A Magnolia in Light: A Watercolor Workshop - May 2

Live online • One-day, 4-hour workshop

Our focus will be on beginning your painting with clarity and intention. The emphasis is on subtle values, water control, and knowing when to pause rather than push. 

Includes lifetime access to the workshop replay and lessons.

Some subjects invite us to slow down and really see. The magnolia is one of them. At first glance, it feels simple — open petals, soft light, quiet movement. But as you begin to paint, you start to notice the subtle shifts: light resting across each petal, gentle transitions in value, edges that soften and disappear.

Live Workshop (Pacific Time): 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM PT

Other time zones:
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM ET
11:00 AM – 3:00 PM CT
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM MT

Together, we’ll paint a magnolia step-by-step.

This isn’t about copying a reference photo; it's about simplifying what we see to create something more expressive.

It’s about learning how to:

• See light more clearly
• Simplify what you’re looking at
• And gently guide the viewer’s eye

We’ll also explore how to take a more complicated reference photo and simplify it—shaping it into a painting that feels more dramatic, more intentional, and easier to manage from the very beginning.

What You’ll Learn

In this focused session, you’ll discover how to:

• Create soft, luminous whites without losing the light
• Use value (light and shadow) to give your painting form and depth
• Control edges—knowing when to soften and when to define
• Work with water and pigment for clean, confident washes
• Simplify a complex reference into a clear, stronger composition
• Avoid overworking and keep your painting fresh

You’ll leave with a deeper understanding of how watercolor behaves—and how to work with it, not against it.

A Calm, Supportive Approach

This workshop is designed to feel relaxed, clear, and encouraging.

You’ll be guided step-by-step, with space to observe, adjust, and paint at your own pace.

✔ Live demonstration

✔ Real-time guidance

✔ Replay included (watch anytime)

Line Drawing Options Included

We all approach drawing a little differently.

You’ll have options so you can begin in the way that feels most comfortable:

• A detailed line drawing
• A simplified version
• A basic outline to develop on your own

This allows you to focus on painting—without worrying about getting the drawing “just right.”

Who This Workshop Is For

This workshop is perfect for:

• Beginners looking for clear, supportive instruction
• Intermediate painters wanting to better understand light and values
• Experienced artists who want to loosen up and refresh their approach

All levels are welcome.

What Students Say

“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

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

This Isn’t About Perfection

It’s about:

• Seeing more clearly
• Making intentional choices with water, color, and edges
• Letting the light guide your painting

And enjoying the process as you go.

About Your Instructor

Birgit O’Connor

A signature member of the NorthWest Watercolor Society (NWWS), Louisiana Watercolor Society (LWS), and California Watercolor Association (CWA), Birgit is the author of Watercolor in Motion, Paint Watercolor Flowers, and Watercolor Essentials.

Her work has been featured in over 60 national and international publications, including Splash, Watercolor Magazine, International Artist, and The New York Times.

She has taught workshops across the United States and Canada and is a featured instructor for Watercolor Live (2020, 2021, 2023), as well as a juror for national exhibitions including the Transparent Watercolor Society of America.

Join Us

Take a few hours to slow down, observe, and create something beautiful.

Live Workshop • 4 Hours • Replay Included