see a beautiful meadow on your left.
3. The service road that runs from the parking lot through the meadow should be nice as well.
4. If you are able and willing, you can go to the old Spencer's Cabin.  It is probably a half a mile or so up the Marlette trail, or the service road goes to it as well.

It is recommended that if you go far, take someone with you.

Directions:  From Reno:  Take 395/580 south to Carson City, exit at the end of the freeway and go right on Fairview Drive, Left on Virginia Street (old 395), Right on Highway 50 to South Lake Tahoe.  At the top of the pass, turn right on 28.  Make your first right into the park - Spooner State Park.

From Incline:  Take 28 south.  Before you get to Highway 50, turn left into the Spooner Lake State Park.

January was very cooperative! We had some fun paint-outs

Washoe Lake Wildlife Viewing Area

We had quite a few paint-outs so far this winter.  December 9 we had a couple of painters in the Tahoe Meadows on the top of Mt. Rose Highway.  After the holidays, we had a big turn-out on January 2 at the southern tip of Washoe Lake at the Wildlife Viewing Area.  You can see from the photos there was not much snow, it was sunny and mild.

Welcome new painting friends, Karen Mauer and Chris Cheney.  Also present were Carol Grigus, Emma Auriemma, Lonnalee Virgo, Diann Liang and myself.

Other paint-outs were headed by Monika Johnson at Ski Beach on Jan. 6 and Sand Harbor on Jan. 20.  Sorry I don't have pictures from those paint-outs, I was unable to attend.

Today's paint-out was at Hope Valley and was well attended by eleven people.  Welcome new painting friends, Evelyn Yonker, Thaleia Georgiades, Bonita Paulis and Nan Lathrop.  Also present were Monika Johnson, Bill Tyner, Linda Rosenblum, Karen Mauer, Emma Auriemma, Carol Grigus, and myself.  If you were there and I didn't see you, my appologies!  

We all met up at the Cafe and got our maps and buddied-up and disbursed out into the field to paint.  Because we were so spread out I don't have any pictures of this paint-out.  It started out cold, but at times the sun came out and got warmer.  Then it got colder around 2:00 but most people were finished by then.  

Although we need the snow and rain, this winter so far has been generous to painters out in the field.  It has been pretty mild for this time of year and the lack of snow on the ground in Hope Valley made the parking and access much easier.

January 20, 2014 2:00 pm Paint-Out at Sand Harbor

Date:          January 20, 2014
Time:          2:00 pm
Place:         Sand Harbor, the Boat Launch parking lot
Parking:      plenty but there is a fee during winter if the ranger comes by
Amenities:   bathrooms
Meet:          Monika will be there

What to bring:

• camera
• painting gear
• drinking water and snack
• $ for parking?
• appropriate clothing, gloves, hat - check forecast
• sunscreen for your face, sunglasses
• painting umbrella if sunny day
• cell phone
• carry chains if road report says to

Directions:  From Reno, take Mt Rose Hwy (431) to Incline

Left on Country Club Drive

Left on Lakeshore Blvd.  Go about 2 miles

Right into Sand Harbor Boat Launch parking lot

January 6, 2014 (Monday) 2:00 pm Paint-Out at Ski Beach, Incline

Ski Beach in Spring of 2013

Date:          January 6, 2014 (Monday)
Time:          2:00 pm (note we are meeting later in the winter)
Place:          Ski Beach, Incline Village
Parking:       Plenty and free during the winter
Meet:          Monika will be there
Amenities:    Bathrooms (I don't know if they are open in winter) Hyatt Hotel is a block away

What to bring:

• Camera
• painting gear
• drinking water, snack
• hat, sunglasses, sunscreen for your face
• appropriate clothing - check forecast
• umbrella if you have one

Directions:  From Reno:

Mt. Rose Hwy 431 to Incline

Seft on Country Club Drive

Right on Lakeshore Blvd, go .1 mile

First Left into Ski Beach Area, go 446 feet

Right into parking lot, go 102 feet

November 11, 2013 (Mon.) Paint-Out at Sand Harbor, Lake Tahoe

It is after the tourist season, the parking attendants are gone, it is peaceful and quiet, the weather is cooler but it is still beautiful.....come paint the jewel of the Sierra Nevada - Lake Tahoe's Nevada side....

Date:     November 11, 2013 (Monday)
Time:     10:00 am
Place:     Sand Harbor State Park at the Boat Launch Parking Lot
Parking:  they say fee year-round - envelopes in off season (take your chances)
Meeting Place:   Boat Launch area
Amenities:  Toilets, drinking water, picnic tables

What to bring:

• camera
• painting gear
• change for parking (about $10)
• drink, lunch or snack
• May be a high of 54 degrees, bring a jacket
• sunscreen and hat and umbrella if you have one

Directions:  From Reno, take the Mt. Rose Hwy (431) to Incline.  Turn Left on Country Club Drive (before you get to Tahoe Blvd (28), at the stoplight, turn left on Tahoe Blvd (28) aka Lake Tahoe East Shore Drive and go about 1 or 2 miles.  Turn Right into the first entrance (the Boat Launch entrance)

http://parks.nv.gov/parks/sand-harbor/

Recent Painting Locations

Here are some pictures from recent paint-outs. Some were unlisted because of the hiking involved.

1/3 mile hike uphill to Eagle Falls (Lake Tahoe) Vista Point

Last minute trip to Lily Pond near Blue Lakes and Tamarack Junction

Silver Saddle Ranch

Silver Saddle Ranch

View from Silver Saddle Ranch

Silver Saddle Ranch

Silver Saddle Ranch

Trail Head from Hwy 28 near Thunderbird Lodge

The hike down to the no-name beach cove

The no-name beach cove looking south

Looking north towards Thunderbird Lodge

Rancho San Rafael

Rancho San Rafael

5 Lakes Hike - a long hike all uphill!

The first of 5 Lakes

Worth the hike

Fireweed at 5 Lakes