December, 2020 Newsletter
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Merry Christmas!
You don't know what you don't know
We've all heard the saying, "you don't know what you don't know". It's a guaranteed truth in life that all of us are totally clueless about certain things even though we don't always admit it. Even the things that we DO know quite a bit about leave us sometimes wondering if we really know as much about it as we should know or need to know. It never hurts to dig a little deeper or do a little more research to assure ourselves that we really do know what it's all about. I can only relate to this as it pertains to me and my world because all of us are different and know different things. Some things I know a great deal about and I can be a source of information for those who do not know as much as they would like to know. Other times I need to, as they say, "pick someone's brain", who is considered an authority and use them as resource to broaden my knowledge. We all do it and there's nothing wrong with this. In fact, as an instructor I am considered a resource for a lot of people. That does not necessarily mean that I am an expert or an authority; there are always things that I cannot or will not share because I do not know with certainty that what I tell someone is totally accurate. Let's face it, you can sometimes do more harm than good when you give someone inaccurate information. Quite often they will, in turn, pass that information down to someone else who may also pass it down to others. Before you know it you've created a row of dominoes and we all know what happens then.
I never realized how important it was to be certain of my advice until I started teaching. Every class or workshop that I teach is an opportunity to share what I've learned over the last fifty plus years of painting. That's a long time and you would think that someone with that many years under their belt would be an authority. My ego says, "of course I am", but my subconscious knows that there is still so much more to learn. The last thing that I want to do is be the lead domino. This is why I often tell my students that we are ALL students of watercolor and art in general. I read often and practice a lot to broaden my knowledge and skills. Quite often I will try new things with the full understanding that I have no idea what I'm doing until I get half way into it. By then I've usually made a mess of everything. Does this sound familiar? Most of the time I learn something new, and in spite of the mess, I discover something that might improve the way I paint. With time and a lot of practice I might even incorporate that into the my teaching if I think it would be beneficial to other artists.
It's a big responsibility being a teacher because many of my students will hang onto every word that comes out of my mouth. In their eyes, I really am the authority which is why they chose to study with me. I don't take that lightly. I respect those who trust me to steer them in the direction that they think they want to go. I have always held the attitude that there are no secrets when it comes to the techniques and philosophy that I think are important in producing a good piece of art. Basically if I know how to do it I will share it. If I don't know how to do it I will not risk telling you something that might take your work in the wrong direction. Needless to say, I've learned a lot over the years but the most important lesson of all is the knowledge that I don't know what I don't know.
*Please Note*
I have just replaced two of the colors on my palette because they did not project enough color saturation when filming with a webcam as I do for my live classes and my downloadable videos. The two colors that I have removed are Royal Blue and Green Gray. I like both of these colors which is why I chose them for my Holbein color palette. At the time I selected these colors I was not filming. Now that I am filming I have noticed that both of them do not come across as strong colors and appear washed out on camera.
I have replaced them with Holbein Prussian Blue #620H and Hooker's Green #675H.
If you currently have Royal Blue and Green Gray I suggest that you continue to use them as they are both good colors unless you are filming your work. I apologize for any confusion this may have caused.
Gift Certificates
We have received several request for Gift Certificates recently so Diane and I have decided to offer Gift Certificates that can be redeemed for Videos, Live Classes, Art Supplies, and Paintings. (Not redeemable for workshops)
To purchase a Gift Certificate go to www.sterlingedwards.com. Click "Contact the artist". Let us know that amount you would like to purchase and the recipients name. We will send you an invoice.
Christmas Special
While supplies last
Between now and January 1, 2021 we are offering a FREE copy of my DVD "Colorful Birch Trees" with every order of my Blending and Glazing three brush set. The FREE DVD is a $20.00 value. Look for the special in the "Art Supplies" section of my website; www.sterlingedwards.com
On a personal note:
(Please read)
Lately I have seen more and more artists selling copies of my paintings on their artist websites, at my workshops, and in small shops and galleries. This is both illegal and unethical. It is also illegal and unethical to enter a copy of someone else's painting in a competition.
All work that you sell or enter in a competition should be of your own design and execution. Not a copy of someones else's work.
I really don't like having to even write this but it is becoming a big problem and it needs to STOP IMMEDIATELY.
It's theft of Intellectual Property and can result in severe consequences.
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Our Websites
I now have two websites that feature my paintings. The first is: sterlingedwards.com which has our workshop schedule, store, FAQ page, paintings, newsletter sign-up, and more.
Both of the websites will be edited from time to time with new artwork and announcements.
ALSO
The original paintings in this gallery are priced 50% off of the regular retail price. We have already sold several of the paintings and will be adding others from time to time. Once on the website, click on "Paintings" to see the sale gallery and the other galleries as you scroll down.
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FYI
I have just added a list of my favorite color mixes using my new palette of Holbein Watercolors. The information is listed under the FAQ tab on my website; www.sterlingedwards.com. I have also included the comparable Maimeriblu colors when possible for those of you who are still using my old Maimeriblu palette. I am sure that I will be adding more custom color mixes to this list as time goes on so check back from time to time.
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"Painting a Leafy Branch"
I will be teaching a LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting a stylized
(semi-abstract) watercolor painting very similar to this painting on January 27, 2021
and click on "Live Classes" to purchase or learn more about this and other upcoming classes.
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"Stacks of Shacks"
I will be teaching a LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting a stylized (semi-abstract) watercolor painting very similar to this piece on March 2, 2021.
Go to; www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to purchase or learn more about this and other upcoming classes. .
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Do you need an artist's website?
If so, go to www.faso.com (Fine Art Studio Online). This company will help you design your own custom website to your specifications. They have numerous templates that you can choose from and a great support system. I designed and built my website even though I am very computer challenged. The best part is the price. I'm only paying $28.00 a month for my website even though it is very lengthy. There are less expensive programs if you don't need a huge website. If you haven't already seen my website go to www.sterlingedwards.com and check it out. They can also assist you with registering your domain name. Once again, when I find something good, I pass it on.
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Wholesale pricing on original watercolors
If you are a former student of mine and have taken a workshop or a Zoom class, you are entitled to the same wholesale price on my original watercolor paintings on my website that you would pay in a workshop. The prices on the website are my retail price and do not apply to my students. If you see a painting on the website that you are interested in possibly purchasing, DO NOT click on the "BUY NOW" tab. If you do it will take you to PayPal and charge you the full retail price of the painting as seen on the website.
Instead, go to the "CONTACT" page and send us an email requesting the student wholesale price of the painting. Please tell us the title of the piece, what workshop you attended, and whether or not you are a U.S. resident. You will receive an email with the student wholesale price plus ordering instructions. All of the paintings are unframed and unmatted and are shipped in a heavy duty mailing tube for protection. Each will be accompanied with an Artist's Biography. As a special bonus, we offer FREE SHIPPING on all unframed watercolors that are shipped to a U.S. address.
We also have a "SALE Gallery" with original, unframed and unmatted paintings that are reduced 50% from their original retail price. These paintings are available at the discounted price to everyone and we will cover all shipping costs to addresses in the U.S.
NOTE
Diane and I will donate 5% of each sale from the SALE GALLERY to the "Tunnels2Towers Foundation".
This is a charitable organization that builds mortgage free homes for the family's of fallen Police Officers, Firefighters, and our Military. They also build homes for our severely disabled Veterans. We proudly support this wonderful cause.
This offer is only for works on paper and DOES NOT include Whiskey Paintings, paintings on canvas, or paintings that are currently hanging in a gallery.
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2020-2021 Workshop Schedule
***Please Read***
Beginning in 2021 Sterling will be doing fewer workshops. Currently our 2020, and 2021 workshop schedules are full and all that we have left in 2022 is a December date. We are currently booking 2023 and 2024 workshops. If you would like to schedule a workshop for your group in 2023 or 2024 please contact us soon so we can send you the information that you will need to make an informed decision. Email; sterling@sterlingedwards.com and request a workshop information packet. All spots are filled on a first come, first served basis.
Note:
When you write be sure and tell us the name of the group that you represent and where you are located.
If you want more information about any of the workshops below, get in touch with the Contact Person for that particular workshop. He or she can answer questions about the workshop price, lodging, airports, etc.
2020 Workshops
- November 11-14, 2020 Live Zoom Classes
I will be teaching four LIVE ZOOM CLASSES that are sponsored by Jerry's Artarama as part of the annual Art of the Carolina's event. Each class is three hours in length with limited spaces. To see a list of my classes go to: www.artofthecarolinas.com/sterlingedwards or email Sharon@jerrysartarama.com 1-800-827-8478
- November 23, 2020 Live Zoom Class
This is a three hour live class on painting a semi-abstract of boats in dry dock. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to purchase.
- December 1–5, 2020. Bradenton, FL
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will cover a wide variety of styles and subjects. Contact: Carla Nierman,
carla@artcentermanatee.org
941-746-2862 Cancelled
- December 12, 2020 Live Zoom Class
This is a three hour live class on painting a watercolor abstract expressionist painting. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.
2021 Workshops
- January 6, 2021 Live Zoom Class
This is a three hour live class on painting a snow scene with watercolor. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.
- January 11-15, 2021 Myrtle Beach, S.C.
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects
336-946-1425 * This workshop is filling quickly.
- January 27, 2021 Live Zoom Class
This is a three hour live class on painting a stylized (semi-abstract) colorful branch of leaves. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.
- February 15, 17, 19, 2021 Live Zoom Class
This is a three day Live Zoom watercolor class sponsored by Cheap Joe's. The workshop will be about taking a typical scene of Birch trees in a meadow and painting a Spring, Autumn, and Snow scene of the same scene. For more information contact; Edwina May
1-800-227-2788, edwina@cheapjoes.com
- February 26, 2021 Live Zoom Class
This is a three hour live class on painting an atmospheric marsh
with watercolors. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on
"Live Classes" to learn more or to register.
- March 2, 2021 Live Zoom Class
This will be a three hour class on painting a cluster of old shacks in a stylized (semi-abstract) manner with watercolors. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.
- March 9-12, 2021 Palm Dessert, CA
Coachella Valley Watercolor Society. This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of abstract designs and techniques.
Contact: Kathleen Scoggin, kscogginart@gmail.com, 503-515-9633
- March 24-26, 2021 Live Zoom Class
This is a three day live zoom class on painting water with watercolor. Topics will be: a waterfall, a lake with reflections, and a beach scene with rolling waves and sand dunes. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.
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April 7-11, 2021 Grifton, NC
- April 19-23, 2021 Boise, ID
This is a five day watercolor workshop that focuses on painting expressive and dynamic (Semi-abstract) paintings with watercolors. Contact: Anne Watson Sorensen, aewatsonart@aol.com, 208-780-2570
- May 24 – 27, 2021 Fairbanks, Ak
Fairbanks Watercolor Society:
- June 27 – July 2, 2021 Boone, NC
Cheap Joe’s: This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on Big Brush Watercolor Landscapes and Floral. Contact: Edwina@cheapjoes.com 1-800-227-2788
- July 19 -22, 2021, Alma, MI
Creative Art Guild of Mid Michigan: This is a five day workshop focusing on painting a stylized and expressive (Semi-Abstract) painting with watercolors. Contact: Kathy Litwiller, klitwiller@cmsinter.net, 989236-5368
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August 12-15, 2021, Manhassett, N.Y.
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September 13 -17, 2021, Flat Rock, NC
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects.
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October 12 -15, 2021, Muskogee, OK
Muskogee Art Guild, This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects. Contact: Deann McDaniel , 970-318-1406
deannmcdaniel@hotmail.com
- October 25 – 28, 2021 Ocean City, MD
The Art League of Ocean City
This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects. Contact: Katrin Huber, katrin@artleagueofoceancity.org,
410-524-9433
- November 11-13, Raleigh, NC
This is the three day annual trade show (Art of the Carolinas) in Raleigh, NC sponsored by Jerry’s Artarama.
- December 6-9, 2021, Portland, OR
Oregon Society of Artists.
This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects. Contact: Emily Fox, efox@osartists.org, 503-228-0706.
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"A Lazy River"
22" x 15" Watercolor on Fabriano paper with Holbein paint.
This colorful acrylic on paper impressionistic painting was painted with just one brush, a one and a half inch stiff house painting brush. This is all about color and texture.
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"At Eye Level"
15" x 22" watercolor on Fabriano paper.
This is a half sheet demo that I did at my recent watercolor workshop in Lowell, Michigan. Needless to say, it's been a tough year for workshops with lots of cancellations due to the Pandemic. This workshop was one of the few that decided to go forward and everything went very well. Everyone worked together to make it a safe experience. We all wore masks and we made every attempt to stay a safe distance apart. It was a great group and I look forward to returning in 2023.
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Diane and I hope that all of you have a wonderful Christmas and Holiday Season and a safe, healthy, and prosperous new Year. With the Pandemic it's been a tough year on so many families and businesses. Please consider helping a charity of your choice with a donation or some other type of assistance.
If you enjoy our monthly newsletter be sure and tell your art loving friends about it. They can sign-up for it on our website; www.sterlingedwards.com
As always, we appreciate your support.
Art; it chooses us
Ponder this:
"Painting is easy when you don't know how, but very difficult when you do"
Edgar Degas
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
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