Backgrounds & Shadows
Apple Blossom and Quince
When painting, do you ever feel that you don't know what to do with the background? Yes, backgrounds can be challenging, yet they set the stage for the main subject of the painting. It is essential to determine the right balance of detail and simplicity. Understanding how light interacts and incorporating shading techniques and shadows adds depth to the painting.
Managing the water-to-paint ratio is crucial in watercolor painting. Too much water can cause colors to bleed uncontrollably, while too little water can result in harsh, unblended brushstrokes. Blending and softening edges must be done quickly to avoid hard lines or unwanted textures.
This independent study online course is based on a six-week curriculum. It explores how to create a library of reference material, what to look for, and how to change the composition to make it your own.
Start your painting journey now
Traceable templates, (No drawing skills required)
Use many of the materials you already have on hand.
Step-by-step lessons
Techniques
Explore wet-into-wet and wet-on-dry along with blended backgrounds with smooth transitions between colors.
Paint an Apple Blossom
Add dimension and more interest to your paintings by learning how to use shadows effectively and integrate the different techniques into the background.
Bonus Painting
Continue working with light and shadow to pull the main subject forward and push the background deeper into the painting.
"I've watched a lot of videos over the last year and yours are by far the BEST!!!! Your presentation is clear, very informative, and beautiful." Carol Jakubow
Who This is For
Anyone who loves to paint in watercolor.
Perfect for self-paced painting and activities with friends.
Fun for experts who want to unwind and anyone looking to dive into the wonderful world of watercolors!
Anyone who wants to improve their painting skills and become the artist they have always dreamed of.
Great for all levels.
Photo from one of my live in-person workshops at Cheap Joe's in North Carolina
"I can't tell you how much I enjoy your courses, Birgit. You are a very generous and skilled teacher." LInda Read
Course Curriculum
"I so enjoyed your course and I learned so much. I am still absorbing it all. I had painting dreams all night." Jan DeLano
I am an internationally recognized artist whose work has been displayed in international galleries and the US. I am best known for my dynamic and bold floral paintings, figures, and landscapes.
Why would I want to learn watercolor painting from her?
A master of transparent watercolor and with Master Signature Status of the (NWWS) NorthWest Watercolor Society, (LWS) Lousiana Watercolor Society, (CWA) California Watercolor Society.
My top-selling books include “Watercolor in Motion,” “Paint Watercolor Flowers,” and “Watercolor Essentials.” I have 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 A faculty member of Watercolor Live 2020, 2021, 2023. Additionally, my work has been juried into several national and international exhibitions. I have 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.