Workshop Description

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to let your painting evolve naturally, allowing color, value, and movement to respond not only to the reference—but to what you’re feeling as you paint.

This is a complete, stand-alone workshop where you’ll learn essential techniques for expressive, abstracted florals. It’s perfect if you want a meaningful creative experience in a single session. For those who wish to continue, it also serves as an ideal introduction to the Nature’s Abstraction six-week series.

During the workshop, you’re welcome to paint the full composition or focus on a single flower, depending on what feels right for you.

As the work progresses, subtle shifts in color and tone become part of the story—reflecting mood, energy, and your personal response to the subject.

By working this way, you’ll develop a deeper, more personal connection to your paintings. Each piece becomes uniquely yours—a living, breathing expression of both the subject and the experience of painting it.

Paint not just what you see, but what you feel.

Live Workshop — January 31

Meeting time: Based on Pacific time

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

Replay included

Stand-Alone Workshop vs. 6-Week Series

This Workshop (Stand-Alone Experience)

• A complete, self-contained class focused on expressive floral techniques
• Learn core concepts of abstraction, simplification, and intuitive painting
• Ideal if you want a focused, creative experience without a long-term commitment
• Paint along live, work at your own pace, or watch and paint later with the replay

The 6-Week Nature’s Abstraction Series (Optional Continuation)

• Expands on the techniques introduced in this workshop
• Allows more time to explore abstraction across multiple subjects
• Includes deeper discussions on composition, color relationships, and personal expression
• Perfect for artists who want continued guidance, structure, and creative growth

This workshop stands beautifully on its own—and if you decide you’d like to go deeper, it offers a natural and supportive transition into the 6-week series.

What You Will Learn

• Shift from representational painting to expressive abstraction
• Simplify complex floral forms into strong, flowing shapes
• Use negative space and exaggerated curves to create dynamic compositions
• Build drama and depth through layered values and intentional edge control
• Learn when to loosen your brushwork and when to refine
• Translate florals such as roses and calla lilies into expressive, emotional statements
• Gain confidence in a more intuitive watercolor process
• Apply these techniques to florals, landscapes, and imaginative work

Is This Workshop Right for You?

This workshop is ideal for artists who want to stretch creatively, slow down, and learn to loosen their approach—without committing to a longer course. You’ll begin to see florals in a bold, transformative way while building expressive techniques you can carry into any subject.

You’re encouraged to paint large, but you’re always welcome to choose the line drawing and paper size that feels most comfortable for you and your space.

If you’re just getting started or tend to paint more slowly, feel free to focus on one flower, paint along at your own pace, or simply sit back and observe. You can always return and paint later using the recording.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to take the 6-week course to benefit from this workshop?
Not at all. This is a complete, stand-alone workshop where you’ll learn core techniques for expressive, abstracted florals. You’ll gain plenty of value even if this is the only class you take.

Is this workshop a good introduction to the 6-week Nature’s Abstraction series?
Yes. While it stands on its own, this workshop is also a wonderful introduction to the approach and techniques explored more deeply in the 6-week series.

What if I’m not ready for abstraction yet?
That’s perfectly fine. This workshop gently guides you from representational painting into expressive abstraction at a comfortable pace, with plenty of flexibility to simplify and explore.

Do I need to paint large?
Painting large is encouraged, but not required. You’re welcome to work on a smaller sheet, focus on one flower, or adjust the line drawing to suit your space and comfort level.

What if I paint more slowly or fall behind?
There’s no pressure to keep up. You can paint along, observe during the workshop, or return later using the recording and paint at your own pace.

About Birgit O'Connor

A master of transparent watercolor and with Master Signature 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.