Prickly Pear Cactus - Workshop March 7

A One-Day Live Watercolor Workshop

In this one-day live workshop, we’ll explore how to paint a thornless prickly pear cactus—focusing on shape, color, and depth rather than detail or masking.

Because there are no spines to work around, you’re free to simply paint. This allows us to concentrate on what truly brings a painting to life: water, timing, flow, and the relationship between shapes.

Rather than forcing the paint, you’ll learn how to let watercolor move naturally—creating work that feels luminous, grounded, and connected to place.

This workshop emphasizes process over perfection, helping you loosen up, simplify, and paint with confidence while still creating a clearly representational piece.

What You’ll Learn

• How to simplify complex cactus shapes into clear, paintable forms
• How to use water and timing to create smooth transitions and depth
• How to build harmony between shapes and colors
• How to suggest light and shadow without overworking
• How to stay loose while maintaining structure and clarity

What to Expect

During the workshop, I’ll guide you step by step through the entire painting process—from initial shapes to developing color, depth, and light.

By the end of our time together, you’ll have a painting that is nearly complete, with:

• Strong structure
• Unified color
• A clear sense of light and shadow

From there, you can choose to call the painting done or continue developing it further. I’ll demonstrate how to add refinement and depth thoughtfully—without overworking—so you feel confident continuing on your own.

You’ll leave with both a finished piece and a clear understanding of how to move forward at whatever pace feels right for you.

Workshop Details

Live, One-Day Workshop (4 hours)
Date: TBD

Meeting Times

• 12:00 – 4:00 PM Eastern
• 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM Central
• 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM Mountain
• 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM Pacific

Live attendance is optional. A full replay will be provided.

What’s Included

• Live online workshop
• Lifetime access to the replay
• Reference image
• Supply list and preparation instructions
• Clear, step-by-step guidance

Is This Workshop for You?

This workshop is perfect for painters who:

• Want to loosen up while still painting representational work
• Struggle with overworking or overthinking
• Want to build confidence using watercolor intuitively
• Enjoy botanical or desert-inspired subjects
• Want a complete, satisfying painting experience in a single session

All levels are welcome.

How This Workshop Works

This is a live online workshop held on Zoom.

You’ll find the Zoom link inside the Workshop Module.
Please also check your inbox for the confirmation email and test the link ahead of time to be sure you can enter the waiting room without any issues.

If you’re new to Zoom, you can join through your browser or the Zoom app—both work well.

A full recording of the workshop will be sent after class and will also be posted inside the Workshop Module as segmented lessons, so you can easily revisit specific parts of the process anytime.

Live attendance is optional. You’re welcome to paint along, watch and absorb, or return to the replay later.

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. 

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