Monarch Garden
Workshop Description:
In this Monarch Garden watercolor workshop, we’ll celebrate the beauty of butterflies and blooms while learning how to create luminous color and flow with the wet-into-wet technique.
For beginners, the goal is to keep things simple and approachable. We’ll use a permanent Sharpie marker to define shapes, allowing you to focus on brushwork, color blending, and creating soft, glowing effects without worrying about fine details or drawing accuracy.
For advanced beginners, we’ll take things a step further by using masking fluid to explore a different approach—experimenting with layering, texture, and preserving light areas for a more dynamic composition.
This micro workshop offers a relaxed, creative environment with step-by-step demonstrations and room to choose the style and technique that best suits you. Whether you’re brand new to watercolor or looking to experiment with new methods, this is a wonderful way to enjoy the magic of painting a butterfly garden.
In this hybrid workshop, you’ll have plenty of time to paint while I help keep you paced and on track, offering guidance and encouragement along the way.
Meeting time
- 12 PM - 3 PM / New York
- 11 AM - 2 PM / Chicago
- 10 AM - 1 PM / Denver
- 9 AM - 12 PM / San Francisco
Need help? Contact Sue
How to Keep it Simple
To keep this a manageable project, we’ll simplify the process by using a permanent Sharpie marker to outline your butterflies and key shapes.
This helps define your composition while allowing you to focus on color flow and brush control without worrying about fine drawing details.
Learn a New Approach
During the workshop, I’ll show you a completely different way to approach the same composition to get an even more delicate effect.
Experiment and choose the style you like best. Paint 1–3 butterflies or create your own composition inspired by nature.
About the workshop
By joining this guided workshop, you’ll benefit from step-by-step demonstrations, clear pacing, and personal feedback opportunities to help you stay engaged and confident throughout the process. You can paint 1–3 butterflies or design your own garden composition—there’s no pressure, just progress.
This is a great way to stay motivated, learn new techniques, and paint alongside others who share your love of watercolor. Paint at your own pace, day or night, while still receiving the structure, encouragement, and inspiration to bring your butterfly garden to life.
Paint anytime, day or night, at your own pace with the workshop recording, while still following along with clear guidance and plenty of creative freedom. This mini workshop is the perfect way to relax, explore color, and fall in love with watercolor’s natural magic.
About Birgit O'Connor
A master of transparent watercolor and with Master Signature Status of the (NWWS) NorthWest Watercolor Society, (LWS) Louisiana 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.