Fall Collection

Benicia Plein Air Gallery presents a year-round exhibit of work by all of our gallery artists showcasing a colorful variety of media and styles.

Drop by to see what's new! 

Catherine, MaryLou, Maria and Samantha have paintings in the Valley Art Gallery 

1661 Botelho Drive, Walnut Creek

March 2026 to September 2026

Catherine Fasciato, MaryLou Correia, Maria SantoStefano & Samantha McNally

Samantha has illustrated a book called “Benicia’s Changing Tides” by Fiona M. Hughes.

We have autographed copies available in the gallery! Benicia’s Changing Tides is also available on Amazon. 

Samantha McNally

Benicia Plein Air Gallery presents Quiet Horizons, works inspired by views and senses of places traveled, by Jean Purnell, on display from March 1 to 29, 2026.

Quiet Horizons features Jean’s painterly impressions of the sometimes lush, sometimes dry hiking trails of northern California, the foggy northern California coast, and her other travels within the past year, including a trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, where the rugged terrain offers a contrasting source of inspiration. She paints her smaller works on location while her larger works begin with the plein air study but tend toward a looser, impressionistic approach emphasizing brushstroke and color. “My goal is to capture the essence of a place rather than precise detail, allowing gesture and color relationships to convey mood and environment.”
Opening Reception: Saturday March 14, 3 to 5 pm
Meet the Artist: March 7, 14, 21, and 29, 11 am to 5 pm

Samantha's painting Cherry Blossoms has been accepted into the California Watercolor Association International Exhibit at Arts Benicia January 31-March 15, 2026.

Prizes for the paint out have been donated by:

Plein air artists often bring their easels to the Lafayette Reservoir and paint this beautiful local treasure.

Michael Dadasovich often paints at the reservoir dam site, but he also packs his easel and materials up to the rim trail to gain a different view and perspective on the reservoir. He unequivocally proves that painting allows a person to see things differently as he captures his exceptional outlook on canvas.

Michael Dadasovich

All of us at Benicia Plein Air Gallery are honoring Jerrold Turner, Benicia artist, who passed away February 14. Jerry was the initial inspiration for our little group of plein air painters that worked in and around Benicia. He coined the name "DaGroup". He was a member of Gallery 621 in Benicia. We all have great memories and stories about his sense of humor and kind-hearted personality. We will miss him. Here are two of his paintings, he had a diverse style and a great talent. 

Jerrold Turner

Catherine Fasciato

Catherine's painting, Sunset Sparkle, 16"×29", oil on linen panel, has been accepted into the 115th Annual California Art Club Gold Medal Exhibition at The Hilbert Museum of California Art at Chapman University in Orange County, CA from June 13 - September 13, 2026.