Do your watercolor paintings sometimes feel flat, overworked, or not quite what you envisioned?

In Light & Shadow: Fearless Flowers, you’ll learn how to create paintings that feel alive—full of vibrancy, movement, and clarity—by understanding how watercolor truly works.

This 6-week interactive online masterclass is built around a curated series of floral paintings designed to strengthen your foundational skills. Each lesson builds on the last, helping you gain confidence and develop techniques you can use in any subject you paint.

✨ Includes optional live Zoom meetings for critiques, feedback, and Q&A. All lessons and meeting recordings are posted inside the course

What You’ll Learn

This course focuses on why watercolor works, not just how to follow steps.

• Create luminous, vibrant color without overworking
• Understand water-to-color ratios for clean, confident washes
• Develop expressive, natural brushstrokes
• Use timing, layering, and brush handling effectively
• Apply these skills to your own paintings, beyond the class projects

Each week builds your understanding so your paintings naturally become more confident and cohesive.

What Students Say

“I’ve watched a lot of videos over the last year, and yours are by far the BEST. Your presentation is clear, very informative, and beautiful.”
— Carol Jakubow

“I so enjoyed your course and learned so much. I’m still absorbing it all—I had painting dreams all night.”
— Jan DeLano

How the Course Works

• 6 weeks of structured, step-by-step lessons
• Paint at your own pace—anytime, day or night
• Optional live Zoom sessions for:
• Painting critiques
• Personalized feedback
• Problem-solving and questions
• Replay access to everything, so you never miss a lesson

You’ll focus on the guided projects, then learn how to carry those skills into your personal watercolor practice.

Supportive, Clear, and Encouraging Instruction

“I can’t tell you how much I enjoy your courses, Birgit. You are a very generous and skilled teacher.”
— Linda Read

No Drawing Skills Required

✔ Traceable templates included

Templates allow you to focus fully on watercolor technique rather than drawing accuracy, making the course approachable and relaxing for all levels.

Who This Course Is For

This course is perfect for:

• Beginners seeking clear, supportive instruction
• Intermediate painters wanting stronger fundamentals
• Experienced artists looking to loosen up and refresh their skills
• Anyone who loves watercolor and wants better results

Ideal for self-paced learning, painting with friends, and artists at any skill level.

Why This Course Works

This isn’t about rushing or striving for perfection.

It’s about:

• Understanding how watercolor behaves
• Making intentional choices with water, color, and brushwork
• Building confidence through clarity
• Enjoying the painting process while improving your skills

In just six weeks, you’ll paint with more ease, control, and vibrancy.

Start Your Painting Journey

Give yourself six weeks to deepen your skills, gain confidence, and reconnect with the joy of watercolor—supported every step of the way.

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.