Backgrounds & Shadows, Apple Blossom and Quince Independent learning
Based on my 6-week in-depth course, paint at your own pace and enjoy the journey. Everything you need to know about creating more effective paintings with different background techniques. using shadows backgrounds in watercolor, non-interactive
Your Instructor
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.
Go at your own Pace
Lifetime access
Interaction is optional and not required
Ask questions, upload paintings for review & more
Reference photos & line drawings available
When it comes to backgrounds, do you paint the background first, or leave it for last, keep it the white of the paper or add lots detail and color. These are just of a few of the questions we will be covering. In this course, I’ll help you find new ideas and different approaches to apply into your paintings using a push-pull affect to create more depth,
- Learn how to create your own reference material for future paintings.
- Understand how to change the feeling of a painting to brighten it up, make it moody or intense and dramatic.
- Before painting learn how to test backgrounds with some very easy techniques, and even more challenging options in Photoshop, while still keeping it as simple as possible.
Course includes two full step-by-step paintings "Apple Blossom" & "Quince" and how to how to change and rearrange reference photos to transform it into a more pleasing composition.
- Have a better understanding of the water to color ratio, why values are important and how color intensity helps to create the results you want.
- Have a better idea of how to recover from a dreaded bloom in the middle of your painting and use it to your advantage.
- The full course opens on the specified date and runs for 4 weeks.
- Have lifetime access and paint at your own pace
- After the end date of the course, you can still participate with limited interaction.
Once registered you will have immediate access to the material list and getting started portion, other assignments open after the start date.
Course Curriculum
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PreviewHow to access your course and log back in
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StartWelcome Letter
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StartIntroduce yourself
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StartHow to keep track of where you are in the course
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PreviewMaterial list
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StartAbout the Materials
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StartHow to print and download PDF files
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StartPrint your own poster size images
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StartStudent Referance photos
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PreviewLight, Medium Bold Primary colors
Frequently Asked Questions
Testimonials
Birgit, I just wanted to thank you for all the time and effort it took to put together this online course. You did a fabulous job and your passion for teaching is obvious. I appreciated the clear, detailed instructions and the demonstrations were invaluable. I watched each demo no less than ten times before attempting each, and, for me, having that advantage beats any workshop I could attend. I am amazed how much I have learned and am looking forward to another course in the future. I am grateful also that I don't feel quite so intimidated now to get that paint brush out. Thank you again for all your help. C. Stahl
Working with Birgit has increased my understanding about watercolor and creating great art to a new level. Specifically I learned 1. How to use water to move and mingle pigments in the paper. This is the technique that Birgit uses in her fantastic florals 2. How to work with natural hair and blend brushed to create bold and delicate representation. 3. How to edit photographs to create wow paintings and eliminate distracting details. I highly recommend my fellow artist to take more workshops with Birgit. And now to get my paper wet!!!! Happy painting day! - Elia
Hi Birgit, I really like watching you paint… Your courses are amazing! Cheryl F. Canada
Thank you Birgit..... I am much encouraged. I have all the right equipment and am learning a lot. IT IS INCREDIBLE to be able to get advice from an accomplished artist. I shall persevere! Pat
Hi Birgit Your courses are 100 percent effective. Thanks, Fay
Hi Birgit... I'm thrilled with your extensive comments. :-) I'm really enjoying the course and to have such a valuable critique is such a wonderful addition to this course. Its as good, or possibly even better than being in a class with you. Feel like I'm on the right track with the right tutor to help me. Kind regards from Jude. :-)