Backgrounds & Shadows, Apple Blossom and Quince Independent learning

Everything you need to know about shadows & backgrounds in watercolor, non-interactive

Your Instructor


Birgit O'Connor
Birgit O'Connor

About your instructor,

Birgit O'Connor

Master artist Birgit O’Connor is an internationally known award-winning artist, judge, juror and, author, known for her original paintings and inspirational teaching style. She is signature member of M-NWWS, M-CWA, M-LWS. Her memberships include Cambridge Who’s Who, Who's who in America and Who's who in American women.

Her books “Watercolor in Motion”, “Paint Watercolor Flowers” and “Watercolor Essentials” are top selling titles in her field, along with being included in over 60 national and international publications such as the New York Times, SF Gate, Watercolor Magazine, Dobry Zank, (Poland) "L'Art de l'Aquarelle (France).


Go at your own Pace

Lifetime access
Interaction is optional and not required
Ask questions, upload paintings for review & more
Reference photos & line drawings available

When it comes to backgrounds, do you paint the background first, or leave it for last, keep it the white of the paper or add lots detail and color. These are just of a few of the questions we will be covering. In this course, I’ll help you find new ideas and different approaches to apply into your paintings using a push-pull affect to create more depth,

  • Learn how to create your own reference material for future paintings.
  • Understand how to change the feeling of a painting to brighten it up, make it moody or intense and dramatic.
  • Before painting learn how to test backgrounds with some very easy techniques, and even more challenging options in Photoshop, while still keeping it as simple as possible.

Course includes two full step-by-step paintings "Apple Blossom" & "Quince" and how to how to change and rearrange reference photos to transform it into a more pleasing composition.

  • Have a better understanding of the water to color ratio, why values are important and how color intensity helps to create the results you want.
  • Have a better idea of how to recover from a dreaded bloom in the middle of your painting and use it to your advantage.
  • The full course opens on the specified date and runs for 4 weeks.
  • Have lifetime access and paint at your own pace
  • After the end date of the course, you can still participate with limited interaction.

Once registered you will have immediate access to the material list and getting started portion, other assignments open after the start date.



Course Curriculum


  Apple Blossom reference photos & line drawing
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  Apple Blossom Branch, Buds & Center
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  Optional half sheet (15x22) painting
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Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.

Testimonials

Birgit, I just wanted to thank you for all the time and effort it took to put together this online course. You did a fabulous job and your passion for teaching is obvious. I appreciated the clear, detailed instructions and the demonstrations were invaluable. I watched each demo no less than ten times before attempting each, and, for me, having that advantage beats any workshop I could attend. I am amazed how much I have learned and am looking forward to another course in the future. I am grateful also that I don't feel quite so intimidated now to get that paint brush out. Thank you again for all your help. C. Stahl


Working with Birgit has increased my understanding about watercolor and creating great art to a new level. Specifically I learned 1. How to use water to move and mingle pigments in the paper. This is the technique that Birgit uses in her fantastic florals 2. How to work with natural hair and blend brushed to create bold and delicate representation. 3. How to edit photographs to create wow paintings and eliminate distracting details. I highly recommend my fellow artist to take more workshops with Birgit. And now to get my paper wet!!!! Happy painting day! - Elia


Hi Birgit, I really like watching you paint… Your courses are amazing! Cheryl F. Canada

Thank you Birgit..... I am much encouraged. I have all the right equipment and am learning a lot. IT IS INCREDIBLE to be able to get advice from an accomplished artist. I shall persevere! Pat

Hi Birgit Your courses are 100 percent effective. Thanks, Fay

Hi Birgit... I'm thrilled with your extensive comments. :-) I'm really enjoying the course and to have such a valuable critique is such a wonderful addition to this course. Its as good, or possibly even better than being in a class with you. Feel like I'm on the right track with the right tutor to help me. Kind regards from Jude. :-)

Get started now!