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

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.

During the month of April Benicia Plein Air Gallery proudly presents a collection of paintings by artist Iris Sabre entitled The Fleeting Beauty of Spring.

In spring the California hills come alive with a profusion of brilliant greens, oranges, yellows and purples. As an artist and Bay Area native Iris finds this spring bounty intensely inspiring. "To capture the fleeting beauty of spring", she says, "is the challenge and the joy of plein air painting." Painting outdoors, for her, is a bold and daring adventure. Everything is constantly changing. Working rapidly with thick oil paint and broad brush strokes, she completes a relatively large-format painting in one go. "No matter how often I paint, I can never be certain of the outcome," Iris says. "It is new and surprising each time."

Iris Sabre was born and raised in San Francisco in a family of artists. She attended San Francisco State University receiving bachelor's degrees in fine art and psychology as well as two California State teaching credentials, one in multiple subjects and one in art. A founding member of Benicia Plein Air Gallery, Iris has taught elementary school in the Bay Area for several years, instilling many children with an appreciation of art and nature.

The exhibit will be on display from April 3rd through April 26th. Iris will be present in the gallery to greet old friends and make new ones on Saturday, April 11th and Sunday, April 26th.

Jessica de Jesus's painting, "Meadow View" was accepted into Yosemite Renaissance 41 and will be "on the road" for the next year in this traveling exhibition. The show is currently on exhibit at the Yosemite Gateway Art Center and will travel to other galleries in Central California. Learn more at yosemiterenaissance.org.

Karen Leoni's "Rocky Shoreline" has been accepted into Laguna Plein Air Association (LPAPA) exhibit

“For the Love of the Sea”. The reception is April 2 and the show will be from March 30 - May 2

LPAPA 414 N. Coast Hwy, Laguna Beach, CA.

Micaela Marsden's banner design "Summer Markets" will be part of the North Berkeley Outdoor Banner Gallery, a public art installation featuring artwork by local artists of the Bay Area.
A welcoming event with a walking tour of all the artist's banners will take place on Sunday, April 26 from 3-5 pm at ACCI Gallery, 1652 Shattuck Ave., Berkeley, CA 94709, but you may see them at any time along North Shattuck Avenue.