Painting Expressive Figures in Watercolor
6-week Immersive online course
Discover the power of storytelling through expressive figure painting in watercolor. This course is designed to guide you through the process of capturing mood, character, and narrative using simple yet evocative figure studies. Through a series of thoughtfully designed projects—including a Ballet Dancer, officer, a contemplative nun and, soulful bass player. These lessons are —you’ll learn how to infuse your paintings with emotion and meaning.
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.
Whether you're looking to add figures to your landscapes or create standalone character-driven pieces, this course will help you loosen up, trust your instincts, and paint from the inside out.
This course is designed as a 6-week experience to give you the time and space to fully engage with each project at your own pace. The extended format allows you to absorb techniques, reflect on your work, and build confidence as you go.
The bi-weekly live meetings offer additional guidance, personalized feedback, and a chance to connect with fellow artists—creating a sense of community and accountability as you deepen your skills and develop your artistic voice.
Meeting dates. Please note that the Oct 6 meeting will be on a Monday, not a Tuesday.
- Oct. 6, 21
- Nov. 4, 18
Meetings time
- 12 PM - 1 PM / New York
- 11 AM - 12 PM / Chicago
- 10 AM - 11 AM / Denver
- 9 AM - 10 AM / San Francisco
"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
Building Skills
Start with the simpler projects in this course to build foundational skills, or join the workshop if you're just starting out; they can also serve as effective warm-ups for more experienced artists. While the course is designed to welcome artists at any level, the main projects are best suited for intermediate to advanced watercolorists who are ready to move beyond technique and explore artistic expression and storytelling.
You'll be guided through techniques that emphasize fluidity, movement, and emotional depth, helping you bring your figure paintings to life with intention and feeling.
About the course
Unlock the beauty of expressive figure painting focused on harnessing the power of water and loose brushstrokes.
Through easy-to-follow lessons, you’ll explore the art of using watercolor to capture the human form in its most organic and spontaneous state. Learn how to use water to create flowing, dynamic gestures, master the art of loose brushwork to give your figures life and energy, and embrace the unpredictable beauty of watercolor.
Who this is for
This class is best suited for intermediate and advanced watercolor artists who are ready to go beyond technique and focus on artistic expression and narrative.
"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"
Course Highlights:
- Step-by-step tutorials on using water and loose brushstrokes in figure painting.
- Techniques for capturing gesture, movement, and emotion.
- Building confidence with watercolor as a medium for figure work.
- Tips on color mixing, composition, and balance.
- Creative exercises to help you loosen up and embrace spontaneity.
Includes
- Line drawings
- Reference photos
- Workbook
This course offers you the opportunity to not only improve your technical skills but also develop a deeper connection to your subject, freeing your artistic expression while capturing the essence of the human figure in all its fluidity.
“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) 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 Pratique des Arts, France, 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).
She has also served as a judge and juror for numerous shows, including the Transparent Watercolor Society of America.
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. Her memberships include Cambridge Who’s Who, Who's Who in America, and Who’s Who in American Women.