Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The World of Watercolor Painting with Birgit O’Connor

In this members discussion, we chat about the growing excitement around Bohan watercolor paper, how it compares to other surfaces, and what students are experiencing while painting on it.

We also dive into the creative journey behind my newest books and workbooks, including the thoughtful feedback students have shared along the way.

As I move into Season Four of the podcast, this conversation reflects the next step in my own creative journey—expanding beyond painting alone into creativity, observation, confidence, and the deeper artistic process. From watercolor techniques to creative flow, this is an honest behind-the-scenes look at where the work is evolving and what’s coming next.

Find Your Creative Flow: A Guided Creative Journal to Overcome Overwhelm and Find Your Flow Paperback on Amazon

 

BAOHONG Artists' Watercolor Paper Block (20 Sheets, glued on Four Edges), 100% Cotton, Acid-Free, 140LB/300GSM, Watercolor Art Supplies for Wet, Dry, and Mixed Media Painting (Cold Press 8.3"X5.9") Other sizes available. Link to Amazon

 

Season of an Artist – Part 4: Moving Forward

In this episode of the World of Watercolor podcast, Birgit O’Connor shares an honest conversation about moving forward creatively, reconnecting with your artistic voice, and learning how to see beyond detail.

We explore: • Why artists lose momentum—and how to begin again • How watercolor teaches us to simplify and let go • Building confidence without overworking your paintings • Understanding artistic flow and visual movement in a composition • Letting go of perfection and trusting the creative process • Finding inspiration after creative burnout or self-doubt

Birgit also shares insights from her new book and guided journal, Find Your Creative Flow: A Guided Creative Journal to Overcome Overwhelm and Find Your Flow — created to help artists slow down, reflect, and reconnect with creativity through simple prompts, exercises, and artistic reflection.

Whether you’re a beginner watercolor painter, a creative returning after time away, or an experienced artist searching for renewed inspiration, this episode offers encouragement, practical insight, and a reminder that growth happens one painting at a time.

Topics include: watercolor painting, artistic confidence, creative flow, watercolor techniques, learning to see values, composition and design, overcoming creative overwhelm, watercolor mindset, simplifying shapes, painting light, watercolor podcast, creativity for artists, watercolor instruction, Birgit O’Connor, artist motivation, painting with confidence, watercolor inspiration, creative journaling, and artistic growth.

🎨 Learn more about workshops, books, and courses by Birgit O’Connor.

How do you create flow in your painting—and why does it sometimes feel stuck or overworked?

In this episode, we explore how to create flow in watercolor by simplifying shapes, grouping values, and learning to see your subject differently. Instead of trying to paint every detail, you’ll discover how connecting shapes and recognizing patterns can bring more movement, clarity, and ease into your work.

We talk about: • How to create flow in your painting • Why paintings become overworked • Seeing shapes instead of details • Connecting the dots within your composition • Letting go of control and trusting the process

We also touch on the Women in Watercolor community and their current competition, along with how to approach a prospectus in a simple, manageable way—so it feels less overwhelming and more like an opportunity to grow.

I also share my guided journal, Find Your Creative Flow—a quiet, supportive space designed to help you slow down, reflect, and reconnect with your creativity without pressure or perfection.

Whether you’re feeling stuck, overworking your paintings, or looking for a more natural way to paint, this episode is an invitation to step back, simplify, and let your painting breathe.

Today, I’m joined by performance artist Sha Sha Higby—a truly unique creative whose work blends watercolor, sculpture, costume design, and shadow performance into immersive, emotional storytelling.

We talk about her upcoming shadow puppet performance Shadow of the Fox, premiering at the San Francisco International Arts Festival, and dive into her fascinating creative process—one that values intuition, spontaneity, and transformation over rigid technique.

What makes this conversation especially powerful is how our approaches overlap. Whether through watercolor or performance, we both explore how to create depth, atmosphere, and a sense of journey—rather than simply rendering what we see.

Upcoming Performances

Shadow of the Fox • May 3 & 10 at 2 PM • San Francisco International Arts Festival (Monkey Brains, Mission District) • 🎟 Discount Code: 20DISCSHADOW

https://sfarts.org/event/sha-sha-higby-presents-shadow-of-the-fox-world-premiere-3c5jWov5Vwxw4vZwrhYJwm

• July 26– Throckmorton Theater, Mill Valley

In This Episode

We explore:

• How Sha Sha blends watercolor, ink, costume, and movement into one expressive language • Creating from intuitive flow instead of structured planning • Why rawness and imperfection often hold more power than technical precision • The role of transformation in both painting and performance

Her Creative Process

Sha Sha’s work moves fluidly across mediums:

Painting & Textile Techniques • Airbrush layering using screens for soft gradations • Traditional sumi ink influences • Eco-dyeing silk with eucalyptus leaves and natural materials

Animation & Digital Work • Layered drawing for organic animation • Digital design combined with physical cutting (Cricut)

Shadow Puppetry • Working with negative space as its own subject • Hand-built puppets with wire armatures and light projection • Reimagining traditional shadow theater with contemporary materials

Influences & Background

• Performed internationally, including multiple shows in Japan • Work featured in museums in Vietnam, Oakland, and Bolinas • Studied Japanese Noh theater and Indonesian shadow puppetry • Early training in sewing, handcraft, and detailed handmade work

Her performance style is slow, meditative, and deeply transformative—drawing inspiration from Noh and Butoh theater to create emotional, dreamlike experiences.

What We Talk About (Deeper Themes)

This conversation goes beyond technique and into the heart of creativity:

• Creating depth instead of surface • Letting go of realism to allow transformation • The power of negative space—both in art and in life • Bringing the unseen, intuitive, and emotional into form

Sha Sha beautifully describes her work as a way of making the invisible visible—something I think many artists can deeply relate to.

A Note on Process

One of my favorite takeaways:

Creativity doesn’t have to be controlled or perfectly planned. Sometimes the most meaningful work comes from allowing things to unfold—layer by layer, moment by moment.

 

Sha Sha’s Website

http://www.shashahigby.com/New_Site_SourceFiles/index.html

 

Sha Sha on Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/shashahigby/

 

If You Enjoyed This Episode

Subscribe for more conversations on creativity, watercolor, and the artistic process.

 

To view the visual, go to https://www.youtube.com/live/7C8o0pbjTuo?si=kP03_rOrkwEBJxZC

 

In Part 3 of The Creative Seasons of an Artist, we explore the season many artists quietly fear — the plateau.

This is the stage where growth slows. Ideas feel distant. Momentum fades. You sit down to paint and nothing feels new.

The plateau can feel discouraging. You may wonder if you’ve lost inspiration, reached your limit, or stalled in your progress.

But what if the plateau isn’t stagnation?

What if it’s consolidation?

In this episode, we talk about:

• Why growth often becomes invisible before it becomes permanent • The frustrating gap between seeing better and painting better • Why many artists quit during this season • How repetition and refinement quietly build mastery • What to do when you feel creatively stuck

The plateau is not a failure.

It’s a quiet strengthening.

It’s where endurance forms, where perception sharpens, and where artistry deepens beyond excitement.

If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or uninspired — this episode is for you.

Stay.

The season will shift.

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 momentum.

Your washes start behaving the way you hoped they would. Composition begins to make more sense. You see improvement — and you feel it.

But growth isn’t just about getting better.

It’s about developing rhythm.

In this episode, we talk about:

• What creative momentum really feels like • Why mistakes increase as you grow — and why that’s a good sign • The shift from “Can I paint?” to “What kind of painter am I becoming?” • Avoiding creative overload and too many influences • Recognizing your instincts and artistic preferences • Building strength through repetition

The Growth Season is exciting, messy, and expansive.

It’s the time when you experiment more boldly, notice color and form everywhere, and begin trusting your eye.

This isn’t the season for shrinking.

It’s the season for building muscle — creatively and mentally.

If you’re feeling energized, curious, and slightly overwhelmed all at once, you may be exactly where you need to be.

Growth isn’t linear. But it is powerful.

View Online Courses

Youtube

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 The World of Watercolor, we explore the creative stages every artist experiences — from beginner hesitation to long-term reinvention.

This season covers:

• The courage to begin painting • Overcoming comparison and self-doubt • Building momentum and artistic rhythm • Working through creative plateaus • Rediscovering joy and redefining success

Whether you are new to watercolor or have been painting for years, understanding your creative season can help you move forward with clarity and confidence.

Artistic growth is not a straight line.

It’s seasonal.

Join Birgit O’Connor as she reflects on the emotional and practical realities of developing as a watercolor artist — and why every stage matters. 

Online courses

Join the mailing list

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 support yourself doing this? And perhaps most importantly — do you actually want to?

In this episode, we talk about:

• The myth of the “crazy artist” • The emotional highs and lows of creative life • Art as healing and mental health support • The difference between loving to paint and choosing the life of an artist • Financial sustainability and realistic expectations • What success truly means in a creative career

Being an artist is not just about talent.

It’s about resilience. It’s about clarity. It’s about deciding what kind of life you want.

You don’t have to starve. You don’t have to suffer. And you don’t have to fit someone else’s definition of success.

This conversation closes the series by asking one honest question:

What does being an artist mean to you?

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 “studio” is the corner of the laundry room? What if your supplies are tucked away in a closet and hard to reach? What if you feel isolated not just emotionally — but physically?

In this episode, we explore:

• Feeling stifled when you don’t have a dedicated art space • Painting in shared or temporary environments • The emotional weight of not having room for your creativity • Creating a portable or flexible home studio • Overcoming the belief that you “can’t really be an artist” • Giving yourself permission to claim space — even if it’s small

Being an artist doesn’t require a perfect studio.

It requires intention.

Sometimes it begins at the kitchen table. Sometimes in the laundry room. Sometimes in a quiet corner no one else notices.

But the act of making space — physically and emotionally — is where identity begins.

If you’ve ever felt like you don’t quite have room to be an artist, this conversation is for you.

Online courses

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 technically, but emotionally and professionally. How do you find your tribe? What if workshops aren’t for you? How do you continue learning when you feel unsure or stuck?

We explore:

• How to grow as an artist at your own pace • Finding and building creative community • Imposter syndrome and how it quietly shapes our confidence • Why workshops aren’t the only path forward • Pursuing your creative journey in a way that feels sustainable • Looking for meaningful creative support • Women in watercolor and shared experience • The realities of marketing yourself as an artist

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing this alone, this conversation is for you.

You don’t have to stop painting just because you feel unsure. You don’t have to follow someone else’s path. And you don’t have to grow alone.

In today’s episode (Part 1), I sat down with several of my artist members for a heartfelt conversation about something many creatives quietly experience — the life of a lonely artist.

We spoke openly about imposter syndrome (because it keeps resurfacing), painting by yourself, and what it truly means to call yourself an artist — even if it’s “just” a hobby.

We explored: • How to get started when you feel stuck • What to do when life feels grey • Why live workshops may not work for everyone • Starting your own art group • Finding a safe creative community • How to rise up and paint when confidence is low

This conversation only scratches the surface. In future episodes, we’ll continue unpacking what it means to pursue art in a way that feels authentic, sustainable, and supportive.

If you’ve ever questioned whether you belong as a watercolor artist — this conversation is for you.

Online courses

In this episode, I share a short segment from my Nature’s Abstraction exploring how intuition can guide composition in floral abstraction.

Rather than planning or arranging elements in advance, we look at how to listen for what the painting needs — noticing movement, balance, and where the energy wants to settle. This approach allows composition to emerge naturally, through awareness and response rather than rules.

If you’ve ever felt unsure about where to place forms, when to stop adjusting, or how to trust your instincts, this episode offers a gentler way forward — one that values curiosity, observation, and letting go of control.

A link to learn more about the full Nature’s Abstraction course is included for those who’d like to continue exploring this way of painting.

See the video on YouTube

Yellow Rose & Calla Lily online course

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 remove the obstacles that keep you frozen in place. This isn’t about pushing harder or forcing motivation. It’s about understanding what’s in the way, softening the resistance, and finding a simple, honest way forward.

White Gardenia – Workshop 

In this conversation, I sit down with student Gloria Andison to talk about her journey painting the Northern Lights in watercolor. Gloria shares how she transitioned from acrylic to watercolor, what it took to let go of control, and how learning to paint with atmosphere helped her express light, mood, and movement more freely.

We talk about trusting water, embracing softness, and finding confidence through an expressive approach to landscape painting. This is a thoughtful, inspiring conversation for artists interested in atmosphere, emotion, and growth in watercolor. This conversation reflects ideas explored in my Atmospheric Landscapes course, which focuses on light, mood, and expressive simplicity in watercolor.

Website     Facebook Page 

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

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

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 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

 

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 

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

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.

 

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

 

 

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 

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 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.

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

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.

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

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 

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.

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.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/eva.s.nicholsInstagram: http://instagram.com/evanicholskunstTwitter: 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 

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

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

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

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

• https://www.wix.com
• https://www.Godaddy.com
• Weebly.com
• https://www.faso.com
• https://www.squarespace.com

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!

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

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

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

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/

 

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

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

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

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

 

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