LAA Plein Air Painters Schedule

CANCELLED BECAUSE OF THE CORONA VIRUS
We will notify everyone when Plein Air is once again ready to go out and paint!
Check back in the Spring of 2020, for the new Plein Air Schedule! In the meantime we are leaving the 2019 schedule up so you can see where we painted this year. 

Join us in 2020

​In the meantime, you can scroll down to see our 2019 painting locations and descriptions.

To all Plein Air Painters: It’s that time again! We’re excited for another season of painting outdoors and enjoying birds, water, flowers, sunshine and painter friends. Below is some general information followed by our selected locations for each month. Hope to see you there!

We gather Friday mornings from about 9 to around noon, providing an opportunity to work at an outdoor site with other artists. Open to all LAA members and friends, PJ’s is free and suitable for all levels of experience. Usually the group will be spread out around the location, in small groups, or off solo. Most stay till around noon, but the loose structure allows for abbreviated or extended sessions. It’s up to you to come and go as you wish! In case of inclement weather, artists should make their own decisions about attending. For Questions - Contact Jane Elvins at 720-352-7218

October 2019

October 4 – Legion Park, 7081 Arapahoe Ave., Boulder. Coming from the east on Arapahoe, go past Indochine on your right and near the top of the hill, look for an easy-to-miss turnoff with a sign set back off the road. Drive up the little road which takes you into the park. This is just east of 63rd and the old Valmont Power Plant. There are no restrooms in the park, but plenty of bushes or one could drive to a nearby business. There are a couple of picnic tables, or you could paint out of the back of your car or bring an umbrella if it’s a sunny day. From the western edge of the parking lot, you have a panoramic view of the power plant and its ponds (wildlife preserve) and the city of Boulder, with the mountains in the background.
 
October 11 – Pella Crossing/Hygiene. From the Diagonal Hwy (119), exit at Monarch Rd. and go west until you reach N. 71st St.  Follow N. 71st as it curves around to the northeast and crosses N. 73rd St.  N. 73rd curves around to the northeast past Lagerrman Reservoir and becomes N. 75th. Stay on N. 75th as it crosses Nelson Rd. and St. Vrain Rd. and ends up at Pella Crossing. A short distance north of Pella Crossing is the tiny village of Hygiene where you find the Crane Hollow Cafe and the Mountain Fountain. An alternate route would be via Hygiene Rd. traveling east from Foothills Hwy (36) or traveling west from the end of Airport Rd. in Longmont.  Pella is a wetlands habitat for many animals, amphibians, birds and fish. There are also grasses, trees and wildflowers around the wetlands, picnic tables, a shelter, a parking lot and restrooms. Or go to Hygiene and paint the charming little buildings there and have lunch. Or do both!

October 18 - 7th Generation Farm, 1536 Courtesy Rd., Louisville.  At the intersection of S. Boulder Rd. and CO 42 (95th St.), go south on 95th a short distance to the farm. If you reach Harper Rd., you’ve gone too far. 7th Generation is a local farm where one can buy meat, honey, eggs, vegetables and pumpkins. There are old buildings, farm machinery, and animals, plus at least one old-time truck. There is shade, port-a-potties, hay bales and a pumpkin patch. This is PJs first time at this location.
 
October 25 – Coot Lake, 6247 63rd St., Boulder., Coot Lake offers a 1.2 mile walkway around the lake, shade trees, public restrooms, picnic tables, a kids’ art walk, parking lot and abundant wildlife, birds, and plants. A popular place for dog owners to let their dogs swim in the lake after their walk.

AND MORE!
 
November 1 - Happy Hour Celebration of the 2019 Plein Air Season – at Jane Evans’ home, 436 E. Fir Court, Louisville, 303-665-6093. Bring 1-2 of your favorite paintings from this season, and an appetizer to share. Jane will provide drinks. We’ll start at 4:00.
 
A Second Sunset Paint Out on Tuesday, October 15 at Harlow Platts Park in South Boulder. Come to Jane Elvins’ home, 4345 Ludlow St. to park and walk ½ block to the edge of the park where you’ll have a panoramic view of the Flatirons and the setting sun (6:22 pm).  Or you can park on Knox Drive which eliminates the short walk. Restroom and water available at Jane’s.

September 2019

September 6 – NCAR, West end of Table Mesa Dr., Boulder. Great views of the valley southwest of Boulder, the city itself, and to the northwest, the Flatirons. The I.M. Pei buildings are architecturally interesting, and the cafeteria and restrooms inside the main building are open to the public. Security prohibits even temporary parking in front of the main building to unload supplies. Park in the visitors’ parking area and be prepared to walk with gear to the painting spot of your choice. There are many choices of painting spots: behind (to the west) the main building on designated trails, on the hillside near the small conference building northeast of the main building, anywhere along the circumference of the parking lot. You may want to arrange to meet with your painting buddies prior to the day, or plan to text each other for meeting up when you arrive.
 
September 13 – Revisit Flower Bin, 1805 Nelson Rd., Longmont. Several artists who missed this location earlier this season requested we go back. There are always loads of flowers, plus trees and shrubs, outdoor garden statuary, and aisles of indoor flowers displayed en masse inside the fan-cooled greenhouse. The last choice is great for those who are tired of the sun and heat, although there are shady areas outside too. Customer restroom available.
 
September 20 – Coal Creek Trailhead, off S. Public Rd, Lafayette.  Near the intersection of S. Public Rd. and 287, there is parking on the west side of the south end of Public Rd. You will find a popular trail, a lovely creek, vistas on the hill, large cottonwood trees, and a tunnel where bikers and others pass by frequently. Restroom available.

September 27 – Revisit S. Mesa Trail, near Eldodrado Springs. Take Hwy 93 south of Boulder city limits or Marshall Rd. past Costco and out to the intersection with 93. Proceed west on Hwy 170 (aka Marshall Rd. until 93 when it becomes Eldorado Springs Rd.). Once on Eldorado Springs Rd., drive 1.7 miles to the South Mesa Trailhead on the north side of the road. The parking area is in a shady spot with picnic tables and a creek at the start of the trail. Restroom available. A short hike up on the trail reveals beautiful views of the mountains and meadows. We were told during our earlier visit that late September is a great time for fall color along the trail and near the trailhead.  Note: because of the popularity of this trail, it’s best to arrive early so as to get a parking spot. Additional parking is found across Eldorado Springs Rd. at Dowdy Draw Trailhead.
 
Something New and Different!  For anyone interested, we will have a Sunset Paint Out on Tuesday, September 10 at Coalton Trailhead in Superior. Drive south on McCaslin over Hwy 36, past Marshall Rd. and another 2-2.5 miles to the roundabout where there is a sign saying Coalton Trailhead. Easy parking, a sheltered picnic table, restroom, and 360 degree views of the sky. The mountains’ top halves are visible from the parking lot, but since we’re interested in the sunset, this is the place for viewing it in all directions. Meet 5:30-6:00 and bring a picnic supper if you like (or we could agree to bring finger foods to share with each other). The sun will set at 7:18 that day, therefore we can start painting by 6:30-6:45.

August 2019

August 2 – Eben Fine Park, 4th & Arapahoe in Boulder. Right on Boulder Creek, there are lots of shady spots, picnic tables, restrooms, walkers, bikers, tubers, big rocks, trees, etc. Parking right next to park. From 9th & Arapahoe, go west on Arapahoe as it gets narrower and go past 1-2 roundabouts. After passing 5th St., look for sign on the right indicating entrance to the park. Take a sharp right into the parking lot.
 
August 9 – Rogers Grove, 220 Hover St., Longmont. Rogers Grove Nature Area consists of 55 acres adjacent to the St. Vrain Greenway and includes Fairgrounds Lake, trails, a shelter, outdoor amphitheater, restrooms, native landscaping, demo gardens and an apple grove with fruit free to harvest. The trails on the scenic north side take you down to the river, worth the short hike from the parking lot and restroom.
 
August 16 – Grasso Park, Superior. A step back in time, the park has historic small buildings, an actual jail cell, antique farm implements, lots of shade, picnic table and benches, a creek running along the edge of the park, and a bridge over the creek with a paved trail alongside it. Restroom available in Superior Town Hall, right across from the park. Coming from McCaslin, turn right on Marshall Rd. as if going to Costco. Turn left at first stop light onto Sycamore, then left onto 4th St. and left again onto Coal Creek Ave. Go left into small parking lot at the park.  (These turns are close together because Grasso Park is actually very close to Superior Marketplace and McCaslin.)

August 23 – Lake Macintosh, Longmont. From Ute Highway (CO 66), turn south on North Shore Drive and proceed to Flanders Park which is just before Sand Dollar Dr. Here you’ll find a parking area, covered area with picnic tables, bathroom with flush toilet and sink, drinking fountain, and lots of shade. This new (to PJs) location was scouted by our own Gail Smith on her bike! From Louisville, take 95th to Highway 66, turn left and go ¾ mile to North Shore Dr. There are no markers at the left turn onto N. Shore, but if you get to the light at 66 and 75th, you’ve gone too far. Alternatively, you could take 287 to 66, turn left (west) and go 2-1/4 miles to North Shore Dr.  A third way is to take Airport Rd. south off of 66, go 1/4 mile to Horizon Parkway, then turn left and go 1/4 mile to North Shore where you turn right.
 
August 30 – East Boulder Community Center, 5660 Sioux Dr., Boulder.  From Louisville, go west on S. Boulder Rd. to 55th (watch carefully for small sign indicating the turnoff to the center). Follow 55th around for about ½ mile to the parking lots on the north side. Lots to paint: a lake, long views of the mountains, trails nearby with walkers, bikers, lots of dogs and a dog park, sometimes boats on the lake, grazing horses in adjacent fields. On the shady south side of the center is a patio with tables and chairs. Access to bathrooms, snack machines and water inside the center.

July 2019

July 5 – South Mesa Trailhead, Eldorado Springs. Where Route 93 begins just south of Boulder, turn right at the stoplight intersection across from Marshall Mesa where the big gas station and fireworks stand are. Coming from Costco on Hwy 170, you go straight through the intersection and head toward Eldorado Springs.  Go 1.7 miles to the South Mesa Trailhead on the right side of the road. To help ease parking, go early and/or carpool. There are wildflowers, shaded picnic tables, Flatirons views, creeks, and restrooms.
 
July 12 – Diane Wood’s Gardens, Longmont. Once again, we are privileged to be invited to the home and gardens of Diane Wood, LAA member at 6914 St. Vrain Rd. This is a gorgeous country setting with panoramic mountain views and the expansive farmlands in the area. Diane has multiple gardens with annuals and perennials, and she says this year is especially spectacular because of the wet spring! She has graciously offered her bathroom and water for us to use.

July 19 – Annette Brand Park, Louisville. Where South Boulder Rd. intersects McCaslin, turn north onto Continental View Drive (south takes you onto McCaslin). Bear right onto Azure Way and follow that until it turns right onto Plum Circle. Parking on the street. Great mountain views from an Open Space to the north and west of the main park. Restrooms, picnic shelter, playground.
 
July 26 – Harper’s Lake, Louisville. Start from the same intersection described above, only go south onto McCaslin. Turn east on Washington. Parking is at the corner of Washington and McCaslin. Panoramic views of the mountains to the west of the lake. There is a restroom but no shade, so bring your umbrella.

Directions to Diane Wood's Gardens, Longmont:  From 75th St. and Nelson Rd. Drive one mile going north on 75th.  Go left on St. Vrain, then drive west for 0.7 miles. Driveway is on the left (south) side and 6914 is on a mailpost and the mailbox. Driveway is a one-lane gravel, washboard road. Drive ½ mile down driveway and go to the first house on the right. Park in the fruit orchard near driveway, or at the garages. 303-678-7456. From 17th Ave. and 75th St. At the 3-way intersection in Hygiene, take a left on 75th heading south. Go approx. 1 mile to St. Vrain Rd. on the right side.  Go right (west) on St. Vrain for 0.7 mi. Follow rest of directions just above. (If anyone wants directions from Hwy 36 and St. Vrain Rd., contact Jane Elvins at phone # below).

June 2019

June 7: The Flower Bin, 1805 Nelson Rd., Longmont.  A feast for the senses, with every variety of flowers, shrubs, annuals, perennials, and garden décor. The outside area has a small pond with a fountain and shady areas. If weather is unfavorable, one can paint inside the immense greenhouse which has fans and row after row of gorgeous flowers. A restroom on site, and cashiers ready to ring up any sales you might want to make! (optional, of course)
 
June 14: Sawhill Ponds, Boulder County. From Valmont and 75th, go north on 75th to a small sign on the left  saying “Sawhill Ponds.” If you get to another sign saying Walden Ponds, you’ve gone too far. Beautiful views of the mountains, ponds, reflections, grasses, and birds. Some benches and some shelter. Restroom in the parking lot/picnic area.

June 21: “Roofscapes” of Boulder, on Spruce St. between Broadway and 11th St. Go into the parking structure at this location and proceed to the top level. For some urban sketching from a unique perspective, we’ll choose from views of the Flatirons, the tops of buildings downtown, and magnificent old houses. In case of intense sun, one could paint out of the back of her car or rig up an umbrella. It’s somewhat challenging, and can get windy, but the views are terrific! Restrooms, snacks, coffee, lunch in the surrounding businesses.
 
June 28: Greenbriar Inn, 8735 North Foothills Highway (the road to Lyons). Behind the restaurant, a little to the south, there is a small park that belongs to the Greenbriar. It has mountain views, 20 acres with two ponds, a small waterfall, woodlands, vegetable, fruit and flower gardens. Restroom inside the restaurant, even though restaurant’s not open for lunch. A very peaceful setting with ample shade.

May 2019

May 3: Chautaugua Park, Baseline Rd. & 9th St., Boulder. So much to paint at Chautaugua: poppies, the iconic auditorium and dining hall, the Flatirons, lilacs, trails and trailheads. Parking is now paid, and there is a convenient free app for your phone called Parkmobile. Free parking may be found on 10th St. or other streets across Baseline from the park; those require a short hike up to the park. Restroom and restaurant in the Dining Hall. Carpooling a good idea.
 
May 10: Coal Creek Trail at Louisville Community Park, 955 Bella Vista Dr. Paint a great red barn and silos, or go to the Coal Creek Trail where fruit trees are in bloom. The park has a pavilion and picnic shelter, and restrooms. At S. Boulder Rd. and Highway 42 ( 95th St.), go south on 42 to Pine St. Turn right, and then left at the first street, County Rd. Go to Bella vista and turn right. Park on Bella Vista and South Roosevelt.

May 17: Long’s Gardens, 3240 Broadway, Boulder. Located just north of the North Boulder Rec Center, there are lots of interesting subjects, whether or not the irises are blooming. There are lilac trees, poppies, the goats, antique trucks and farm implements, interesting buildings, mountain views. Restroom available inside the building where the office is.

May 24: Memory Park Square, Spruce and Lincoln, Louisville. The area right around our beloved art center has many prospective painting subjects. There are interesting houses in all directions, the historic Methodist Church at Spruce and Jefferson, the art center building itself, flowers, lots of shade, bathroom and water available inside art center.
 
May 31: Old Town Niwot, 2nd & Franklin, Niwot. From 287, take Niwot Rd. west to the town of Niwot, then turn right on 2nd Ave., then one block to Franklin.From Hwy 119, turn east on 2nd Ave. Franklin is the second cross street. The old town is full of quaint shops and other reminders of earlier times.Walk another block west to Murray and 1st Ave. where you’ll find Whistlestop Park, home of an old caboose and a bandstand with distant mountains in the background. Numerous restaurants and cafes provide restrooms and lunch too, for those interested.