P.O. Box 828 Bolinas CA 94924   415-868-0105  toll free 800-749-4784          Books & DVD's Watercolor Brushes Watercolor Blog View Workshops Free Charts & Articles Color replacement list Contact Lyme Blog Face Book       Classes are designed for all skill levels. Workshop Schedule   2013  2014  2015 Feb 2-3 Landscapes 2013      Santa Rosa CA Oakmont Art Association  Contact Sliva Davis  jeffcdavis@sbcglobal.net March 18-22         Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers  CWA  California 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.   Workshop Questions?  Contact our Registrar, June Hunt jclhunt@aol.com at registrar@californiawatercolor.org   510-525-0965  On line registration information April 8 - 12   2013            Spring Coastal Blooms - Daffodils, Iris & Rhododendrons      Mendocino CA Let's celebrate the end of winter by painting Spring Coastal Blooms, such as daffodils, Iris on a half sheet of watercolor paper then expanding into a full sheet or diptych of Rhododendrons. Learn to add shape, create depth and drama with smooth washes and lots of color. Weather and flowers permitting, students are invited to go to the Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg one day before the workshop to learn how to look for compositions and gather reference material. 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, If you have taken the workshop before you are welcome to bring your own compositions to also work on. All levels To register 707-937-5818 or 800-653-3328 on line registration  April 21              Master Talk & Demonstration     New Mexico Art League Ming Franz NMWS     1-505-281-4956 April 22-24          Dramatic Florals Workshop   New Mexico Art League    Albuquerque NM 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. For the best learning experience sketches and reference photos are provided to help guide you step-by-step through the learning process, you are welcome to bring your own reference photos and sketches if you prefer. Birgit suggests that you bring a few of your own photos to learn how to compose a better more interesting and dramatic painting. 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. Dramatic Florals workshop (WS114) information  contact Ming Franz NMWS     1-505-281-4956 mingfranz11@yahoo.com May 6 - 7                 Rocks, Sand & Sea glass           Studio Six       Toronto CAN 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. All levels To Register contact Tamar Citak at Studio Six  webmaster@studio-six.com    tel: 905-475-1136   fax: 905-475-1271 May 8-10                 Spring Flowers              Studio Six           Toronto CAN Let's celebrate the end of winter by painting Spring Coastal Blooms, such as daffodils, Iris on a half sheet of watercolor paper then expanding into a full sheet or diptych of Rhododendrons. Learn to add shape, create depth and drama with smooth washes and lots of color. Weather and flowers permitting, students are invited to go to the Botanical Gardens in Fort Bragg one day before the workshop to learn how to look for compositions and gather reference material. 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, If you have taken the workshop before you are welcome to bring your own compositions to also work on. All levels To Register contact Tamar Citak at Studio Six  webmaster@studio-six.com    tel: 905-475-1136   fax: 905-475-1271 May 27-31  2013         Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers   Cheap Joes         Boone, NC      Wait list 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" dyptichs and triptychs, but for class purposes you will be using 1/2 sheet to full sheet. You will start with a new composition everyday for the first few days, then expand into more complicated or larger composition. For the best learning experience sketches and reference photos are provided to help guide you step-by-step through the learning process, you are welcome to bring your own reference photos and sketches if you prefer. Birgit suggests that you bring a few of your own photos to learn how to compose a better more interesting and dramatic painting. 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 sign up, or to get more information about the Workshop: Call Edwina at 800-227-2788  email: edwina@cheapjoes.com June 10-14  2013               Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers            Cloudcroft NM Find the WOW factor that creates dramatic paintings and techniques of how to simplify a flower as Birgit guides you step-by-step through her painting process. Learn how to blend and mix color to give the illusion of depth by using a limited palette. The techniques learned in this class are the same ones she uses for her larger 60” x 120” triptychs, but for class purposes you will be using more manageable ½ sheets. You will start with a new composition every day for the first few days, learn how to do large white, then red flowers, progressing into more complicated compositions. Sketches and reference photos are provided. This class is open to all skill levels but knowledge of watercolor is helpful. Beginners are welcome and are encouraged to be fearless.  Registration form  or call  Linda Shiplett at 575-687-2453 or cell 915-490-5071 Jan Rasch janrasch@tularosa.net  Information July 6  2013                     Rocks, Sand & Sea Glass     Pt Reyes National Seashore  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 rocks, sand and beach glass and other treasures you find along the many beaches at Point Reyes. With the techniques learned in this class you’ll be able add another dimension into your paintings. You will first start by painting diverse images so you’re comfortable with the different used techniques, and then apply those techniques into your final painting. For class purposes you will be using 1/2 sheet¬s of watercolor paper, which is a more manageable size during the learning process. The wonderful thing about this workshop is the ability to easily make up your own compositions, use materials that are provided or use your own reference photos. Beginners are welcome and are encouraged not to be afraid, but knowledge of watercolor is helpful. All levels welcome. Contact Jen Spangler,  415-663-1200 x 373,  fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org July 15 - 19   2013            Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers            Mount Desert Island, Maine Acadia Workshop Center 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, then expand into more complicated or larger composition. Sketches and reference photos are provided. For the best learning experience Birgit suggests that you follow along step-by-step until you are familiar and comfortable with the techniques but you are also welcome to work with your own reference material. Birgit suggests that you bring a few of your own photos to learn how to compose a better more interesting and dramatic painting. Class size is limited to 15 students Contact Gail Ribas      207-460-411 bassharbor@gmail.com    or  on line information and registration   Aug 5 - 9  2013                  Rocks, Sand, Sea glass and Kelp                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. All levels To register call 707-937-5818 or 800-653-3328 Mendocino Art Center Workshop Discount Become a MAC member and save 10% off each class registration and 15% if you are a MAC member residing in Mendocino County. The member discounts are in addition to the 5% Early Bird Discount. MAC has Extended their Early Bird Discount on Summer Classes Save 5% on All July and August Classes! Mendocino Art Center Lodging Discounts - for MAC students: $ 80 - $ 100. "On Site at the Art Center" $79 a night at the Hill House   Private housing list  (call the Registrar @ 707 9375818x10) More discounts Map Aug 17   2013         Atmospheric Landscapes          Point Reyes National Seashore  CA      We will be using large washes to create the emotion of the beautiful sky over Point Reyes National Seashore using a limited pallet. Create colorful sunsets and the mysterious fog and mist swirling through the coastal wetlands and mountain ridges along with other atmospheric scenes. Learn how to incorporate minimal landscapes to evoke intrigue and bring the viewer into your painting allowing them to experience a Zen like feeling. Learn how to use so-called mistakes to your advantage to create illusion. After this workshop, and working with the techniques learned you will start to view nature as a vast painting. All levels welcome. Information Contact Jen Spangler,  415-663-1200 x 373,  fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org Aug 26 - 30  2013              Desert Blooms             Bend OR Art in the Mountains What gives a painting the WOW factor and creates an intimate and dramatic composition?  In Birgit’s workshop you will learn how to paint a statement by simplifying complex desert blossoms to create stunningly beautiful paintings with values in shadows and choice backgrounds.  Learn to make color move and mingle to create luminous petals that seem to lift right off of the surface, giving the illusion of depth. Birgit O'Connor is the author of Watercolor in Motion and Watercolor Essentials. She is a contributing editor to The Artist’s Magazine and Watercolor Artist. This class is open to all skill levels beginners are welcome. To register contact Tracy Culbertson at Art In The Mountains  material list  503.930.4572  info@artinthemountains.com   Information   Registration information Sept 4-11th   2013             Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers        Iowa Watercolor Society   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, then expand into more complicated or larger composition. Sketches and reference photos are provided. For the best learning experience Birgit suggests that you follow along step-by-step until you are familiar and comfortable with the techniques but you are also welcome to work with your own reference material. Birgit suggests that you bring a few of your own photos to learn how to compose a better more interesting and dramatic painting. To register contact Jan Globuschutz, President, jglobuschutz@msn.com  C/O IWS  2505 SW 36th St., Ankeny, IA. 50023 Sept 23 -24                Step one  - Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers   Prince George, BC In this workshop Birgit guides you step-by-step through the painting process and shares her techniques of how to simplify. Sketches and reference photos are provided. To register contact Sharron MacBride,  250-564-4271     stargaz@telus.net Sept 25 -28                Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers     Prince George, BC  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. Sketches and reference photos are provided. For the best learning experience Birgit suggests that you follow along step-by-step until you are familiar and comfortable with the techniques but you are also welcome to work with your own reference material. Birgit suggests that you bring a few of your own photos to learn how to compose a better more interesting and dramatic painting. To register contact Sharron MacBride,  250-564-4271     stargaz@telus.net Oct 4-6   2013          Historic Barns & Ranches      Point Reyes National Seashore  CA    Point Reyes National Seashore is home to some of the most preserved historic barns and ranches idyllically located on the California coast. Pierce Point Ranch is one of the oldest ranches on the Point Reyes Peninsula and was one of the most successful dairy ranches of its time. Join Birgit O'Conner in exploring this ranch and other historic structures in a full weekend of watercolor instruction. There will be an optional Friday, October 4 (4pm ¿" Sunset) exploration of Pierce Point Ranch with Birgit to gather reference photos and sketches in the fading afternoon light for paintings during the weekend. This is not a Plein air class, but one that teaches you to simplify and translate the essence of landscapes and historic structures through photos and sketches. Have fun, be free, explore and express yourself by letting go of the frustration of trying to control and create every blade of grass. You'll learn about paper, brushes, how much water to use, moving color, layering, and shape shadows. All levels welcome. Information  Contact Jen Spangler,  415-663-1200 x 373,  fieldinstitute@ptreyes.org October 18-20          Big Bold & Beautiful Flowers   SBAA Santa Barbara CA  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. For the best learning experience Birgit suggests that you follow along step-by-step until you are familiar with her techniques  Sketches and reference photos are provided, you are welcome to work with your own reference material. Bring some of your own photos and to learn how to compose a better more interesting and dramatic painting.   Jacqui Bravo 805-564-7019  jacquibrav@aol.com November  4-8       Fall Colors in Grape Vines and Landscapes     Napa Valley, CA Two workshops in one November 4-5 Monday & Tuesday we will focus up close and personal with the fall colors in the leaves and grape vines. November 6-8 Wednesday - Friday use some of the techniques we have learned and apply them  into landscapes painting fall colors and using atmospheric techniques. All levels contact Birgit O'Connor    Information & Registration       2014 Schedule Workshop titles to be announced March 31 - April 4     Bonita Springs FL    To register contact Jake Hand Education Director Center for the Arts of Bonita Springs Phone:  239.495.8989 Fax:      239.495.3999 June 16 -20                Glouchester, MA NAW Northeast Art Workshop Retreats LLC Attention: Kat Masella 18b Dale Avenue Gloucester, MA 01930 978-729-4970 Fax: 978-283-9237 Email: info@northeastartworkshops.com July 16 - 20                 New Foundland, CAN Velma Boudreau  dalton.velma1@gmail.com July 28 -Aug 1             Bend OR contact Tracy Culbertson at Art In The Mountains  material list  503.930.4572  info@artinthemountains.com  October 2-4    SCWS  -  Southern Colorado watercolor So  Pueblo CO Jan Steers Southern Colorado Watercolor Society 2nd Vice President  Jan Steers steersart@bresnan.net November 2-7   Myrtle Beach Springmaid, SC HEATHER C. ORR, WATERMEDIA DIRECTOR www.springmaidwatermedia.com(P) 843-315-7150 (C) 843-995-2500 (E)  <mailto:orr@springmaidbeach.com> orr@springmaidbeach.com 2015 September 11 - 13      Santa Clara Watercolor SO, CA Jane Kwant janekwant@gmail.com  call 408 246 2416 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.