Two-Part Workshop. Create luminous fall leaves, rich texture, and convincing surfaces in watercolor.
There is beauty in the simplest subjects.
Autumn on the Sidewalk, Oct. 27, Oct. 29
Create luminous fall leaves, rich texture, and convincing surfaces in watercolor.
There is beauty in the simplest subjects.
In this guided watercolor workshop, we'll transform a scattering of autumn leaves on an ordinary sidewalk into an opportunity to explore color, light, texture, shape, and contrast.
Rather than rushing through the painting in one long session, we'll work at the pace watercolor needs—giving layers time to dry and giving you time to watch, paint, experiment, and make decisions along the way.
Explore Texture, Light & Color
In this project, we'll explore how to:
- Create convincing concrete and sidewalk textures
- Use masking, splattering, layered washes, and lifting
- Work with generous amounts of water
- Create luminous, natural fall colors
- Preserve areas of light
- Use value to give leaves form and dimension
- Balance hard and soft edges
- Simplify a complicated subject into manageable shapes
- Know when to add more—and when to stop
The techniques extend well beyond this painting and can be applied to rocks, pathways, walls, weathered surfaces, backgrounds, and many other subjects.
A Workshop Designed Around the Pace of Watercolor
Some paintings need time.
Learn. Paint. Come Back. Problem-Solve.
Instead of trying to keep up with a continuous live demonstration, we'll begin together and then you'll have time to work independently using the complete prerecorded lessons.
Pause. Replay. Let an area dry. Step away and come back.
Then we'll meet again with our paintings in progress to ask questions, troubleshoot problems, and decide what comes next.
Your painting doesn't need to be finished—and everyone doesn't need to be at the same stage.
You don't need to keep up. You need time to understand what your watercolor is doing.
Workshop Schedule
A Two-Day Guided Painting Experience
This painting develops through several layers, and each stage needs time to dry completely. We’ll begin together, pause for drying and independent painting time, and then reconnect to evaluate your progress, solve problems, and complete the painting.
Tuesday, October 27
Live Opening Session
Begins at 9:00 AM Pacific
Starting times:
- 10:00 AM Mountain
- 11:00 AM Central
- 12:00 PM Eastern
We’ll begin the painting together, establish the first important layers, and prepare your work for the next stages.
Independent Studio Time
Allow your painting to dry completely, then continue working through the prerecorded lessons at your own pace. Be sure to leave plenty of drying time between stages.
Live Afternoon Studio Check-In
Starting time to be announced
Bring your work in progress and your questions. We’ll look at how the painting is developing, address any concerns, and prepare for the next stages.
Thursday, October 29
Final Live Studio Session
Begins at 9:00 AM Pacific
Starting times:
- 10:00 AM Mountain
- 11:00 AM Central
- 12:00 PM Eastern
We’ll come back together to evaluate color, form, light, leaves, shadows, and any problem areas. I’ll help you make the finishing decisions that bring the painting together.
Can't attend live?
All live sessions will be recorded and added to the workshop.
Your Workshop Includes
- Complete prerecorded painting demonstrations
- Live guided studio sessions
- Workshop replays
- Reference image
- Materials list
- [Line drawing, if you're providing one]
- [Access period]
Meet Your Instructor
For over 30 years, I've had the privilege of teaching watercolor artists around the world through workshops, online courses, and international art events. My passion has always been helping artists move beyond simply copying a reference photo to truly understanding light, design, and the expressive qualities of watercolor.
As a faculty member for Watercolor Live and a former juror for the Transparent Watercolor Society of America, I've had the opportunity to work with thousands of artists at every stage of their creative journey. One lesson has remained constant: stronger paintings don't come from painting more details—they come from learning to see differently.
My teaching emphasizes observation, simplification, confident brushwork, and understanding why watercolor behaves the way it does. Rather than striving for perfection, I encourage students to recognize the larger shapes, preserve the light, and enjoy the unique beauty that watercolor offers.
Whether you're just beginning or have been painting for years, my goal is to help you build confidence, strengthen your skills, and create paintings that feel fresh, expressive, and uniquely your own.
I look forward to painting with you!
Birgit O'Connor
Former Juror, Transparent Watercolor Society of America
Watercolor is one of the most rewarding and forgiving mediums you'll ever paint with. I hope you'll join me as we explore its beauty together.
Continue Your Watercolor Journey
If you enjoyed this workshop and would like to continue exploring watercolor, I invite you to browse my collection of books, workbooks, and practice guides designed to help you build confidence and continue your creative journey.