2. Desert Landscapes, Paint at your own pace

Includes 14 different lessons, Learn to use your own reference materials to do the paintings that you love

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Focuses on how to turn your photos into paintings with full demonstrations.

Includes 14 Different Demonstrations

This course is all about learning how to capture the unique beauty of the desert with dynamic brushwork, dramatic rock formations, bold shadows, and expansive skies. Through 14 full demonstrations, I’ll guide you step-by-step, sharing techniques and insights to help you transform your photos into vibrant paintings that truly reflect the spirit of the desert.

The course is inspired by a question from a student in New Mexico who asked how I would approach painting desert scenes. It got me thinking back to my childhood, exploring the desert, rock hunting, and fishing under big skies. From Nevada to Arizona, Utah to New Mexico, this course draws from the wide variety of desert landscapes I’ve experienced and loved.

Course Highlights:

  • Brushwork Mastery: Learn how to create texture and depth with bold, expressive brushstrokes.
  • Dramatic Rock Formations: Capture the unique and striking shapes of desert rocks in your artwork.
  • Strong Shadows: Understand how to use light

Get started now!



Course Curriculum


  Wild Mountain desert
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  Bryce Canyon
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  Rain on the Mesa - review
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  Grassland / extension / transform what you see
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  Desert path / extension /how to minimize
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  Cliffs
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  Stone steps
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  Desert cabin
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  Beam of light
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  Desert Snow
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  Rock formation on Hot Press paper
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  Desert with river
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Your Instructor


Birgit O'Connor
Birgit O'Connor

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.


What Students Say

"I’m over the moon for this course!! I’ve taken 4+ courses from Birgit and always walk away with many aha moments that have greatly helped me in my watercolor journey. Birgit’s classes and teaching style makes me excited to put paint to paper!! Thank you Birgit from the bottom of my heart for putting this course together!!" Georgia Young Las Cruces NM

I am having so much fun with this course! It is really getting me out of my comfort zone, but every one of your courses has done that. With this course I am trying hard to avoid too much detail. Thank you for this course! Susan Caudill

"As I am sitting here writing this message, I am looking up at the painting in the "still developing" state, and am in awe that every bit of color on that sheet was applied by my paintbrush! Birgit, this is really quite amazing! From total confusion as this project was launched, to this exciting explosion of color! WOW! Thank you again, for all your encouragement, your critique, your suggestions and expertise! I have learned so much, and have so much to learn! It has been a good journey!" Agnes Franzak NM

"This has been a great course. I love the format. I cannot say it enough times, but watching you pant real time is amazing and such a great learning tool. Thank you for you courage and willingness to do this." Bettina Redway

“You reminded me that I need to allow the creativity to move through me and tap into the creative self. Get out of my mind, yes! Ok done! The way to changed the format has really helped me. I loved watching the critique of everyone’s paintings and I learned a lot. The demo today taught me so very much! I love listening to your thought process. I am so grateful to you for just putting it all out there and walking us through your thought process” Robin in New Mexico

"Magic! Thank you. You and your classes allow true, open thought, enjoyment and appreciation. Without your incredible application of watercolors to paper the rest of us would honestly just be observers of the finished product . When you pulled that multi-textured/colored photo out I was sure I was done. No way. We'll see. You are a hard working, talented woman who is sharing it all with no strings attached. Rare in this world!" Thanks again! Jean Lloyd

“This course helps me to better understand how each piece is unique and each interpretation is interesting in its own way…..helps me to look more closely at details” Jere

"Amazing demonstration today! Thank you! Every time I think you've really done it you out do yourself and make believers out of us" Jean Llyod

“We are all awestruck. and dumbfounded with your live demonstrations, thank you so very much for your sharing.” Kay Meyer

“The amazing demonstration of genius!” Gloria Taylor

“This gives me permission to keep working on skies instead of throwing it away and starting another painting,You are wonderful.” Marilyn Miles

“In the live meetings with the demonstrations, I love seeing you entire development process, it’s very exciting!” Robin W

"That was a truly amazing experience today. You really are a super trooper. I think what you said and did helps all of us who are home struggling with our painting skills and hopes of improvement. Best meeting ever, Always thankful, Trish

Returning Students that have "already taken this course" email me for your enrollment discount

Frequently Asked Questions


When does the course start and finish?
The course starts now and never ends! It is a completely self-paced online course - you decide when you start and when you finish.
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you like - across any and all devices you own.
What if I am unhappy with the course?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are unsatisfied with your purchase, contact us in the first 30 days and we will give you a full refund.