Benicia Plein Air Gallery Paint Out 2026
May 29 - June 6, 2026
The Benicia Plein Air Gallery Paint Out is back! Come join artists from all over to paint anywhere in the quaint and historic town of Benicia from May 29-June 5. The event will culminate with a one-day exhibit on Saturday, June 6, during the Benicia Arts Festival from 11-5PM.
Key Dates
WHAT IS PLEIN AIR?
“Plein Air” is French for “in the open air” and refers to the practice of painting outdoors, directly observing the scene rather than working from photos or imagination. Plein air artists set up their easels on location—whether it’s a mountain meadow, city street, or coastal bluff—to capture the natural light, color, and atmosphere in real time.The approach became especially popular with the Impressionists, who believed that painting on-site brought freshness, spontaneity, and truth to how light and color interact in nature. Plein air painting is not for the faint of heart with an ever-changing environment, shifting shadows and weather conditions, and moving subjects and people that won’t stay still – but we love it, as do more and more people!
Awards
Awards Juror: Carol Tarzier
Our juror of awards is Carol Tarzier, former member of Benicia Plein Air Gallery.Carol Tarzier is a Bay Area painter and sculptor recognized for her award-winning plein air and studio oil paintings. After a distinguished sculpture career—earning multiple National Sculpture Society awards and completing major public commissions—Carol returned to painting, where she has since received numerous plein air awards and shown in top national exhibitions, including six consecutive California Art Club Gold Medal shows. She most recently won 1st Place in the 2025 Capitola Paint Out. Spending time between Oakland and Fort Bragg, she actively participates in plein air events and teaches workshops at Rossmoor.
