Samantha McNally Presentation Unlocked the Mysteries of Watercolors

On July 11, 2026, CAA hosted 15 guests at the Concord Public Library for a hands-on presentation by professional watercolorist Samantha McNally. With their own art supplies and a pre-sketched pencil drawing of California poppies on watercolor paper, attendees were ready to learn more about using this medium.

Watercolor Tips

Samantha began by sharing her experiences with the supplies she uses, such as 140 lb. paperweight watercolor paper. She informed us that watercolor dries lighter than applied. In comparison, acrylics dry darker, and oil paints dry at the same value when applied, knowledge she gained from having painted extensively in all three mediums. Therefore, when reapplying your watercolor after the piece is dry, you don’t need the same intensity of color as the first application.

With the poppies painting, Samantha recommended using the color Opera Pink, which should be included in the three primary-color-scheme that some watercolorists swear by, because, she explained, "light red does not make a pink.”

Samantha mentioned with a smile, “After a 100 paintings, you’ll get the hang of how much water and color to add.”

Stay tuned for our September/October newsletter for more on this great demonstration. 

You can join us for our free presentations (without having to be a CAA member) at the Concord Public Library. Our next scheduled one is with a Daniel Smith Watercolors representative on Tuesday, September 8, from 1 to 3 pm.

Story and photos by Melchia Kutches

Samantha McNally demonstrates watercolor techniques at the CAA meeting.

Close-up of Samantha's poppy portrait and materials.

CAA member attendees paint poppy portraits with their watercolor supplies.