Plein Air Painting Sites in Nevada

Picking the time of year is important - avoiding the intense desert heat of summer is obvious. That still leaves a lot of the year available for a pleasant experience - especially if you are visiting from the North or Eastern part of our country in the winter or fall.

Plein air painting sites listed here will increase in number over time as research is done on great painting spots.

Sparks, Nevada Plein Air Sites - Provided by Erik Holland - Nevada Plein Air Artist

Take I-80 east of Vista Blvd in Sparks.. Lockwood road is the next exit. Take that past the little town and store. (Store a great stop for drinks, snacks)

Red rocks, cottonwoods, interesting rock formations, a short climb gives you vistas, and you will almost ALWAYS see wild horses.

Winnemucca Ranch/ Marshall Ranch area.

Take Pyramid Highway north to Winnemucca Ranch Road (about 17 miles north of downtown Sparks.) Take a left on Winnie Ranch road, proceed to the end of the pavement. Continue on the dirt road, navigable for most vehicles for another ten miles.

All kinds of great stuff out there, including the Moon Rocks, canyons, old farmhouses, cottonwoods, 8700 ft. Tule Peak. See painting above - done in that area.

To view Erik's wonderful lively Nevada Plein Air Paintings. Nevada Plein Air Paintings.

Carson City Area - Plein Air Painting Sites

Next is the area near Lake Tahoe, Carson City and Virginia City. The Muse recently traveled and painted in this area so the research is fresh.

Davis Creek Regional Park - - About 10 miles North of Carson City 0n Route 395 you will see a turnoff that is well sign posted for this Regional Park. There is a lovely little lake/fishing area that seems to be very popular with visitors and locals alike. This area is in the eastern foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and is has pines and forest. Lots of great reflections and high desert scenery.

Bathrooms available. No fee is charged to access this park. Several different parking areas to choose from. We went to the parking area right next to the lake and painted there for 3 hours in the late afternoon. A beautiful spot.

To view a couple of paintings done at Davis Creek - click here.

Zephyr Cove Park, Lake Tahoe, Nevada

Picnic tables, parking and toilets all available right next to Lake Tahoe. There is even a nice lake beach here so you could easily spend all day.

Morning time is the best for this site due to looking Westward.

To get there: Take Route 50 North from State Line/South Lake Tahoe - it's only a few minutes drive to Zephyr Cove.

Sand Harbor State Park - Lake Tahoe - Site Recommended by Erik Holland, Nevada Plein Air Artist

Most people don't realize you can park at that parking lot ALONG THE ROAD all day...also there is a parking area another quarter of a mile and at this time of year, it is generally easy to find parking there. You get great downhill shots into the sparkling waters of Lake Tahoe and in the summer and fall, you can even take a short swim after (or before) painting!!! I'll include shot of that above.

Virginia City, Nevada - Plein Air Painting

Take Route 341 off Route 50 to get there. Up at an altitude of about 6500 ft. - it is much cooler as a result - the road can be icy in winter also. A couple of good spots can be found on the drive up Route 341 to Virginia City if you want to paint the mountains and desert from the road side - noisy of course and no bathrooms. But it's a possibility if you are flexible and quick. Return from Nevada Plein Air Painting Sites to USA Painting Sites

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