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. 

There's a book reading at Bookshop Benicia on January 17 at 6pm. All are welcome! 

636 1st St, Benicia

Samantha McNally

I am a born and bred Californian. I love the energy of this state and West Coast with its physical diversity and sheer energy. There is literally a painting everywhere one looks-farms or towns or geography. I paint what I live, the inheritance of the rural land and rocky coast and the crowed chaos of the city, influences grown by my family’s life.

Suzanne says: “I am interested in the inherent power and rhythm of average life. The subject matter can be very ordinary: it is how it is painted with vision of the exceptional in that moment that can make the painting extraordinary. I focus on strong shapes that create a strong composition, color relationships, time of day affecting temperature of light, being attentive to creating atmosphere (like the three weeks of continuous fog in Benicia), and brush work that acts as a signature in my paintings.”

Suzanne is a member of The California Art Club, The Blue Sky Paint Group, and The Wednesday Group. Her galleries include The Benicia Plein Aire Gallery in Benicia, CA and Across the Way in Moraga, CA.  She currently is teaching Floral Workshops at Rossmoor Art Association in Rossmoor, CA

More paintings on Suzanne's website: www.SuzanneDArcy.com

Maria SantoStefano and Jessica de Jesus

Maria SantoStefano and Jessica de Jesus have paintings in the

Epperson Gallery's Winter Showcase Exhibit until January 18. 

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

Karen Leoni

Karen's piece "Sunning" has been juried into the Laguna Plein Air Association's annual "LPAPA Squared" exhibit.  The show opens December 1 and runs through January 15, 2026.  The Opening Reception will be on Thursday December 4 from 6-8pm.   To see more work in the show, visit www.lpapa.org

Benicia Plein Air Gallery Welcomes a New Member, Micaela Marsden

Micaela says, "I am a plein air and studio painter. I draw inspiration from fauvist, impressionist and traditional styles to inform my own take on the natural world. Occasionally, my curiosity leads me to unexpected interpretations: it’s a little like opening a kiln full of ceramics - although you put many of the same ingredients into it, you don't know exactly what you will see when it comes out!"

"Painting outside is truly a wonderful experience—a great way to connect with the inexorably slow processes of the earth as well as the lightening-quick! I often finish in the studio. This is a more predictable environment and affords more reflection time to explore possibilities."

IG @micaelamarsden
FB @micaelamarsdenartist

http://micaelamarsden.com

Jessica De Jesus

Jessica's painting "Sierra White Gold" was given the Cascade PBS Award in Northwest Watercolor Society's 85th Annual International Open Exhibition.

The show was at the Yuan Ru Gallery in Bellevue, WA.

This year's juror was Frank Eber. Limited Edition giclée prints of this piece are available here.

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

Samantha McNally will be doing a watercolor demo in Studio 1, for the Rossmoor Art Association on January 7 from 1-2:30.

1001 Golden Rain Rd, Walnut Creek