Ardenwood Historic Farm - Plein Air

I used to live 10 minutes from this park and now it’s one of my favorite places to draw and paint. Lots of things for everyone historical architectural buildings, farm animals, and of course, plein air. There is a small fee to enter the park and we will meet at the gazebo at 12:30 for show and tell.

Ardenwood Historic Farm offers a glimpse into life on a family farm between 1890 and 1930. Step back in time as you explore the remnants of the once vast estate of George and Clara Patterson, whose family farmed the land for over 100 years, beginning in the 1850s. East Bay Regional Park District has operated the property as a fully functioning, turn-of-the-last-century farm since 1985.

Today, Ardenwood demonstrates the role farms play in providing vital resources, driving innovation, and bringing together communities. Using carefully restored farm machinery, staff and volunteers invite visitors to join in the harvest and processing of crops once common in the region, including corn, wheat, and hay. A farmyard with a variety of animals, a large hay barn, an outdoor kitchen, and a working blacksmith shop create opportunities to make connections between everyday life, local farming history, and the land. Historic buildings and grounds, including the Patterson’s lovely Victorian farmhouse and surrounding formal gardens, give a glimpse of life at the turn-of-the-last-century.

Admission: $4/adults (18+ years), $3/seniors (62+ year)
East Bay Park Members: Free

Also note that Ardenwood doesn't open until 10am on the dot so there's no need to get there too early.

What to bring:
• Art Supplies - Bring all of your own art supplies for whatever medium you are using e.g. paints, surfaces, brushes, pencils and cleaning supplies. For any beginners who don't know how to start or have questions feel free to post in the comments section or DM me through meetup.com's message service.
• Easels - If you're painting please bring your easel or whatever you use to paint outdoors.
• Outdoor wear - We will be outdoors for most of 3 hours so bring layers, hats, sunscreen.
• Snacks/food - Most of the locations we paint at don't have food/drinks so bring whatever food/drinks you require.
• Most of the places we paint at have picnic tables or benches, but if you need to sit when you art, be sure to bring something to sit on just in case.
• A good test to ensure you have everything you need is to set up to paint in your own yard for 2-3 hours. If you bring everything it takes to create art in your yard then you'll have everything you need to paint with us :)
• A portable chair if you like to sit. Not all of the locations we paint at have picnic tables or benches.

Extra info:
• We usually paint in public places. People outside of the group will generally come up and see what you're doing. Usually, they just compliment and walk by and sometimes they'll stop and chat a bit. For me, this took a little getting used to, but I really enjoy it now and it's become one of my favorite things about painting and sketching outdoors. Please don't scare anyone away :)
• Observe all signs. Especially the "keep off" ones.
• Stay on paths, but do not block them.
• Empty any painting fluids off-site including dirty watercolor water.
• Take your garbage with you.

Also, check out our social media below.

Our Facebook group is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/131295087508526
Our Instagram is: southbayart_events
Our Discord Server is: https://discord.gg/QbMkUNfWSn