1. Desert Landscapes, Paint at your own pace
Original course
Learn to paint with 12 different lessons to develop skills to paint the desert scenes you love.
About the course
Inspired by one of our students from New Mexico, she asked how I would approach desert scenes, it made me think of how much I loved the desert and all the time I spent there as a child, rock hunting out of Winnemucca NV, and the smell of sagebrush after a summer rain while trout fishing in Bridgeport or exploring the ghost town of Bodie CA, it brought back many fond memories.
When painting, I found the desert, quite different than my other atmospheric landscapes, instead of fog and soft light, there was a lot more brushwork, dramatic rock formations, strong shadows and big skies. This course will be slightly different, than others, with the live meetings focusing more on the demonstrations with a few selected painting reviews. Lessons are pre-recorded along with worksheets, deserts include Nevada, Arizona, Utah and New Mexico, these techniques are applicable to any desert anywhere. All levels
Focus on
- Brushwork
- Dramatic rock formations
- Strong shadows
- Big skies
What Students Say
"I’m over the moon for this course!! I’ve taken 4+ courses from Birgit and always walk away with many aha moments that have greatly helped me in my watercolor journey. Birgit’s classes and teaching style makes me excited to put paint to paper!! Thank you Birgit from the bottom of my heart for putting this course together!!" Georgia Young Las Cruces NM
I am having so much fun with this course! It is really getting me out of my comfort zone, but every one of your courses has done that. With this course I am trying hard to avoid too much detail. Thank you for this course! Susan Caudill
"As I am sitting here writing this message, I am looking up at the painting in the "still developing" state, and am in awe that every bit of color on that sheet was applied by my paintbrush! Birgit, this is really quite amazing! From total confusion as this project was launched, to this exciting explosion of color! WOW!
Thank you again, for all your encouragement, your critique, your suggestions and expertise! I have learned so much, and have so much to learn! It has been a good journey!" Agnes Franzak NM
"This has been a great course. I love the format. I cannot say it enough times, but watching you pant real time is amazing and such a great learning tool. Thank you for you courage and willingness to do this." Bettina Redway
Your Instructor
About your instructor,
Birgit O'Connor
Status of the (NWWS) NorthWest Watercolor Society, (LWS) Lousiana Watercolor Society, (CWA) California Watercolor Society.
Top-selling books include “Watercolor in Motion,” “Paint Watercolor Flowers,” and “Watercolor Essentials.” she has also been published in over 60 other national and international publications, such as Splash, Watercolor Magazine, American Watercolor Magazine, International Artist Magazine, Australian Artist Magazine, the New York Times, SF Gate, Watercolor Magazine, Dobry Zank (Poland), and L’Art de aquarelle (France).
A featured instructor with many Art Centers and Watercolor Societies throughout the United States and Canada, and faculty member of Watercolor Live 2020, 2021, 2023. Additionally, her work has been juried into several national and international exhibitions. She has also served as a judge and juror for numerous shows, including the Transparent Watercolor Society of America. Her memberships include Cambridge Who’s Who, Who's Who in America, and Who’s Who in American Women.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Students Say
"I am now more observant, the colors I see in the desert instead of all of them blending together, I am starting to pick out the darks from the lights. I now notice the colors of the mountains that make them appear behind or in front of each other. I never paid this much attention before..it was all just sagebrush and dirt. Now the dirt has color. So glad I offered this class." Sandra Sands
“You reminded me that I need to allow the creativity to move through me and tap into the creative self. Get out of my mind, yes! Ok done! The way to changed the format has really helped me. I loved watching the critique of everyone’s paintings and I learned a lot. The demo today taught me so very much! I love listening to your thought process. I am so grateful to you for just putting it all out there and walking us through your thought process” Robin in New Mexico
"Magic! Thank you. You and your classes allow true, open thought, enjoyment and appreciation. Without your incredible application of watercolors to paper the rest of us would honestly just be observers of the finished product . When you pulled that multi-textured/colored photo out I was sure I was done. No way. We'll see. You are a hard working, talented woman who is sharing it all with no strings attached. Rare in this world!" Thanks again! Jean Lloyd
About the live demonstrations
“This course helps me to better understand how each piece is unique and each interpretation is interesting in its own way…..helps me to look more closely at details” Jere
"Amazing demonstration today! Thank you! Every time I think you've really done it you out do yourself and make believers out of us" Jean Llyod
“We are all awestruck. and dumbfounded with your live demonstrations, thank you so very much for your sharing.” Kay Meyer
“The amazing demonstration of genius!” Gloria Taylor
“This gives me permission to keep working on skies instead of throwing it away and starting another painting,You are wonderful.” Marilyn Miles
“In the live meetings with the demonstrations, I love seeing you entire development process, it’s very exciting!” Robin W
"That was a truly amazing experience today. You really are a super trooper. I think what you said and did helps all of us who are home struggling with our painting skills and hopes of improvement. Best meeting ever, Always thankful, Trish