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! 

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

1661 Botelho Drive, Walnut Creek

September 2025 to March 2026

Maria SantoStefano, Samantha McNally and MaryLou Correia

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

“Near and Far” showcases Jessica’s artistic journey through the Sierra Nevada and local landscapes, capturing the essence of both untamed wilderness and urban motifs. As an avid outdoor enthusiast, Jessica integrates her love for travel with her painting practice, often starting with plein air studies before developing larger works in her studio.

“What I love about plein air painting is being forced to work quickly and confidently as the light changes so fast,” says Jessica.   “In winter, when I’m in the mountains, I also have to work against the biting cold — sometimes even painting through ice crystals forming on my paper.”

While Jessica’s passion lies in high-altitude mountains and lakes, her fascination with industrial landscapes adds a dynamic contrast to this collection that includes acrylic, gouache and watercolor.

Jessica will be in the gallery on February 1, 14, 15 and 28, offering collectors a chance to engage with her and explore her creative process. An opening reception will be held on Sunday, February 1, from 12–2 PM.

Jessica de Jesus is an award-winning artist whose work has been recognized in local and international exhibitions. She also serves on the board of the California Watercolor Association and will be teaching an introduction to watercolor with the Yosemite Conservancy this summer. Recent honors include the Cascade PBS Award in the Northwest Watercolor Society’s International OPEN Exhibition in 2025 and 3rd Place in the 2025 Mono County Paint Out.  Based in Walnut Creek, CA, Jessica finds endless inspiration in the golden hills of Mt. Diablo and the Sierra Nevada, fueling both her creativity and deep connection to nature.

To see more of her work or for additional information, visit http://sfjessart.com or contact her at 415-279-1457 or sfjess.art@gmail.comInstagram: @sfjess.adventure.art

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

Painting for Joy, Painting Adventures in Italy

Mary Lou is the featured artist at Valley Art Gallery from January 13 - February 21

Reception: Saturday, January 31, 1pm - 3

MaryLou will demonstrate her compact UGO easel for Gouache painting.

MaryLou Correia

 Raven’s Playground” by Jessica de Jesus and Maria SantoStefano's painting "Valentine to Benicia" will be part of the “From the Heart” show at the Epperson Gallery, 1400 Pomona Street, Crockett.

January 17 to February 15 

Opening Reception: January 17th 3:00 PM - 6:pm

Jessica De Jesus and Maria SantoStefano

Prizes for the paint out have been donated by: