The Unique Beauty of Flowers
6-week online course
Sept. 23 - Nov. 4
Prepare for a unique, creative experience you won't forget. Whether you're an experienced painter or a beginner looking to expand your skills, this project will inspire you to explore new ways of approaching floral art with elegance and creativity. Suggested for intermediate-advanced, but all levels are welcome.
Explore Unusual Flower Designs: Discover how to create flowers that are both unique and striking, with imaginative forms and complex centers that set them apart from traditional floral compositions. Learn how to bring focus to the intricate details of each flower's core, using careful layering of color and delicate brushstrokes to highlight textures and depth.
Negative Painting Techniques: Master the art of painting around the subject rather than directly on it. This technique will help you define the edges of each flower and allow light to play off its contours, creating a striking contrast against the background.
Includes a 6-week workshop experience along with bi-weekly live meetings to allow you time to work on your painting.
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 Sept. 23-Nov. 4
- Sept 23
- Oct. 7, 21
-
Nov. 4
Meeting time
- 3 PM - 4 PM / New York
- 2 PM - 3 PM / Chicago
- 1 PM - 2 PM / Denver
- 12 PM - 1 PM / San Francisco
Immediate access to the traceable line drawing and general information.
Once the course opens, you will have access to the step-by-step lessons and painting reviews.
Who this is for
This course is designed for more advanced students who are ready to deepen their watercolor practice and explore the heart of my signature style. Together, we’ll capture the quiet beauty of Starflowers through soft, muted colors, subtle transitions, and expressive, intuitive brushwork. The focus will be on creating mood and atmosphere while embracing a more fluid, emotionally driven approach to painting.
While the class is geared toward experienced painters, advanced beginners are welcome with a few adjustments. If you’re still building confidence, I recommend focusing on just a portion of the composition. This allows you to fully engage with the techniques without becoming overwhelmed, while still learning the core principles and participating meaningfully. You’ll gain insight, hands-on experience, and valuable feedback as you grow your skills at your own pace.
In this workshop, our focus will be on one in-depth painting project. By concentrating on a single composition, you'll have the opportunity to slow down, absorb the techniques, and truly understand how to create atmosphere, mood, and movement within your work.
If you're a speedy painter or feeling confident, you'll have time to go further—experimenting with how you might apply these techniques to your own paintings. This opens the door for more personalized feedback and in-depth reviews during the live session or follow-up discussions.
For advanced beginners, I recommend selecting just a portion of the painting to focus on, rather than attempting the full composition. This allows you to build confidence, refine your technique, and avoid feeling overwhelmed—while still learning the core principles and participating fully in the workshop experience.
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.
You May Also Enjoy These Other In-Depth Watercolor Courses
If you love this course and are ready for more, now’s the perfect time to add to your collection and continue your creative journey. Keep those brushes moving! Each class is carefully designed to help you build on what you've learned—whether you're refining technique, loosening up your style, or discovering new ways to express yourself. These floral-focused courses offer fresh inspiration and guidance as you explore color, shape, and expression in a whole new way.
Testimonials
"Thanks so much for teaching these incredible online workshops...they are magical! :)" Debra Laurie
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 enjoyed this course immensely, and learned more from you than any other art instructor!" Ingrid Farnham
"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