Big Skies & Atmospheric Light, Workshop Jan. 17

In this workshop, the focus is on learning how to let water carry the color—creating large, seamless washes that feel radiant, fluid, and alive. Rather than forcing the paint, you’ll discover how timing, movement, and flow work together to build skies and landscapes that naturally draw the viewer in.

As you paint, the goal is not just to create a beautiful wash, but to evoke a sense of light, atmosphere, and intrigue.

This approach helps you move beyond simply painting what you see, and instead creates landscapes that feel immersive—so when you look at nature afterward, it’s as if you’re walking through a painting rather than observing it from a distance.

We’ll explore wide-open skies, soft luminous transitions, and expressive simplicity, using watercolor in a relaxed, intuitive way that encourages confidence and freedom.

Workshop Date: Jan 17

Meeting time

• 12 PM - 4 PM / New York
• 11 AM - 3 PM / Chicago
• 10 AM - 2 PM / Denver
•  9 AM - 1 PM / San Francisco

Why This Workshop Matters

Understanding how to manage space and light is one of the most important skills in watercolor. In this workshop, you’ll learn how to create a sense of openness, depth, and atmosphere—skills that translate easily into your own landscapes and paintings.

What to Expect in Our Time Together

During our time together, the focus will be on working with large, flowing washes and learning how water carries color to create light, movement, and atmosphere.

You’re welcome to paint large on a half sheet, or work smaller to simply practice the techniques. The emphasis is not on finishing a detailed painting, but on understanding water, timing, and flow—skills you can carry into any subject.

By learning to work with large washes, light, and value in a relaxed way, you’ll gain tools you can apply to any subject. Whether you’re painting skies, water, florals, or abstracted forms, these concepts will help you create paintings that feel more spacious, luminous, and intentional.

You’ll Learn How To:

• Create large, confident washes without stress
• Use water and timing to develop soft, glowing skies
• Build atmosphere with subtle shifts in value and color
• Suggest detail with minimal, intuitive brushwork
• Keep your paintings loose, fresh, and full of energy

This workshop is perfect for anyone who wants to loosen up, trust the flow of watercolor, and create landscapes guided by mood and light rather than tight detail. Whether you’re newer to watercolor or building on existing skills, you’ll come away with a peaceful, expressive painting—and a deeper understanding of how water, light, and atmosphere bring a landscape to life.

What's Included:

• Live online workshop
• Lifetime access to the replay
• Reference image
• Supply list & prep instructions
• Step-by-step, guidance

Join me to paint and discover how beautiful—and liberating—atmospheric landscapes can be.

About Birgit O'Connor

Signature status of the (NWWS) NorthWest Watercolor Society, (LWS) Louisiana 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. 

Need help? Contact Sue