Begin your painting adventure today!
Paint-at-your-own-pace with the step-by-step lessons.
Immediate access
Have you wondered what it would be like to paint a large, full-sheet painting, how much water and color to use, what kind of brush to use, how to avoid brushstrokes and still keep it luminous?
Don't worry, you can do this!
Overall, painting a large, full-sheet rhododendron in watercolor is not only a technical challenge but also a journey of artistic growth and development. It combines technical skills with creativity and observation, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the medium.
"I'm getting used to virtual instruction- you make it 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
About the course
Large-scale watercolor paintings can take time and be challenging. They teach patience in waiting for layers to dry and persistence in refining details and correcting mistakes.
Painting a rhododendron involves mixing various shades of greens, pinks, purples, and whites to capture the flower’s intricate colors.
Learning how to handle larger brushes and cover a full sheet of paper improves brush control and fluidity in brushstrokes, which is essential for achieving smooth washes, delicate details, and varied textures.
Who this is for
Anyone who loves to paint large flowers and wants to paint BIG! Go beyond basic instruction to become more creative.
Paint at your own pace through the step-by-step lessons, create the illusion of movement and depth, and then apply these techniques to your own works of art.
"Birgit is an excellent instructor who is organized, informative and thorough in her presentations. I would take another class from her in a heartbeat." Trish Kuncewicz
View Curriculum
- Rhododendron 1 - Mix and test color combinations (5:57)
- Rhododendron 2 - Shape the petals (6:18)
- Rhododendron 3 - Build your foundation (9:53)
- Rhododendron 4 - Tint the Buds (11:16)
- Rhododendron 5 - Working on smaller shapes (9:31)
- Rhododendron 6 - Color combinations and exercise (7:01)
- Rhododendron 7 - Green leafy things (6:38)
- Rhododendron 8 - Add the background (9:35)
- Rhododendron 9 - Balance the painting (4:42)
- Rhododendron 10 - Layer and build color (10:14)
- Rhododendron 11 - Perk up the painting and add the stamens (6:56)
- Rhododendron 12 - Add the shadows (13:33)
- Rhododendron 13 - Final details (17:42)
I've watched a lot of videos over the last year and yours are by far the BEST!!!! Your presentation is clear, very informative, and beautiful." Carol Jakubow
"I feel like I could work on this painting forever, so much going on. I learned a lot about my own technique and about myself." Jan koss
Student Paintings from the course
"Your feedback on our paintings is thoughtful and actionable. I liked and appreciated the course pushing me to do my first full-size painting. It was a real challenge and took a lot of problem-solving. I will take more of your courses in the future." Lela King
About your instructor,
Birgit O'Connor
A master of transparent watercolor and with Master Signature Status of the (NWWS) NorthWest Watercolor Society, (LWS) Lousiana Watercolor Society, (CWA) California Watercolor Society.
My top-selling books include “Watercolor in Motion,” “Paint Watercolor Flowers,” and “Watercolor Essentials.” I have 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 A faculty member of Watercolor Live 2020, 2021, 2023. Additionally, my work has been juried into several national and international exhibitions. I have 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.
