The World of Watercolor Painting with Birgit O’Connor
Episodes
The Creative Season of an Artist: Growth (Part 2)
19 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2 of The Creative Seasons of an Artist, we step into the Growth Season — the stage where things begin to click. This is the season of moment...
The Courage to Begin – The Creative Seasons of an Artist (Part 1)
12 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The Creative Seasons of an Artist – A 4-Part Watercolor Podcast Series What season are you in as an artist? In this four-part podcast series from Th...
The Lonely Artist (Part 4): Can You Support Yourself as an Artist — and Stay Sane?
04 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 4 of The Lonely Artist series, we ask the big questions. Are all artists a little crazy? Can you really be successful as an artist? Can you s...
Making a Place to Paint — Even If It’s Small: The Lonely Artist (Part 3)
25 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 3 of The Lonely Artist series, we talk about something practical — but deeply emotional. Do you even have a place to paint? What if your “...
The Lonely Artist (Part 2): Finding Your Tribe & Growing with Confidence
19 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In Part 2 of The Lonely Artist series, we move from isolation into connection. We talk about what it really means to grow as an artist — not just te...
The Lonely Artist (Part 1): Rising Up, Finding Community & Painting Anyway
12 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode (Part 1), I sat down with several of my artist members for a heartfelt conversation about something many creatives quietly experi...
Listening for the Painting: Finding Composition Through Intuition
07 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this episode, I share a short segment from my Nature’s Abstraction (Yellow Rose & Calla Lily six-week course), exploring how intuition can gu...
When You Feel Stuck: How to Begin Anyway
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Feeling stuck can make even the smallest step feel overwhelming. In this episode, we talk about why getting started feels so hard—and how to gently ...
Painting the Northern Lights in Watercolor: A Student's Journey
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this conversation, I sit down with student Gloria Andison to talk about her journey painting the Northern Lights in watercolor. Gloria shares how s...
Plein air painting, Getting started
19 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
Feeling ”Fearless” or fearful?
10 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 dy...
Reference photos and licensing
06 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Pushing through the fear, do you need to be perfect?
03 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
How to get motivated when you’re just not feeling it
21 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
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. No...
Realism or Abstraction, painting a cluster of Monarch Butterflies
29 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 cou...
Why values are important in a painting
23 Dec 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 pu...
Grow your creativity
18 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Are you painting from your heart or your head?
10 Nov 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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?...
Ranger inks, what’s the difference between Inks and Watercolor pigment
17 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 w...
I Love this brush, effortless glazing without lifting the previous layer
12 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Putting the Water Back Into Watercolor
11 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 l...
Should you use black in a painting and do you outline your subjects?
08 Aug 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Background ideas, problem solving, and what do when masking sticks to paper
23 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How to increase color intensity and lift highlights in watercolor
21 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Visit with Guest Artist Ingrid Butler in her home studio
13 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Using one color to paint a fluffy cat, review of handmade Indian paper
08 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
Painting with a piece of paper
01 Jul 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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 alway...
Interview with Andy Rycroft of Creative Productivity
24 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
Interview with Andy Rycroft of Creative Productivity and his upcoming event later this month. Purpose, productivity and creative value. With the suppo...
Painting loose is not as easy as it looks
16 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
When life gets in the way
09 Jun 2021
Contributed by Lukas
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? Doe...
#044 Let's talk watercolor, with Guest artist Sterling Edwards
14 Mar 2020
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#043 Painting on Yupo paper / Guest Tamra Sheline
21 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#042 How to Paint a Desert Path in Watercolor
15 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 stude...
#041 Guest interview with Ingrid Butler / The Business of Art
07 Oct 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#040 Guest interview with Tony White Watercolor Artist from Tasmania
26 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#039 Video painting review - Students getting loose
21 Sep 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 detail...
# 038 The Yellow Chair
15 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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....
#037 Foot prints in the Sand, and keep them simple
07 Jun 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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.birgitoc...
#036 Video Part 2 Loose Painting Pear
16 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 d...
#035 Video Part 1 Loose Painting (Pear)
10 May 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Part 1 of painting loose and Free
#034 How to get Past obstacles and get to your Creativity
25 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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, ...
#33 Video: Shadows & Highlights (Rocks Sand Sea Glass)
18 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Today we are meeting with some students to go over their paintings, talk about shadows, value and placement along with a demonstration. For more infor...
#032 Video: Guest interview with Jane Blundell - All about color
11 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 start...
#031 Conversation with students
04 Apr 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
28 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Inspired by one of my students on how to paint footprints in the snow
#030 Video: Rocks Sand & Sea Glass - Take a peek
26 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
#029 Conversation with students
19 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Continuing the conversation with students about instagram, facebook, Pintrest, do you really need a website and should you enter shows. What are judge...
#028 Video: Painting review & demonstration (Bold Rich Saturated color)
12 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 demon...
#027 Guest interview with Eva Nichols
07 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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...
#026 Video: Problem solving from the Waves & Water course
05 Mar 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
28 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 happen...
#024 How to Enter Watercolor Competitions
21 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 instruc...
#023 Building an Artist Website Part 2
14 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Part 2 of our discussion of building an artist website Notes from our conversation Absolute Art https://www.absolutearts.com https://www.absoluteart...
#022 Building an Artist Website Part 1
07 Feb 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#021 Students discuss which papers they liked best for the looser painting style
30 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Today we will be discussing the challenges that students had along with what paper types they preferred for the looser painting style along with looki...
#20 Fear and Obstacles
24 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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. htt...
#019 Say it out Loud Part 2
18 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
Continuation of our conversation to "Say it out Loud". To join an interactive, non-interactive or Free Mini course go to https://birgitoconnorwaterco...
#018 Say it out Loud Part 1
14 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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. T...
# 017 Name your Artistic Goals
08 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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
03 Jan 2019
Contributed by Lukas
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 revi...
#015 Setting your Creative Goals for the New Year
28 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
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 se...
#014 Develop your own Paintings
27 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
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,...
#013 Painting Loose Flowers
24 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
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 challeng...
#012 Winter Solstice Landscapes
22 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
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 studen...
#011 Atmospheric Landscapes Getting Started Student meeting
20 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Let's talk about the materials for the Atmospheric landscape course discussing paper, painting, pigment numbers Atmospheric landscapes Take a Free m...
#010 Painting a Holiday Poinsettia
17 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
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 refere...
#009 Exotic Orchids in Watercolor Student meeting
13 Dec 2018
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
#008 From the studio - Conversation with Charlie O'Shields
26 May 2018
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
#007 Waves & Water Waves & Water Jan- Feb 2018
02 Mar 2018
Contributed by Lukas
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 ht...
#006 Waves & Water Feb 21 meeting
22 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Discussing: copyrights, upcoming courses, discounts and painting reviews.
# 005 Backgrounds & Shadows Feb 8 meeting
09 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Focus on reviewing students paintings
#004 Waves & Water meeting Feb 7 lessons 5-8
08 Feb 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Today we reviewed lessons 5-8 and focused on the Lagoon, Crashing waves, Simple reflections, wet-sand reflections along with reviewing work that came ...
#003 Background & Shadows Jan 25 2018 meeting
26 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
Audio only Focus: Apple Blossom, - reviewing paintings, Shading, brushstrokes, shadows, background www.birgitoconnor.com interactive and non inte...
#002 Jan 24 Waves & Water meeting
25 Jan 2018
Contributed by Lukas
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
09 Dec 2017
Contributed by Lukas
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, a...