Apple Blossom, Independent learning
Includes the foundation of the Background & Shadow course with the main focus on the Apple Blossom all levels
Watch PromoWhat students say
"I never would have had the courage to put such a background on a painting before taking your lessons, but I can see now how much of an improvement it makes". Jeanne Hall
"Thanks so much for your teaching these incredible online workshops...they are magic!" :) Debra Laurie
"Thank you, Birgit. YOU make learning fun, accessible, a DREAM come true! Your fine instruction makes it possible", Frances Gill-Turano
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.
Non-interactive
- Go at your own pace
- Paint anytime day or night
- Interactive
- Quizzes
- Downloadable PDF and reference photos
- Downloadable line sketches
- Course is rich in content
- 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.
- 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.
Your Instructor
About your instructor,
Birgit O'Connor
Master artist Birgit O’Connor is an internationally known award-winning artist, judge, juror and, author, known for her original paintings and inspirational teaching style. She is signature member of M-NWWS, M-CWA, M-LWS. Her memberships include Cambridge Who’s Who, Who's who in America and Who's who in American women.
Her books “Watercolor in Motion”, “Paint Watercolor Flowers” and “Watercolor Essentials” are top selling titles in her field, along with being included in over 60 national and international publications such as the New York Times, SF Gate, Watercolor Magazine, Dobry Zank, (Poland) "L'Art de l'Aquarelle (France).
Course Curriculum
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StartIntoduction
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StartWatercolor Painting terms
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StartMaterial List
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StartWhat you will need
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StartAbout brushes (12:55)
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StartSetting up the Palette
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StartTearing paper
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StartAbout Paper
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StartPaper type affects your painting
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StartMake your own pad of paper
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StartAbout Watercolor Paint
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StartColor Charts
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StartWarm, Cool, and Transparent Color
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StartValues and Water-to-color blends
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StartWhere and when to sign a painting
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StartCommon painting mistakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Testimonials
I never would have had the courage to put such a background on a painting before taking your lessons, but I can see now how much of an improvement it makes'. Jeanne Hall
Thanks so much for your teaching these incredible online workshops...they are magic! :) Debra Laurie
HI Birgit, I want you to know that this particular format with your personal reviews and critiques and the combination of website and class meetings are the best online course I have ever taken. Debra Prat
Thank you, Birgit. YOU make learning fun, accessible, a DREAM come true! Your fine instruction makes it possible, Frances Gill-Turano
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. :-)
WOW!!! You are such a real professional!!! I love how you are instructing...quiet, confident voice, SAYING exactly what you are doing and why, SHOWING exactly what you are doing and why, USING the reference photo as a guide and REFERRING to the practice sample as a reminder that "you can do it"!! And then GIVING the students time to put into practice what you've just taught with your comments and suggestions ready to help! WOW! Not only a first class instructor, but an excellent and beautiful artist. I LOVE YOUR WORK! Cheryl Feragen
I can't tell you how much I enjoy your courses, Birgit, you are a very generous and skilled teacher. LInda Read
Birgit! You are amazing master of painting enriching our minds, hearts and imagination with your art. Thank you, Zlatica Stauder
Birgit is an excellent instructor who is organized, informative and thorough in her presentations. Also she is very supportive and helpful in her comments on the painting submissions. I felt strongly that she really wanted me to learn and improve and produce a painting that would make me feel that I had achieved a result that would be worthwhile. I would take another class from her in a heartbeat. Sincerely, Trish Kuncewicz
I wanted you to know that I really appreciate your calm teaching voice. It was one of the main reasons I chose your class. You speak very thoughtfully, slowly, and clearly. While watching the videos, I picked up a lot of helpful instruction, before of working on the actual painting. Using the sweeping upstroke to avoid spreading at the end of the stroke, and softening the edges of lines with a larger brush both worked beautifully, much improving my first attempts! I'll be starting to paint the poppy tomorrow – so excited! Thanks in advance, Laurie
Hi Birgit. Wow!!!Looks great!!!You are tireless!!!! I love the video courses. Thank you for sharing your expertise with the rest of us. Mary Louise
Dear Birgit you are my all time favorite artist and I have purchased your some of your courses as well as a copy of the watercolor magic magazine you are featured in. H. Merchant AUSTRALIA
Hi Birgit I am a retired art, elementary, and Montessori teacher with over 30 years experience. I tried other classes but I think I've learned the most from Birgit's online courses. I love the feedback she gives, it's way more than I have received before. I find it so valuable. I look forward to doing more. Jann Clare