Simple Figures in Watercolor,
One-Day Workshop, October 4
In this focused one-day workshop, you'll learn how to simplify the human figure using selected reference subjects and transform them into expressive elements within your own paintings. We'll explore how posture, gesture, and context can be used to suggest narrative and emotion, allowing you to interpret each figure in a way that tells a story unique to your vision. Whether you're adding figures to a scene or creating a standalone piece, this workshop will help you approach figures with confidence, looseness, and creativity.
You’ll explore how to use light, shadow, and gesture to suggest personality and presence, even with minimal detail. Emphasis will be placed on composition, atmosphere, and intuitive brushwork to help you create compelling visual stories that resonate.
Workshop date: October 4
The one-day workshop will focus on a series of simple figures with ample time for you to paint along and explore.
Meeting time
- 12 PM - 4 PM / New York
- 11 AM - 3 PM / Chicago
- 10 AM - 2 PM / Denver
- 9 AM - 1 PM / San Francisco
What you will learn
In this class, you’ll begin by getting familiar with the essential materials—from paper and brushes to pigments that support expressive figure work. You’ll learn how to control water, mix clean, intentional color, and understand how different brushes respond to your touch. Emphasis will be placed on brush handling—how the pressure, angle, and movement of the brush can suggest form, emotion, and atmosphere with minimal detail.
Learn how to develop skills in composition, creating mood, and simplifying complex forms into loose, expressive shapes. Through guided demonstrations and individual projects, you'll discover how to bring figures to life in a way that feels both personal and painterly.
"You have no idea how exceptional your teaching style is, accommodating so many of us at so many different levels and learning styles." Gail Gabriel
Who this is for
These projects are ideal for building foundational skills for beginners, and they also work beautifully as warm-ups for more experienced artists.
Whether you're looking to create standalone character-driven pieces or add figures to your landscapes, this course will help you loosen up, trust your instincts, and paint from the inside out.
During the workshop, paint from the selected lessons or apply the techniques to your own figures paintings.
How to Add Personality
Make your figures stand out! We’ll focus on the subtle details that tell a story—like posture, gesture, and the way light falls across the form. You don’t need a lot of detail to capture emotion; it’s often the looseness and suggestion that say the most.
In this class, you’ll learn how to use expressive brushwork, selective color choices, and thoughtful composition to convey mood and character. We'll explore how the tilt of a head, the curve of a back, or the placement of hands can suggest emotion, movement, or even a whole story. You’ll also learn how to simplify and exaggerate just enough to keep your figures loose while still full of life and presence.
The goal isn’t perfection—it’s connection. By focusing on feeling rather than fine detail, you’ll create figure paintings that are not only visually interesting but deeply personal and expressive.
"You make virtual instruction absolutely seamless and easy to understand! What you're offering in your classes is amazing. Thank you so much for doing what you do! Susan Tate"
Would you like to continue and grow with more in-depth paintings?
Option 2: Live Workshop - Plus the Full 6-week Course
For those who want to work on more in-depth projects
Keep the creative momentum going with two award-winning, in-depth projects. Then take your time to apply what you have learned to your own paintings. Includes bi-weekly live group sessions, demos, and personalized guidance.
Perfect for artists who want to dive deeper, experiment, and get ongoing support during the course. Lifetime access to the entire course content. View more information. If you have a discount code, manually apply the code at checkout.
“I've learned so much from your classes; they have been so informative, and I'm excited to apply what I've learned to something I design myself.” Debra Dunlap
About 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.
