Birgit O'Connor and The World of Watercolor Painting

Plein air painting, Getting started Feb 19, 2022

First get rid of the expecations of what you do in the studio, and be willing to learn a lot about creativity, focus and a get ready to have some fun, consider Plein air painting.

Here easle I used is a Traveler Series Watercolor Package click here

View the Beach painting demo on Youtube

Online courses

Join the mailing list on my Home website

Instagram

Feeling ”Fearless” or fearful? Feb 10, 2022

Based on my "Fearless flowers" courses, in this episode, we explore when painting how to get out of your comfort zone, and grow to be more bold and dynamic.

In the Fearless Flowers series, both the interactive and independent study options are available. For immediate access to any of the lessons I suggest the independent study option, full courses

Single lessons

Schedule of interactive courses

Join my mailing list, courses, brushes and more at www.birgitoconnor.com

Reference photos and licensing Feb 06, 2022

Today were talking about what if you’re doing a painting and use photos that someone else took as your reference material, can you use it for a show, can you sell it, can you claim it as your own?

Are you using your artistic vision or copying an image?

What if you took a class and are inspired by the instructor, and use their lesson and reference material, is it now yours?

Is there a subject matter that you would like to hear about? Drop us a line and let us know

Online courses

Join the mailing list

Pushing through the fear, do you need to be perfect? Feb 02, 2022

Pushing through the fear.

Do you feel the need to always be perfect?

What kind of artist do you want to be?

Do you want to have the control you want over your brushstrokes, and if you don’t it can depend on the brush and the amount of water it’s holding?

Are your paintings to weak and wimpy, and are you afraid of the darks? Try to relax and think of every painting as an experiment.

We will be looking at a few white flower paintings and talking about the brushstrokestrokes, background and where do you want to direct the viewers eye?

How to get the wobble out of the paper, try ironing it.

Framing options

When painting on a half sheet size painting 15"x22" the standard size frame I usually use is a standard 22"x28".

The standard mat never seems to work as well so I have mine custom.

You can go to your local craft store or framer for more information or custom frames, which can be pricy.

I was looking online for online frame options, and the standard frame size can work but again, I'm not sure if the online mat option is as good as custom cut.

I like Cheap Pete's but they don't ship the larger size frames

Here are some online companies you can try, but you may want to call them before ordering.

ArtoFrame

Picture Frames

Website www.birgitoconnor.com

Online courses Watercolor courses

The course we reviewed today was from the interactive 6-week course

Interactive white flower (runs in sessions)

Independent study

How to get motivated when you’re just not feeling it Jan 21, 2022

Sometimes it’s difficult to get started and paint again, it can be because of some life circumstance, the holidays, or we're just not inspired. Not everyone enjoys the isolation of the studio or is a self-motivated artist, some enjoy painting with other artists, especially watercolor.

With the pandemic, many people haven’t felt creative and have been absolutely paralyzed, so what are some of the things you can do, let’s talk about it.

If you’re interested in taking an online course, or joining “Watercolor in Motion” take a look at my upcoming schedule on my website or go directly to my school

Realism or Abstraction, painting a cluster of Monarch Butterflies Dec 28, 2021

In this episode, we discuss the approach of painting a cluster of Monarch Butterflies.

We will be covering what you might think might be a failure could be an incredible abstraction, along with paper surfaces and color mingling.

Online Courses

Website

Monarch Butterfly Mug

Monarch Tote bag

Why values are important in a painting Dec 23, 2021

Values help to invite the viewer into the painting, so in today's episode we are having a discussion about why they are important, to help create a push pull effect and prevent paintings from looking flat.

Grow your creativity Nov 18, 2021

In today's meeting will talk a little bit about how to get that fine spray in a painting by using an atomizer, a Kemper tool or a toothbrush.

We will also discuss a value study app and talk about some of the challenges you can face when doing a plein air competition, and how all these challenges can help you grow in your creativity.

Value study app

Kemper spatter tool

Monarch garden online course all levels

Monarch Migration Full course

Shop

Home website

Are you painting from your heart or your head? Nov 10, 2021

In this episode will be having a conversation about where your inspiration come from?

Have you ever thought of where you painting from in your body? Is it your head, your heart, your fingertips, wrist, arm, full body and what kind of experience is it for you?

What about commissions, do you enjoy doing them or is it a chore, and how can you move away from realism into something more painterly.

These are just some of the things that will be talking about in today's episode we're going to be talking

Ranger inks, what’s the difference between Inks and Watercolor pigment Aug 17, 2021

Today Ann told us today about Ranger inks, and how much she is enjoying them, especially the distressed inks. Then our conversation took a turn into what's the difference of inks, alcohol inks and water color pigments and can alcohol inks be used in watercolor competitions. Personally, I found this fascinating information, I hope you will too.

www.birgitoconnor.com

Birgit's online watercolor courses

Ranger inks

I Love this brush, effortless glazing without lifting the previous layer Aug 12, 2021

When I first started painting years ago, the art store where I did my first demonstration gifted me with the largest brush that I had ever seen, a #30.

I had no idea what to do with it, or how to use it, it wasn't terribly comfortable in my hand, I thought the brush they gave me was nice, so I just put it to the side, because most of my brushes that I worked with at that time, were the smaller #3, #8, #10 and maybe the largest brush being a #12.

Then one day, I was a little tired of being fiddly with my strokes and I wanted to simplify my painting style and expand the size of my paintings. I found it challenging to get the results that I wanted with most of my brushes and I learned quite a bit just by testing different brands and types of brushes.

Most were either be too soft and wimpy or stiff, so, I gave the brush from the demonstration a try, and it worked beautifully, I was not only able to expand the size of my paintings but grew as an artist.

View on YouTube https://youtu.be/6BP7z-o_ocs

If you have seen any of my earlier videos or demonstrations then you would have noticed my white handled brush, and over the years the ferrule loosened, and I wanted to share this great brush with my students, so I searched and it was nowhere to be found. I found an alternative that worked almost as well but I still loved my original white handle brush, and since I was not able to direct my students to this brush I put it to the side and focused on other ones.

The funny thing is after 20 years or so, one day I found myself struggling with a piece of paper for a demonstration where the sizing just wasn't working for me, I grabbed that old brush, and it felt like an old friend, the comfort and ease of how well it worked, I thought just take another look around, and I found it, I was stunned.

In the video you will be able to see the brush as I tested it again for the first time and it may be something that you might like to explore for yourself.

You will now be able to find them in my store. am now carrying the brushes in my store on my website www.birgitconnor.com

Visit my store Cats Tongue Wash Brush

Blog

Online courses

Putting the Water Back Into Watercolor Aug 11, 2021

Today I will give you a glimpse inside my process as I discuss an article by Cherie Dawn Hass from Realism live and how my work has changed over the last decade. Click here to see the full online article

For online courses and workshops visit my website

Should you use black in a painting and do you outline your subjects? Aug 08, 2021

Today we discuss how to get focused after being distracted with summer, and should you use black in a painting?

If you use a black, should you use it from the tube or mix your own? will it look harmonious, like a black hole and what happens to the surrounding colors.

When it comes to figures should you outline them or work with values, and what do you do when you see someone on the street that you want to paint?

Try a Free online course at www.birgitoconnor.com

Background ideas, problem solving, and what do when masking sticks to paper Jul 22, 2021

Today we discuss backgrounds and ideas of how to approach them. More problem solving, what do is the masking sticks to paper and what about the magic eraser.

How to increase color intensity and lift highlights in watercolor Jul 21, 2021

Many people think that watercolor is weak and wimpy, let’s look at how to bring up the color, lift highlights and make smooth washes. For workshops and online courses go to https://birgitoconnor.com

Visit with Guest Artist Ingrid Butler in her home studio Jul 13, 2021

Today we visit Ingrid in her home studio, and discuss what art projects she has been up to during Covid. You can find out more about Ingrid in one of our past inteviews, or on my Podcast The World of Watercolor Painting with Birgit O'Connor

Past interview #041

Guest interview with Ingrid Butler / The Business of Art Oct 6th, 2019 by Birgit O'Connor Watercolors Join me as I sit down with Ingrid Butler of Moth Mablers and discuss a little about the business of art. Even though she isn't a watercolor artist her papers and designs are internationally recognized. Her work has been included in many museums and collections throughout the world.

View some of her Youtube videos

https://youtu.be/Bb0YyISfMY4

https://youtu.be/K3eLAIoCpfU

https://youtu.be/RN-rD_aEGZM

https://youtu.be/2Q_FbLluRMs

Website

Ingrid Burler Artist https://ingridbutler.com/

Birgit O'Connor https://birgitoconnor.com/

Using one color to paint a fluffy cat, review of handmade Indian paper Jul 08, 2021

Wet into wet how to paint a fluffy cat, discussing paper, drying time.

Do you attach paper to a board?

Painting with one color, values, dampness of the paper.

Working on a full sheet painting

Discussing how to separate from the analytical mind into more of the creative mind

Why highlights make a difference

Review of handmade Indian paper

What about the judging process in shows

Where to get art supplies during the Covid shortage.

Painting with a piece of paper Jul 01, 2021

Painting with a piece of paper

The best way to experience this method is either by enrolling in the independent course on Seascapes or you can always join the interactive course later. Interactive courses run in sessions.

How to handle painting in dry enviornments

Humidifier: TAOTRONIS model: TT-AH043 Tao Tronics Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier from Amazon about $60.00

Interview with Andy Rycroft of Creative Productivity Jun 24, 2021

Interview with Andy Rycroft of Creative Productivity and his upcoming event later this month.

Purpose, productivity and creative value.

With the support of the creative community and strategic daily activities, you will identify your creative value, the potential it has for others, and make powerful steps towards living your creative life on your own terms.

The Creative Canvas course offers you the opportunity to get clear about your purpose, get engaged with your audience, and build an actionable plan to get your ideas done.

Painting loose is not as easy as it looks Jun 16, 2021

Today we discuss how to let the color find its own path through the water on the surface, and how with a simple touch you can allow dissolve an edge, to the color to escape.

Do you want hard or soft edges?

Do you want to keep it light, soft and pretty, or do you want to create depth?

Have you tried tools other than a brush?

What about paintings that aren't working, you don't need to throw them away or turn it into a collage. When your frustrated, put them away for a while, then repurpose them later, you'll love it.

For online courses go to www.birgitoconnor.com

When life gets in the way Jun 09, 2021

Let's talk about how you can remove some of the invisible obstacles that happen, when life gets in the way.

How can you find the time to paint?

Does every painting need to be a a masterpiece or can you think about it as an experiment?

Have you recognized where your fear comes from, is it the cost of the materials, or fear of failure?

Either way there's some simple things that we can do to overcome the obstacles that hold us back.

#044 Let's talk watercolor, with Guest artist Sterling Edwards Mar 13, 2020

If you have ever wanted to know more about what it's like to be a successful professional watercolor artist, come and join me and Sterling Edwards in the studio. We will be discussing how we got started, what inspired us, can you make a living as an artist, should you be in a gallery, workshops, art markets, shipping ideas, art shipping companies, building creates, and is art now disposable? Contact Sterling Edwards here at https://www.sterlingedwards.com/ or visit me Birgit O'Connor on my website https://birgitoconnor.com/

#043 Painting on Yupo paper / Guest Tamra Sheline Oct 21, 2019

Today we visit Tamra in her studio in Camas, Washington to discuss her work and techniques on Yupo Paper. When designing she uses a watercolor pencil instead of lead, and many different kinds of salt hymalaian, pink, table, kosher, rock, epson salt, basically any kind you can imagine.

To get really interesting effects she also uses red paper flakes, hydrogen peroxide, sea sponges, regular sponges, make up sponges, you name it, she uses Viva paper towels to lift color out, we discuss translucent and opegue yup and what the difference is and the weight she prefers is 144lb.

Tamar suggests for beginners another wonderful surface to try is mineral paper and for the finer details try any kind of scratch tools, Tamar likes the dental tools that she gets from her dentist. Another option is a Probe/Pick Set - Double Ended, Stainless Steel. For more information about upcoming workshops visit her website

About Tamar

Tamra Sheline, Artist (FB)

Fine Artist · Camas, Washington / Smile. inspire. create.

Website https://www.tamrasheline.com/

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/the_happy_artist_/

Currenty illustrating for PEPTalk Publishing

Illustrating for Today I Will... an inspiring gift book for women =]

G2 Fit

Illustrator, package design, graphics · 2009 to 2012 · Long Beach, California. illustrating exercises for various mats, mouse pads, core balls, etc. Package design working with printers in Taiwan and Finland. Graphics for marketing and photo touch ups for Paula Abdul and Natalie Gulbis

About Yupo paper: Yupo USA website https://yupousa.com/

Cheap Joes Art supplier

https://www.cheapjoes.com/yupo-watercolor-paper.html
Quick Overview Yupo Synthetic Paper is 100% recyclable, waterproof and tree-free. It is incredibly durable and stain-resistant. This extraordinary surface also resists tearing and buckling and it remains perfectly flat.

Dick Blick Art supplier:

https://www.dickblick.com/products/legion-yupo-watercolor-paper/
Description and sales page

Yupo is a compelling and unique alternative to traditional art papers. It's a synthetic paper, machine-made in the USA of 100% polypropylene. It is waterproof, stain-resistant, and extremely strong and durable.

This extraordinary, non-absorbent surface resists tearing and buckling and remains perfectly flat, eliminating the need for soaking, stretching, or taping.

Watercolor professionals have found Yupo to be receptive to a variety of aqueous techniques, but it is also ideal for offset printing, silkscreen, debossing, drawing, acrylic painting, and more.

Pigments applied to the Bright White sheet retain their true clarity and brilliance.

Yupo is pH-neutral, flawlessly smooth, and recyclable.

Because of the unique qualities of this paper, dirt and oils hinder its performance. We recommend removing spots and fingerprints with soap and water before use.

#042 How to Paint a Desert Path in Watercolor Oct 15, 2019

Website: www.birgitoconnor.com Join us as we take a look at how to simplify a desert path using the learned techniques then applying them into a students photograph. For the full demonstration join us in the Desert Landscape course or view as a premium download (from one of our live meetings in the "Desert landscape course,")

#041 Guest interview with Ingrid Butler / The Business of Art Oct 06, 2019

Join me as I sit down with Ingrid Butler of Moth Mablers and discuss a little about the business of art. Even though she isn't a watercolor artist her papers and designs are internationally recognized. Her work has been included in many museums and collections throughout the world. For more information visit her website http://www.ingridbutler.com

View some of her Youtube videos

https://youtu.be/Bb0YyISfMY4

https://youtu.be/K3eLAIoCpfU

https://youtu.be/RN-rD_aEGZM

https://youtu.be/2Q_FbLluRMs

#040 Guest interview with Tony White Watercolor Artist from Tasmania Sep 26, 2019

Join me as I interview with Tony White from Tasmania, about his beautiful watercolor paintings, we will discuss his artistic journey and the leap of faith of leaving a 9-5 job as a banker to become a successful watercolor artist that now travels the world and teaches. Tony was a lot of fun to talk to, down and see how he transformed a painting with staining colors into an amazing piece of art (and sold it).

Tony's Website

Tony's YouTube channel

Material list

Paper: Arches or Saunders Rough 300gsm
Brushes: Mops, Fans, Rounds, Hakes, Flats, Riggers. Variety of sizes. Just a couple of riggers for fine lines.

Colours: Cobalt Blue, French Ultramarine, Verditer or Cerulean Blue, Cobalt Turquoise, Burnt Sienna, Burnt Umber, Yellow Ochre, Cadmium Orange, Cadmium Yellow, Pyrol Red, Alizarin Crimson (or Carmine), Lavender (Holbien is great), Indigo, Juane Brilliante (Holbein),White Gouache.

Gel Pens: White and Black
* Towels
* Tissues
* Spray Bottle
* Old card or palette knife for scraping

Website: Birgit O'Connor Watercolors

#039 Video painting review - Students getting loose Sep 21, 2019

When it come to painting loose, it seems much easier than it really is. We are all so use to painting everything that we see and all the little details, so letting those blooms happen and loosing edges can feel a little unnerving. Come and join me and take a peek inside a live online meeting where we review student paintings.

# 038 The Yellow Chair Jun 15, 2019

Looking at a students painting from the "Develop your own Paintings e-course" where we discuss the approach and how to get the results that she wants. Coming soon an expanded version with continuing education for those that have already enrolled.

#037 Foot prints in the Sand, and keep them simple Jun 06, 2019

Keep it simple using the same concept as the shadows and highlight on the rocks, this time we will apply it into Foot prints in the Sand.

www.birgitoconnor.com

#036 Video Part 2 Loose Painting Pear May 16, 2019

When it comes to this painting style as many of you have found, it's not always as easy as it looks. I'll share a secret with you, much of it has to do with the drawing, materials you're using and the real magic happens in the brushstroke and since this looser painting style is more subjective to the artist, you will find that this course is a little different than many of my others.

Go at your own Pace "The Joy of Painting Loose & Free"

What students say:

"Loving this class even though it is very challenging! The worksheets have been a helpful addition and I've already ordered a tube of paint and brushes from the link you sent. I never dreamed an online class could be so helpful. Thanks for all your help. You've made this journey amazing." Lisa Oliver

"I was so surprised I was able to paint it without a drawing. It’s so different -Love this style of painting. As you said it’s gives use more chance to be creative." Margaret Murphy

"I am a long time fan of yours. I have been painting in watercolor consistently for about ten years and for a long time I have been struggling with “loosening up” my work and not painting every detail. Finally, thanks to you, something has switched on in my artist brain and I am finally beginning to “get it.” You have no idea how excited I am. Thank you so much!!!!! Annie Glacken

"I find Birgit's online school offers many extra advantages: working at my own pace, ability to repeat lessons as many times as I like (with lifetime access), plus the interaction with other students and Birgit during the class session (and beyond via Facebook). They all provide easy access to those who have physical limitations that prevent sitting/standing for extended time periods, or who cannot travel well for any number of reasons. Thanks, Birgit! Can you tell I am excited to be back early?" Sue Warnock

#035 Video Part 1 Loose Painting (Pear) May 10, 2019

Part 1 of painting loose and Free

#034 How to get Past obstacles and get to your Creativity Apr 25, 2019

How to get past feeling stuck, find your creativity and remove obstacles. Sometimes you just don't feel like painting, or life events get in the way, or maybe you're just afraid of making a mistake and ruining a piece of paper. So how can we get past that get you started again?

Technique and skill always improve with practice, and most often you need to make those mistakes so you can learn from them. Let's talk about some options to get that creativity going again.

www.birgitoconnor.com

Magic paper

View basic material list

#33 Video: Shadows & Highlights (Rocks Sand Sea Glass) Apr 18, 2019

Today we are meeting with some students to go over their paintings, talk about shadows, value and placement along with a demonstration.

For more information about the full course go to Rocks Sand & Sea Glass e-course

#032 Video: Guest interview with Jane Blundell - All about color Apr 11, 2019

Jane's Ultimate Mixing Set - now available from Daniel Smith :

Jane: "I have often been asked what colours I recommend for people to buy to get started in watercolour or to upgrade to artist quality watercolours so I created this palette to address that question. It is intended as a universal palette, suitable for any subject. It is also suitable for anyone from a beginner to an experienced artist. It is rather a Goldilocks palette - not so few colours that you have to spend the whole time mixing everything together, nor so many that you lose track of what you have and how to mix them. Too many colours in a painting leads to a lack of colour harmony.
My goal was to find single pigment colours that would mix together efficiently so that most colours could be produced by mixing just two pigments. Many people find that if they mix too many pigments, they end up creating 'mud'. With this set, generally two, but at most three colours may be needed to create any hue you want. The palette colours are also useful alone. The set is painted out using Daniel Smith professional watercolours. Alternative brands are given below.
The Ultimate Mixing Palette is not intended as a limited palette but as a basic set to work with. You only need to buy 14 tubes of paint. You may wish to buy other colours for convenience, or you may choose to create you own custom-mixes of convenience colours with these original tubes by making up an orange or a purple or some greens if you work with them a lot. You should find you can make pretty much any hue you choose. " More info

Website

Janes Book

Janes Grey

New watercolors from Poland that Jane is trying Roman Szmal Aquarius watercolours

#031 Conversation with students Apr 04, 2019

A fantastic idea of making a downloadable low commitment print on Etsy to create a passive income, how to find a image to paint and entering a show

Bonus Episode Footprints in the snow Mar 28, 2019

Inspired by one of my students on how to paint footprints in the snow

#030 Video: Rocks Sand & Sea Glass - Take a peek Mar 26, 2019

Join me in the studio as we review the upcoming content for the Rocks Sand & Sea Glass course, get some tips and techniques along with a very simple exercise that you can do at home.

Student offer view and enroll

See the upcoming online schedule

Website

#029 Conversation with students Mar 19, 2019

Continuing the conversation with students about instagram, facebook, Pintrest, do you really need a website and should you enter shows. What are judges looking for how to find them and more.

#028 Video: Painting review & demonstration (Bold Rich Saturated color) Mar 12, 2019

Video: Review paintings and demonstration

Meet a few of the students, see what you can do to make paintings have a little more depth and watch a demonstration on how to build color intensity.

Find out More about the course Join the Course

Home website

#027 Guest interview with Eva Nichols Mar 07, 2019

Join me as I interview one of my previous students Eva Nicholas about her journey, who has gone on to enter shows, travel and teach and show her work in galleries YouTube Channel: Eva Nichols Art Website: https://www.beautyonlocation.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eva.s.nichols
Instagram: http://instagram.com/evanicholskunst
Twitter: http://twitter.com/@EvaNichols Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/estramer/ Blog: http://evasnichols.wordpress.com Contact information Eva Stramer Nichols 16127 Wellington Way Truckee, CA 96161 530-414-1289

#026 Video: Problem solving from the Waves & Water course Mar 05, 2019

Video Podcast From the Waves, Water Land & Sea course I'd like to give you a peek inside, learn about brush strokes and problem solving

Find out more

#025 How to work with Creative Blocks Feb 28, 2019

Remember that creative blocks are temporary

Can you identify your creative block - how long has it been?

What are some of the things that are happening in your life right now?

What does you inner critic say?

Does the fear of failure prevent you from getting started?

Who are you afraid of being rejected by?

Are you aware or can you tell when creativity flows through you?

Do you have a creative routine - what is it?

Do you do negative self talk - what do you tell yourself?

How to break those creative blocks

How would approach those blocks if you were a different artist?

Does the blank paper paralyze you - what can you do about it?

Ideas

Get out and get a new perspective
Try painting something else
Do you give yourself permission to explore
Look for patterns
Try painting by temperature
Give yourself a deadline, anything that forces you to be creative
Think about these times as a gestation time
Try not to be so serious, have some fun, and write down your ideas.

Do you think you don’t have the time to be creative, how can you create the time?

When are you going to show up?

Dates & times:

Brainstorm - write down ideas no matter how silly or grand it is

Keep it fun - Happy Painting

Birgit

#024 How to Enter Watercolor Competitions Feb 21, 2019

Before entering into a show, check the show prospectus

Do you own the copyrights?
Did you create the painting on your own without guidance or instruction?
Entry fees range and are not refundable
Digital images usually need to be at 300dpi (Check the show prospectus) 1200 - 2100 pixels at the largest side
Free online tool to resize an image https://www.pixlr.com/editor/

Does your painting have

Does it command attention and stand out with a strong composition?
Different values, and a good use of color, and light,
Are you painting with confidence?
Is it unique, with impact?
Will it grab the attention of the judge?
Your strongest paintings will be with a something that you’re excited about.

Rejection:

Try not to take it personally, it happens to all of us.
Remember there are only so many paintings that can be accepted into a show.
if a painting is rejected in one show it may be accepted or even win in another.

Standard size frames

5" x 7"

8" x 10"

11" x 14"

16" x 20"

20" x 24"

20" x 30"

24" x 36"

22" x 32"

30" x 40"

Call for entries Cafe https://www.callforentry.org/login/

Here are some societies that you can look into to enter shows:

Alabama

Watercolor Society of Alabama – http://wsalabama.org

Alaska

Alaska Watercolor Society – http://www.akws.org

Fairbanks Watercolor Society – http://www.fairbankswatercolor.org

Arizona

Arizona Watercolor Association – http://www.azwatercolor.com

Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild – http://www.watercolor-sawg.org

Northern Arizona Watercolor Society – http://www.naws-az.org

California

California Watercolor Society : http://www.californiawatercolor.org

National Watercolor Society – http://www.nationalwatercolorsociety.org

San Diego Watercolor Society – http://www.sdws.org

Santa Clara Valley Watercolor Society – http://www.scvws.org

Watercolor Artists of Sonoma County – http://www.wascoart.org

Colorado

Colorado Watercolor Society http://www.coloradowatercolor.org/aboutcws/aboutcws.htm

Pikes Peak Watercolor Society – http://home.pcisys.net/~ppwsart

Western Colorado Watercolor Society – http://www.wcwatercolorsociety.com

Connecticut

Connecticut Watercolor Society – http://www.connecticutwatercolorsociety.org

Delaware:

Delaware Watercolor Society – http://www.delawarewatercolorsociety.org

Florida

Brevard Watercolor Society – http://www.brevardwatercolors.org

Central Florida Watercolor Society – http://www.centralfloridawatercolor.com

Florida Watercolor Society – http://www.floridawatercolor.org

Georgia

Georgia Watercolor Society – http://www.georgiawatercolorsociety.com

Hawaii

Hawaii Watercolor Society – http://www.hawaiiwatercolorsociety.org

Idaho

Idaho Watercolor Society – http://www.id-ws.org

Illinois

Illinois Watercolor Society – http://www.illinoiswatercolorsociety.org/

Transparent Watercolor Society of America – http://www.watercolors.org/

Indiana

Watercolor Society of Indiana – http://www.watercolorsocietyofindiana.org/

Iowa

Iowa Watercolor Society – http://www.iowawatercolorsociety.org

Kansas

Kansas Watercolor Society – http://www.kansaswatercolor.com/

Louisiana

Louisiana Watercolor Society – http://www.lwsart.org/

Maryland

Baltimore Watercolor Society – http://www.baltimorewatercolorsociety.org

Western Maryland Watercolor Society http://www.westernmarylandwatercolorsociety.org/

Massachusetts

New England Watercolor Society http://www.newenglandwatercolorsociety.org/index.html

Michigan

Michigan Watercolor Society – http://www.mwcsart.com/

Minnesota

Minnesota Watercolor Society – http://www.minnesotawatercolors.com/

Mississippi

Mississippi Watercolor Society – http://www.mississippiwatercolor.org/

Missouri

Missouri Watercolor Society – http://www.mowsart.com/mainNN.htm

Montana

Montana Watercolor Society – http://www.montanawatercolorsociety.org/

Nevada

Nevada Watercolor Society – http://www.watercolorsociety.com/ –

Sierra Watercolor Society https://www.sierrawatercolorsociety.com/

New Jersey

The New Jersey Watercolor Society – http://www.njwcs.org/index.htm

New Mexico

New Mexico Watercolor Society – http://www.nmwatercolorsociety.org/ –

New York:

American Watercolor Society – http://www.americanwatercolorsociety.com/

Central New York Watercolor Society – http://www.centralnewyorkwatercolorsociety.org

Niagara Frontier Watercolor Society – http://www.nfws.org/

North East Watercolor Society – http://www.northeastws.com/

North Carolina

Watercolor Society of North Carolina – http://www.ncwatercolor.net/

North Dakota

Red River Watercolor Society – http://www.rrws.20m.com/

Ohio

Ohio Watercolor Society – http://www.ohiowatercolorsociety.com/

Oklahoma

Oklahoma Watermedia Association – http://www.watercolorok.com/

Oregon

Watercolor Society of Oregon – http://www.watercolorsocietyoforegon.com/

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania Watercolor Society – http://www.pwswc.com/

Rhode Island

Rhode Island Watercolor Society – http://www.riws.org/

South Carolina

South Carolina Watercolor Society – http://www.fineartsemporium.com/scws/SCWS.htm

South Dakota

Northern Plains Watercolor Society – http://npwatercolors.com/

Tennessee

Tennessee Watercolor Society – http://www.tnws.org/

Texas

Society of Watercolor Artists : http://www.swa-watercolor.com/

Southwestern Watercolor Society : http://swswatercolor.org

Texas Watercolor Society – http://texaswatercolorsociety.net/

Watercolor Art Society of Houston – http://www.watercolorhouston.org/

Utah

Utah Watercolor Society – http://www.utwatercolor.net/

Vermont

Vermont Watercolor Society – http://www.vermontwatercolorsociety.com/index.php

Virginia

Virginia Watercolor Society – http://www.virginiawatercolorsociety.org/

Potomac Valley Watercolorists – http://www.potomacvalleywatercolorist.org

Washington

Northwest Watercolor Society – http://www.nwws.org/dnn/

West Virginia

West Virginia Watercolor Society – http://www.wvwatercolorsociety.org/ –

Wisconsin

Wisconsin Watercolor Society – http://www.wisconsinwatercolorsociety.com

Wyoming

Wyoming Watercolor Society

160 W 6th St, Sheridan, WY 82801-3003 Contact Phone: (307) 672-8379

#023 Building an Artist Website Part 2 Feb 14, 2019

Part 2 of our discussion of building an artist website

Notes from our conversation

Absolute Art https://www.absolutearts.com

https://www.absolutearts.com/cgi-bin/portfolio/art/get_art.cgi

Absolute Arts is an online marketplace for artists to sell their unique masterpieces, including paintings and sculptures.

You can sign up as an artist to promote and sell your products.

List up to 20 works of art for free, or you can choose from one of the other subscriptions to list more artwork, have less commission taken from your sales, and access to other features.

The best part is that Absolute Arts can also take care of some of the marketing for you!

Do you want your art on products?

Do you want to be in a fine art gallery?

Do you feel that that having your art on products cheapens your work?

Etsy

Etsy is craft site dedicated to items that are handcrafted, custom-made, unique, or vintage, painting etc. When it comes to ranking all the marketplace options, many consider it the best place to sell handmade items online.

Pros: Etsy has been praised for its ease of use, so you can start selling crafts online in no time. It also offers a large customer base of people who are interested in buying unique, handmade items.
Cons: there’s a lot of competition, which tends to drive prices down. That means it can be a little harder to make money selling crafts online with Etsy. There are also some fees for listing your items and getting access to all the tools Etsy offers. Firstly, Etsy takes a five percent transaction fee when you make a sale. There’s also a $0.20 listing fee for every item you put up for sale. You’ll need to sign up for Etsy Plus to customize your shop page with banners or get featured listings. It currently costs $10 a month, and is set to increase to $20 a month in January 2019.

Easyup https://www.ecanopy.com/craft-show-tents.html

Pro Panels https://www.propanels.com/

Email sites

Mail chimp https://mailchimp.com/
Constant Contact https://constantcontact.com/

Wordpress sites

WordPress.net
WordPress.org

Be aware that WordPress sites can be vulnerable to hacks so it must be constantly updated

Student sites

www.Flyingpigdesign.com
www.Helenbond.com

Clear Bags

https://www.clearbags.com

#022 Building an Artist Website Part 1 Feb 07, 2019

Do you need a website?

What are your specific needs?
Functionality, How you want to show yourself to the world, e-commerce
Is Support important
Is it mobile friendly

Website builders to look at

ost varies

Basic site
SEO
SSL security
Domain
Ecommerce connects to
square
paypal
stripe

Build Your Brand First

Establishing your brand is an important first step in selling your art online. It’s a chance to show off some of your style and establish who you are as an artist. It also it helps customers connect with you.

At a glance, your brand should give customers an idea of what makes you unique.

ost varies

Basic site
SEO
SSL security
Domain
Ecommerce connects to
square
paypal
stripe

Build Your Brand First

Establishing your brand is an important first step in selling your art online. It’s a chance to show off some of your style and establish who you are as an artist. It also it helps customers connect with you.

At a glance, your brand should give customers an idea of what makes you unique.

Picking a domain name

Big decision, choose something that will be easy to find and not too long to type out.

Usually, your name (dot com) or, if that’s not for sale, your name studio (dot com) or your name art (dot com). Make it catchy and easy to find. If your name’s not in the domain, make sure it’s at least featured in the page title so people can still find you on Google!

#021 Students discuss which papers they liked best for the looser painting style Jan 30, 2019

Today we will be discussing the challenges that students had along with what paper types they preferred for the looser painting style along with looking at a few paintings, and how to rework hard edges to get the effects that they want.

The Joy of painting Loose and Free - interactive course

Non-interactive option will be available soon For student discounts Join here for the the mailing list or take a Free course

Have Fun & Happy painting

Birgit

#20 Fear and Obstacles Jan 24, 2019

Let's talk about our fear and obstacles, is it real, or imaginary, do you limit yourself by someones else's idea or projection. Let's take a look.

http://birgitoconnorwatercolors.teachable.com

#019 Say it out Loud Part 2 Jan 18, 2019

Continuation of our conversation to "Say it out Loud".

To join an interactive, non-interactive or Free Mini course go to https://birgitoconnorwatercolors.teachable.com

#018 Say it out Loud Part 1 Jan 14, 2019

Let's talk about what are your Wildest Creative Goals at this time, everyone has a different idea, they are all relatable and fascinating to hear.

To join the conversation or take a Free mini course go to https://birgitoconnorwatercolors.teachable.com/

# 017 Name your Artistic Goals Jan 08, 2019

Lets start to name some of those 2019 Goals, and say them out loud and discuss how you can obtain them.

Goal Setting PDF download

#016 Backgrounds & Shadows 12.2018 Jan 03, 2019

If you passionate about watercolor then this is the place for you, talking with real students that want to know more about watercolor. we will be reviewing paintings, problem solving, motivation and finding the humor in making mistakes in watercolor painting

#015 Setting your Creative Goals for the New Year Dec 28, 2018

Dream BIG - in order to make your dreams a reality you must take action. The magic happens when you name your goals, say it out loud, (even if it seems to grand), write them down, put them in a journal, and be accountable.

Here are just a few questions to ask yourself that are on the PDF download

What is the wildest dream you have of being an artist?
What does being a successful artist mean to you?
How do you measure yourself as an artist?
What kind of art do you want to create?

To realize your goals use this PDF Download to get you started or make a journal.

Setting your Creative Goals for the New Year PDF

Join a Free Course

YouTube Channel

#014 Develop your own Paintings Dec 27, 2018

Today we are reviewing a few of the paintings that have come in along with problem solving, negative painting to help pull shapes out, layering color, how to change a background and more..

This course encourages students to find their own creative voice and painting style.

View all of my online courses

Material list ideas

#013 Painting Loose Flowers Dec 24, 2018

When it come to painting loose you may think that should be easy, but as you'll find from the student comments and reviews it's a little more challenging than first thought. It's a lot of fun but requires a different way of thinking and a new approach, brush types and paper make a huge different to your success.

The Joy of Painting Loose and Free course

Art Materials Kit pick & choose

View all online courses

#012 Winter Solstice Landscapes Dec 22, 2018

Painting through the Holiday Season without going nuts.

So you thought some of those simple looking lessons would be a piece of cake, right, as students are finding they a quite a bit more challenging and a great way to create foundations for many paintings.

Let's talk a little about copyrights again and what they mean.
How to view your online courses on a TV
Can we really can we have live multiple day online workshops online? (the answer is Yes)

Join a Free online course

Home Website

#011 Atmospheric Landscapes Getting Started Student meeting Dec 20, 2018

Let's talk about the materials for the Atmospheric landscape course discussing paper, painting, pigment numbers

Atmospheric landscapes

Take a Free mini course

#010 Painting a Holiday Poinsettia Dec 17, 2018

Audio version of how to paint a Holiday Poinsettia, the video lesson can be found on my YouTube Channel or Join my email list. You can find the reference photos through the YouTube channel too, or have them delivered to your inbox when you join my email list

Join my email list

YouTube channel

View all of the suggested Art Supply Kits

#009 Exotic Orchids in Watercolor Student meeting Dec 13, 2018

Today will be reviewing paintings and discussing different types of paper, masking fluid and how to get that color intensity that you're looking for. You'll be able to hear students questions along with my answers, It's a fun time and there's always lots of little nuggets in there to help keep you inspired and painting.

How to make a quick line drawing

How to enlarge your line drawing

Rapid Resizer how to make a large scale image on your home printer

#008 From the studio - Conversation with Charlie O'Shields May 26, 2018

Today my guest artist is Charlie O'Shields the creator of the Doodlewash blog, World Watercolor Group on Facebook. With almost 70,000 followers we will be discussing how he got started, his approach, painting style, art materials, what what inspires him to stay motivated and the joy that he feels by supporting other artists.

Charlie is the one that created World Watercolor month that will be here again in July, with 11 different sponsors, there will be giveaways all month long and a 31 day painting challenge, artist ambassadors that during that time will be donating a portion of their sales to the Dreaming Zebra Foundation to help provide art supplies to underprivileged children around the world, this has provem to be quite the event.

#007 Waves & Water Waves & Water Jan- Feb 2018 Mar 01, 2018

Audio only: Final meeting of the January February session of waves water land and Sea, To view the video portion of this podcast go to YouTube https://youtu.be/P0ZtjYr1Zms or you can find all previous video recordings in the course https://birgitoconnorwatercolors.teachable.com/

#006 Waves & Water Feb 21 meeting Feb 22, 2018

Discussing: copyrights, upcoming courses, discounts and painting reviews.

# 005 Backgrounds & Shadows Feb 8 meeting Feb 09, 2018

Focus on reviewing students paintings

#004 Waves & Water meeting Feb 7 lessons 5-8 Feb 08, 2018

Today we reviewed lessons 5-8 and focused on the Lagoon, Crashing waves, Simple reflections, wet-sand reflections along with reviewing work that came in since our last meeting, demonstration and other information.

#003 Background & Shadows Jan 25 2018 meeting Jan 25, 2018

Audio only

Focus: Apple Blossom, - reviewing paintings, Shading, brushstrokes, shadows, background

www.birgitoconnor.com

interactive and non interactive online courses

#002 Jan 24 Waves & Water meeting Jan 24, 2018

Jan 24 2018

Waves & Water meeting 1

Platform, Lessons 1-4, keeping track of where you are, Painting review, problem solving

Online courses

#001 Atmos landscapes Dec 7 2017 Dec 08, 2017

Meeting of how to blend color work wth a full sheet of watercolor, problem solving, and painting reviews

Join the Class

Access your courses anytime, anywhere, with a computer, tablet or smartphone
Videos, quizzes and interactive content designed for a proven learning experience
No set class time! Our courses are structured to fit around your schedule
Lifetime access
Participate in class meetings

Skill Level Artists of all levels are encouraged to participate in this course

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Birgit O’Connor and The World of Watercolor Painting

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected