Lady Slipper Orchid
Online Workshop
Date: March 8
Orchids represent elegance and intrigue, and the dynamic, exotic varieties captivate with their intricate forms and vibrant colors. These orchids, with their unique shapes and striking hues, evoke a sense of mystery and wonder. Among them, the Lady Slipper orchid stands out as a truly remarkable species. Its graceful curves, delicate petals, and earthy yet ethereal color palette make it an enchanting subject for watercolor painting.
Painting a Lady Slipper orchid in watercolor requires a blend of patience and precision. The soft, transparent quality of watercolors is perfect for capturing the delicate translucency of the petals, while the medium's fluidity allows for the rich blending of colors, from deep purples and warm yellows to soft pinks and whites. The painting process can begin with a light sketch to outline the intricate curves and forms of the orchid. Once the structure is established, subtle layers of watercolor can be applied, building depth and texture with each stroke.
- Time:
- 12 PM - 4 PM / New York
- 11 AM - 3 PM / Chicago
- 10 AM - 2 PM / Denver
- 9 AM - 1 PM / San Francisco
- Location: Online
Can't make the workshop? No worries, you can paint later with the recording.
Materials Needed: Watercolor paints, watercolor brushes, watercolor paper, masking tape, and a reference image of a moth orchid (provided upon registration).
What You Will Learn:
- Techniques for painting delicate petals and intricate details using watercolors.
- Tips on layering to create depth and dimension.
- How to use gradients and washes for a smooth transition of colors.
- Best practices for working with watercolor’s unpredictable nature, from wet-on-wet to dry brush techniques.
- Building up layers to add depth and dimension to your flower.
- Creating highlights and shadows to give your painting life.
By the end of the workshop, you'll have the skills to create your own stunning orchid paintings and a deeper understanding of how to bring other floral subjects to life on paper.
Dynamic and Bold
The distinctive slipper-shaped lip of the Lady Slipper orchid requires particular attention to detail, where the rich, velvety texture of the flower can be conveyed through soft gradients of color and careful shading. The translucent nature of the petals allows light to filter through, so capturing the play of light and shadow is key in giving the flower its lifelike presence. Whether accentuating the graceful folds of the flower or depicting the tiny, intricate patterns along its petals, every brushstroke brings out the dynamic beauty of the exotic orchid.
As you bring the Lady Slipper orchid to life on your paper, the vibrant colors and delicate details will reflect the orchid’s natural elegance, and the painting will not only be a tribute to this exotic beauty, but also an invitation to pause and appreciate the wild, otherworldly wonder of nature’s most captivating flowers.
Who this is for
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced artist, this workshop will guide you step-by-step through the process of painting this elegant flower using a combination of soft washes and fine details.
Currently, most of my workshops are online; learn everything you did in my in-person workshop, but so much more.
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.
