Watercolor-Birgit O'Connor, artist, painting, instructional videos


Feb 24 - 26	Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers	Victoria, BC, Canada
March 1-4	Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers	Calistoga, Napa Valley CA
March 26 - 30	Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers	NAWS Sedona AZ
April 16-20	Spring Flowers	Mendocino CA
April 30 - May 3	The Essence within the Flower	Toronto, ON, Canada
May 3	Juror for the Bayview Watercolour Society	Toronto, ON, Canada
May 16 - 20	Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers	Charlotte, NC
May 28-31	Rocks, Sand Seaglass	Mendocino CA
June 3-15	Gallery One, show	Petaluma CA
June 6	Demonstration, Artist Round Table	Santa Rosa, CA
June 7	Rocks, Sand Seaglass	Santa Rosa, CA
June 25-28	Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers	Jackson Hole, WY
June 29 - July2	The Rivers Edge	Jackson Hole, WY
July 16 - 20	Within the Flower Art in the Mountains	Bend OR
August 4 -6	Flower Basics	Mendocino CA
August 8-12	Within the Flower - Beyond the Basics	Mendocino CA
August 24 - 26	Flowers in Bloom	Madison, WI
September 7	Juror for Auqua Areas, WASCO	Santa Rosa, CA
September 10 - 12	Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers	San Francisco CA
September 24 - 27	Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers	Henderson, KY
October 8-11	Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers	Las Vegas, NV
Nov 7-9	Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers	The Villages, FL
Nov 12 - 16	Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers	Bonita Springs, FL


	February 24 -26 Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers Victoria, Brentwood Bay BC Canada 9-4pm In this workshop Birgit guides you step-by-step through the painting process and shares her techniques of how to simplify a flower and find the WOW factor that creates dramatic paintings. Learn how blend and mix color to give the illusion of depth by using a limited pallet. The techniques learned in this class are the same ones she uses for her larger 60"x120" triptychs, but for class purposes you will be using 1/2 sheets for the workshop a more manageable size. This class is open to all skill levels but knowledge of watercolor is helpful but beginners are welcome and are encouraged not to be afraid Contact Sam Boehner sam@samboehner.com 250-652-2827 mailto:birgitoconnor@sbcglobal.net

	March 1-4 Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers Calistoga, Napa Valley CA 9-4pm $ 375. In this workshop Birgit guides you step-by-step through the painting process and shares her techniques of how to simplify a flower and find the WOW factor that creates dramatic paintings. Learn how blend and mix color to give the illusion of depth by using a limited pallet. The techniques learned in this class are the same ones she uses for her larger 60"x120" triptychs, but for class purposes you will be using 1/2 sheets for the workshop a more manageable size. This class is open to all skill levels but knowledge of watercolor is helpful but beginners are welcome and are encouraged not to be afraid. Class size is limited, All levels More information Contact Birgit O'Connor birgitoconnr@earthlink.net birgitoconnor@sbcglobal.net 415-868-0105

	March 26 - 30 Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers NAWS Sedona AZ NAWS $450 Members (Non-members $480) In this workshop Birgit guides you step-by-step through the painting process and shares her techniques of how to simplify a flower and find the WOW factor that creates dramatic paintings. Learn how blend and mix color to give the illusion of depth by using a limited pallet. The techniques learned in this class are the same ones she uses for her larger 60"x120" triptychs, but for class purposes you will be using 1/2 sheets for the workshop a more manageable size. You will start with a new composition everyday for the first few days, learn how to do large White then Red flowers then expand into more complicated compositions. The final compositions will be after Birgit evaluates the class and as time permits. Sketches and reference photos are provided All levels To register contact Rosemary Roe Corneto rutano5@msn.com (928)-301-1929

	April 16-20 Spring Flowers Mendocino CA Let's celebrate the end of winter by painting seasonal Spring Flowers, learn to add shape, create depth and drama with smooth washes and lots of color. We will begin working on easier compositions such as daffodils or Iris then expanding into larger more complicated ones either on a full sheet or diptych of Rhododendrons. Weather and flowers permitting, students are invited to go to the Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg before the workshop learn how to look for compositions and gather reference material, photos etc. we will then return to the studio to paint. (If you choose not to go to the Gardens you are welcome to paint in the studio during this time.) Some knowledge of watercolor is helpful, All levels To register 707-937-5818 or 800-653-3328 email register@mendocinoartcenter.org Online registration

	April 30 - May 3 The Essence within the Flower Toronto, ON, Canada In this workshop Birgit guides you step-by-step through the painting process and shares her techniques of how to simplify a flower and find the WOW factor that creates dramatic paintings. Learn how blend and mix color to give the illusion of depth by using a limited pallet. The techniques learned in this class are the same ones she uses for her larger 60"x120" triptychs, but for class purposes you will be using 1/2 sheets for the workshop a more manageable size. You will start with a new composition everyday for the first few days, learn how to do large White then Red flowers then expand into more complicated compositions. The final compositions will be after Birgit evaluates the class and as time permits. Sketches and reference photos are provided All levels To Register contact Tamar Citak at Studio Six webmaster@studio-six.com tel: 905-475-1136 fax: 905-475-1271

	May 3 Juror for the Bayview Watercolour Society Toronto Canada

	May 16 - 20 Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers Charlotte, NC You will start with a new composition everyday for the first few days, learn how to do large White then Red flowers then expand into more complicated compositions. The final compositions will be after Birgit evaluates the class and as time permits. Sketches and reference photos are provided to help you during the learning process so you can easily follow along with each painting demonstration. You are welcome to bring your own reference photos and work from those if you prefer rather then the sketches provided. Birgit will discuss what makes a striking painting and suggests that you bring a few of your own photos for the class to look at and learn from to see how by doing a few simple things can make the composition more interesting. This class is open to all skill levels but knowledge of watercolor is helpful but beginners are welcome and are encouraged not to be afraid. To register contact Nancy Couick Studios & Gallery 10100 Park Cedar Drive, Suite 188 Charlotte, NC 28210 704-541-6944 artistsgallery@bellsouth.net

	May 28-31 Rocks, Sand & Seaglass Mendocino CA This class is fun, fun, fun, in this workshop students are always amazed with the outcome of their paintings. Birgit guides you step-by-step through the painting process and shares her techniques of how to simplify and create realistic sand, rocks, beach glass and other treasures you find along the shore. With these techniques that you will learn in this class you will be able add another dimension into your paintings. You will first start by practicing images so your comfortable with the technique, then apply them into your final painting. For class purposes you will be using 1/2 sheets of watercolor paper, which is a more manageable size during the learning process. The wonderful thing about this workshop is you can easily make up your own compositions, use materials that are provided or use your own reference photos This class is open to all skill levels but knowledge of watercolor is helpful but beginners are welcome and are encouraged not to be afraid. To register 707-937-5818 or 800-653-3328 email register@mendocinoartcenter.org Online registration

	June 3 -15 GARDEN INSPIRED ART - Show Gallery One Petaluma Show runs in conjunction with the "Art & Garden" festivities in Petaluma

	June 7 Rocks Sand, Seaglass Artist Round Table Santa Rosa, CA Thursday April 12 from 9:30am to 4:30 pm at the Santa Rosa Veterans Memorial Building . This class is fun, fun, fun, in this workshop students are always amazed with the outcome of their paintings. Birgit guides you step-by-step through the painting process and shares her techniques of how to simplify and create realistic sand, rocks, beach glass and other treasures you find along the shore. With these techniques that you will learn in this class you will be able add another dimension into your paintings. You will first start by practicing images so your comfortable with the technique, then apply them into your final painting. For class purposes you will be using 1/2 sheets of watercolor paper, which is a more manageable size during the learning process. The wonderful thing about this workshop is you can easily make up your own compositions, use materials that are provided or use your own reference photos This class is open to all skill levels but knowledge of watercolor is helpful but beginners are welcome and are encouraged not to be afraid. Contact Diana Anderson dasantarosa@yahoo.com Artist Round Table phone 707 535 0206

	June 9 Artist Reception: Saturday, 5:00 – 8:00 pm Gallery One Petaluma Show runs in conjunction with the "Art & Garden" festivities in Petaluma

	June 25-28 Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers Jackson Hole, WY In this workshop Birgit guides you step-by-step through the painting process and shares her techniques of how to simplify a flower and find the WOW factor that creates dramatic paintings. Learn how blend and mix color to give the illusion of depth by using a limited pallet. The techniques learned in this class are the same ones she uses for her larger 60"x120" triptychs, but for class purposes you will be using 1/2 sheets for the workshop a more manageable size. You will start with a new composition everyday for the first few days, learn how to do large White then Red flowers then expand into more complicated compositions. The final compositions will be after Birgit evaluates the class and as time permits. Sketches and reference photos are provided. This class is open to all skill levels but knowledge of watercolor is helpful but beginners are welcome and are encouraged not to be afraid. To register Contact Jenny Dowd jenny@artassociation.org (307) 733- 6379 Online registration

	June 29 - July 2 The Rivers Edge Jackson Hole, WY Learn how to paint rocks and sand from the rivers edge. In this fun workshop students are always amazed with the outcome of their paintings. Birgit guides you step-by-step through the painting process and shares her techniques of how to simplify and create realistic sand, rocks, beach glass and other treasures you find along the shore. With these techniques that you will learn in this class you will be able add another dimension into your paintings. You will first start by practicing images so your comfortable with the technique, then apply them into your final painting. For class purposes you will be using 1/2 sheets of watercolor paper, which is a more manageable size during the learning process. The wonderful thing about this workshop is you can easily make up your own compositions, use materials that are provided or use your own reference photos This class is open to all skill levels but knowledge of watercolor is helpful but beginners are welcome and are encouraged not to be afraid. To register contact Jenny Dowd jenny@artassociation.org (307) 733- 6379 On line Registration

	July 16 - 20 Within the Flower Bend, OR At Art in the Mountains Birgit shares her techniques and color combinations with a variety of different flowers, you will learn how to interpret a flower without adding every detail. Learn how to control water and color to create large smooth washes in the petals, and how to make a painting more dramatic with backgrounds. Add the illusion of dimensional with water drops. Compositions Matilija Poppy, Water drops on Flowers, Red Cannas, and White Tulips among others. Demonstrations throughout the workshop work with your own reference material, paintings in progress or use photos and sketches Birgit provides. Some knowledge of watercolor is helpful. This class is open to all skill levels beginners are welcome. To register contact Tracy Culbertson at Art In The Mountains 503.930.4572 info@artinthemountains.com

	August 4 -6 Flower Basics Mendocino CA The amount of water and the way you hold your brush makes all the difference to your success. Learn how to simplify a composition without adding every detail to create dramatic paintings. Follow along with Birgit each day through easy step-by-step demonstrations. Paintings include Water Drops on Flowers, Red Cannas, Calla Lilies and Matilija Poppy, as time permits. Open to all skill levels knowledge of watercolor is helpful but beginners are welcome and are encouraged not to be afraid. To register 707-937-5818 or 800-653-3328 or contact register@mendocinoartcenter.org

	August 8-12 Within the Flower - Beyond the Basics Mendocino CA Find the WOW and create dramatic paintings. Birgit shares her techniques that she uses for her large 60"x120" triptychs. For class purposes you will be using 1/2 sheets for a more manageable size. Birgit provides sketches and reference photos as so you can easily follow along in each painting demonstration. Students are also encouraged to bring their own sketches and work on their own paintings under Birgit’s guidance. This is the next step after Flower basics, class is open to all skill levels, some knowledge of watercolor is helpful, but beginners are welcome and are encouraged not to be afraid just be willing to have fun. To register 707-937-5818 or 800-653-3328 or contact register@mendocinoartcenter.org

	August 24 - 26 Big Bold Beautiful Flowers Madison, WI In this workshop Birgit guides you step-by-step through the painting process and shares her techniques of how to simplify a flower and find the WOW factor that creates dramatic paintings. Learn how blend and mix color to give the illusion of depth by using a limited pallet. The techniques learned in this class are the same ones she uses for her larger 60"x120" triptychs, but for class purposes you will be using 1/2 sheets for the workshop a more manageable size.You will start with a new composition everyday for the first few days, learn how to do large White then Red flowers then expand into more complicated compositions. The final compositions will be after Birgit evaluates the class and as time permits. Sketches and reference photos are provided to help you during the learning process so you can easily follow along with each painting demonstration. You are welcome to bring your own reference photos and work from those if you prefer rather then the sketches provided. Birgit will discuss what makes a striking painting and suggests that you bring a few of your own photos for the class to look at and learn from to see how by doing a few simple things can make the composition more interesting. This class is open to all skill levels but knowledge of watercolor is helpful but beginners are welcome and are encouraged not to be afraid. Mary Cuff 608 873 6323 mdcuff@sbcglobal.net marydavidcuff@gmail.com

	September 7 Judging for "Aqua Areas Watercolor Exhibition", WASCO Santa Rosa CA

	September 10-12 Big Bold Beautiful Flowers, San Francisco CA Fort Mason in San Francisco. $ 350 This class will be held in a wonderful location overlooking the San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge. Follow along in step-by-step demonstrations or create your own painting using some of the learned tecniques from this class. Lets look at how to simplify a flower and find the WOW factor to create dramatic paintings. Learn how blend and mix color to give the illusion of depth by using a limited pallet. The techniques learned in this class are the same ones she uses for her larger 60"x120" triptychs, but for class purposes you will be using 1/2 sheets for the workshop a more manageable size.You will start with a new composition everyday for the first few days, learn how to do large White then Red flowers then expand into more complicated compositions. The final compositions will be after Birgit evaluates the class and as time permits. Sketches and reference photos are provided to help you during the learning process so you can easily follow along with each painting demonstration. You are welcome to bring your own reference photos and work from those if you prefer rather then the sketches provided. Birgit will discuss what makes a striking painting and suggests that you bring a few of your own photos for the class to look at and learn from to see how by doing a few simple things can make the composition more interesting. This class is open to all skill levels but knowledge of watercolor is helpful but beginners are welcome and are encouraged not to be afraid. More information To Register contact Birgit O'Connor 415-868-0105 email birgitoconnr@earthlink.net or birgitoconnor@sbcglobal.net

	September 24 - 27 Big Bold Beautiful Flowers Henderson, KY In this workshop Birgit guides you step-by-step through the painting process and shares her techniques of how to simplify a flower and find the WOW factor that creates dramatic paintings. Learn how blend and mix color to give the illusion of depth by using a limited pallet. The techniques learned in this class are the same ones she uses for her larger 60"x120" triptychs, but for class purposes you will be using 1/2 sheets for the workshop a more manageable size.You will start with a new composition everyday for the first few days, learn how to do large White then Red flowers then expand into more complicated compositions. The final compositions will be after Birgit evaluates the class and as time permits. Sketches and reference photos are provided to help you during the learning process so you can easily follow along with each painting demonstration. You are welcome to bring your own reference photos and work from those if you prefer rather then the sketches provided. Birgit will discuss what makes a striking painting and suggests that you bring a few of your own photos for the class to look at and learn from to see how by doing a few simple things can make the composition more interesting. This class is open to all skill levels but knowledge of watercolor is helpful but beginners are welcome and are encouraged not to be afraid. To Register contact Kim McGrew Kim.McGrew@ky.gov

	October 8-11 Big Bold Beautiful Flowers Las Vegas, NV In this workshop Birgit guides you step-by-step through the painting process and shares her techniques of how to simplify a flower and find the WOW factor that creates dramatic paintings. Learn how blend and mix color to give the illusion of depth by using a limited pallet. The techniques learned in this class are the same ones she uses for her larger 60"x120" triptychs, but for class purposes you will be using 1/2 sheets for the workshop a more manageable size.You will start with a new composition everyday for the first few days, learn how to do large White then Red flowers then expand into more complicated compositions. The final compositions will be after Birgit evaluates the class and as time permits. Sketches and reference photos are provided to help you during the learning process so you can easily follow along with each painting demonstration. You are welcome to bring your own reference photos and work from those if you prefer rather then the sketches provided. Birgit will discuss what makes a striking painting and suggests that you bring a few of your own photos for the class to look at and learn from to see how by doing a few simple things can make the composition more interesting. This class is open to all skill levels but knowledge of watercolor is helpful but beginners are welcome and are encouraged not to be afraid. Contact Sharon Menary Workshop Chairman Nevada Watercolor Society 702-463-2454 or thestudioforartists@gmail.com

	November 7-9 Big Bold Beautiful Flowers The Villages, FL In this workshop Birgit guides you step-by-step through the painting process and shares her techniques of how to simplify a flower and find the WOW factor that creates dramatic paintings. Learn how blend and mix color to give the illusion of depth by using a limited pallet. The techniques learned in this class are the same ones she uses for her larger 60"x120" triptychs, but for class purposes you will be using 1/2 sheets for the workshop a more manageable size.You will start with a new composition everyday for the first few days, learn how to do large White then Red flowers then expand into more complicated compositions. The final compositions will be after Birgit evaluates the class and as time permits. Sketches and reference photos are provided to help you during the learning process so you can easily follow along with each painting demonstration. You are welcome to bring your own reference photos and work from those if you prefer rather then the sketches provided. Birgit will discuss what makes a striking painting and suggests that you bring a few of your own photos for the class to look at and learn from to see how by doing a few simple things can make the composition more interesting. This class is open to all skill levels but knowledge of watercolor is helpful but beginners are welcome and are encouraged not to be afraid. Contact Bev Baugh 352-753-1383 BBAUG97@aol.com

	November 12-16 Big Bold Beautiful Flowers Bonita Springs, FL "Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs" In this workshop Birgit guides you step-by-step through the painting process and shares her techniques of how to simplify a flower and find the WOW factor that creates dramatic paintings. Learn how blend and mix color to give the illusion of depth by using a limited pallet. The techniques learned in this class are the same ones she uses for her larger 60"x120" triptychs, but for class purposes you will be using 1/2 sheets for the workshop a more manageable size.You will start with a new composition everyday for the first few days, learn how to do large White then Red flowers then expand into more complicated compositions. The final compositions will be after Birgit evaluates the class and as time permits. Sketches and reference photos are provided to help you during the learning process so you can easily follow along with each painting demonstration. You are welcome to bring your own reference photos and work from those if you prefer rather then the sketches provided. Birgit will discuss what makes a striking painting and suggests that you bring a few of your own photos for the class to look at and learn from to see how by doing a few simple things can make the composition more interesting. This class is open to all skill levels but knowledge of watercolor is helpful but beginners are welcome and are encouraged not to be afraid. Contact Jake Hand Education Director Phone: 239.495.8989 Fax: 239.495.3999 email Jake Hand education@artinusa.com

2013 Schedule

March 18-22	Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers	CWA California
May 27--31	Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers	Cheap Joes, Boone, NC
June 10-14	Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers	Cloudcroft NM
June 24 - 28	Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers	Madeline Island, WI
July 15 -19	Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers	Mount Desert Island, Maine
Sept 4-11th	Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers	Iowa Watercolor Society,

Information TBA

	March 18-22 Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers CWA California
	May 27--31 Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers Cheap Joes, Boone, NC Contact Edwina May edwina@cheapjoes.com
	June 10-14 Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers Cloudcroft NM contact Jan Rasch janrasch@tularosa.net
	June 24 - 28 Madeline Island, WI Jenna misa@cheqnet.net
	July 15 - 19 Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers Mount Desert Island, Maine Contact Gail Ribas Acadia Workshop Center 207-460-411 bassharbor@gmail.com
	Sept 4-11th Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers Iowa Watercolor Society Deborah L. Ruby C/O IWS PO Box 256, Straford, Iowa 50249, 515-230-6260, deborahspalette@globalccs.net

What students Say

To view More workshop photos visit me on Facebook at Birgit O'Connor Watercolors

Hi Birgit, Thanks for sending those great pictures. I can't wait to take them to my painting group and show them all what a wonderful time I had. I
am renewed and inspired and I learned a lot. You are a terrific teacher and we will definitely meet again if I have anything to do with it. Luanne Stone AR
PS. I thought you might like to know specifically what I learned.
I am not going to buy cheap paint or paper anymore.
I learned to use more paint and more water to get the richer colors.
I will never have a crappy looking wash again.
I really learned that I can paint with the best of them and to just go for
it!!!!!!
Thank you so much.. it makes me cry! Luanne

Birgit, thanks for the best workshop experience I've had in my 4 years of learning to paint. You are a phenomenal teacher. Your charismatic style of instruction made me feel like I was painting with a good friend. It was fun & comfortable. You made it safe to step out of my comfort zone. I love that you truly shared your style and gave us a tool box of skills. It's a joy to be in the presence of a confident artist & woman, who knows although she may share her talent that she remains unique. Again, it's the best workshop that I've experienced. Painters should know that "if you can, you MUST EXPERIENCE A BIRGIT WORKSHOP!" Debra Jan Hall, Houston

Dear Birgit, I had been to a couple of workshops before and felt very intimidated and uncomfortable, and didn't learn anything. I regretted spending the money, but not with you!! I learned so much from you because you were so real, so kind, and so encouraging. Now I'm going through all my flower photos and composing arrangements in my head. I can't wait to paint another flower, and I'm not afraid to paint BIG anymore! Thank you for coming to Lake Charles! Beth Winslett Fontenot, Louisiana

Oh, Birgit, Kudos to you for bringing your vision to so many people. Noelle Nichols

Hello Birgit!
What a great time I had during your work shop! So much to learn..so little time; however it is fun all the time. You are a great teacher and your technique opens up another aspect for me! Thank you. Jan Ammons, NB TX

Dear Birgit, I would like to share with you one thought - I had bought a wonderful book of daily meditations. One of my favorite quotes that they use in the book is by Charles Beard and he says, "When it is dark enough, you can see the stars". I want you to know that your workshop and your amazingly inspiring talent has been a very bright star that has helped to brighten this "dark period" of my life. Thank you.....Davilla

2011 workshop photos available on

Birgit O'Connor Watercolors on Facebook

	New book with DVD "Watercolor Essentials" by Birgit O'Connor Released March 2009 Hardcover spiral bound book with 60 minute dvd included. If you enjoyed my other book I think you will really like this one too. Watercolor Essentials is broad range book covers which techniques for Exploring, Painting and Having Fun. Learn all sorts of new and different ideas, how to create shapes, shadows, water, waves, easy trees, sand, shore, rocks, marbling, masking, painting lace then applying these techniques to simple step-by-step paintings of landscapes, reflections, a boat on the shore, still life and dramatic florals. Now Available Chosen as one of Jen's North Light Picks North Light Books. Learn more about Watercolor Essentials View You Tube mini Clip Signed copy $ 26.

	Current 2008 Book Watercolor in Motion by Birgit O'Connor Released March 2008 from North light Books If you have a special person or comment you would like please enter it in the comment box on the order form View You Tube mini Clip Signed copy $ 26.