Paintsites Home Page

SCVWS offers its members the opportunity to paint and/or sketch at outdoor sites in the company of other members. By painting together we enjoy the company, security, and conversation of other painters and inspire each other to improve our skills. This was the original purpose for the formation of the Society in 1967 and the tradition has been maintained over the years resulting in a huge inventory of wonderful paint sites. These include historic houses, barns and churches, private gardens and public parks, lakes, streams, woodlands, mountains, the Bay, boat yards, the beach, etc., etc.

The sites are generally easy to access, have toilet facilities, and shade. They are also chosen seasonally to take advantage of blossom times or fall colors.

Plein air painting at
Coyote Hills

It's important to know....Start time at each paint site is flexible unless indicated.The organizers will be there from around 10:00 a.m. Often people stay until early afternoon, having taken a packed lunch to eat at the site, so any time that you can arrive is OK. If the paint site is large, for example, the San Jose Historical Museum or a street venue, it is recommended that you call one of the organizers, so that a specific meeting place can be arranged. Also, be sure to check the Paintsites details page for cancellations before leaving if the weather looks uncertain, particularly in winter.

 The Organizers:

  Jane Saltman

  Alison Turner 

  Lora Cattell

  email: 

Vasona Lake - by Lisha Wang

Vasona Lake - by Marilyn Perry