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...

Come to our next meeting, Saturday, July 11, for a hands-on tutorial with professional watercolor artist Samantha McNally. Samantha is an award-winning painter known for her realism and delicacy in capturing floral an nature-inspired subjects. She's an artist member of the Benicia Plein Air Gallery, Main Street Arts Gallery in Martinez, and Valley Art Gallery in Walnut Creek. You can see Samantha's work on her websites: samanthamcnally.com and Samantha-mcnally.pixels.com. For this meeting,...

Occasionally we like to share information about upcoming exhibits that we think will resonate with CAA members. Do you make art that celebrates the "beauty, symbolism and emotion of food?" Our friends at Studio 55 in Martinez have a call for art for their upcoming show, Let's Eat!, featuring all subjects food and food-related. Jill Landeau is the juror and the call is open to emerging and established Bay Area artists. Deadline to submit work is July 5. The exhibit runs from July 17 to...