January, 2021 Newsletter
Click on the images for a larger view
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"Body Heat", 36"x48" Acrylic on canvas.
This colorful abstract expressionist piece was painted a couple of years ago when people could actually get close to one another. Hopefully, we'll see those days again.
Happy New Year!!!
A year for the books
Thank goodness 2020 is over, but it will never be forgotten. It was definitely a year for the books but needless to say, not all books are good. Some day we will tell our grandchildren or great grandchildren about this chapter in American history. There is no way, however, to re-create the suffering, stress, and isolation that we endured in their minds; nor would we want to. It's like having someone tell about the Great Depression or the World War II years when so many people suffered and the country was essentially shut down for long periods of time. I heard those stories from my parents and grandparents for years but they didn't affect me personally so I was not able to truly relate to them. They were sad stories about a time in history that is gone forever and hopefully will never return. My father and both of my Uncles fought in World War II and all of them along with my grandparents lived through the Great Depression. I usually heard the stories during the holidays which was the only time of the year when the whole family gathered in one place, usually at my Grandmother's home in Kansas City, Missouri. My brother and I and our cousins would sometimes hear the older generations tell these stories as they all nodded their heads in agreement. The stories were interesting but, for the most part, I had my mind on that table full of desserts in the kitchen. We knew that once everyone finished talking we would dig into the pumpkin pies, cakes, and cans of whipped cream that had been teasing us for the last hour or two.
Some day we'll relate to others the about the trials, heartbreak, and insecurities of 2020. It has undoubtedly been a very bad year for most people, not just in the United States, but all over the world. Our hearts go out to all of those who have died and to their families. Our hearts also go out to all of the business owners and employees who have seen their livelihood vanish before their eyes. Everyone has been affected in some way and in all reality, it's still not completely over. The title of my December editorial was, "You don't know what you don't know". We don't know what 2021 will bring. Like you, I'm hopeful that things will get back to some type of normality, if that's possible. Maybe the definition of "normal" will be redefined. We just don't know. But one thing that we do know is that we will, as a nation, survive what ever comes. That's just what we do.
I always give a great deal of thought about what I might want to address in my monthly editorial. Sometimes I try to make them a little humorous, sometimes they are my views about the art world and what I see happening, sometimes they are somewhat educational, and sometimes I just feel the need to share my personal feelings. This editorial is one of the latter. I'm very grateful for everything that I have and I try to never take things for granted. Like most people, it's easy to get complacent and assume that things will always be good. In reality, it can all vanish in the blink of an eye as many have found in the last year. It's my wish that all of us persevere in the next year and find our own ways to put 2020 into some form of healthy perspective. It might take a little soul searching to get there, because every one of us have had to forfeit much of our "normal" lifestyle in the last year. You know, the things that we took for granted. Things that were so normal and common that we paid them little or no attention. Here are just a few examples; flying to a vacation destination, going out for a nice meal in a restaurant, going to a concert or movie theater, hanging out with our friends, kids can't wait to go back to school (whoever thought that would happen?), spending a week at an art workshop, having a conversation with friends without having to talk through a muzzle, going to sporting events, or shopping, etc.
I am hopeful that we will soon begin the process of gradually incorporating these activities back into our daily life as the year goes on. What was once a common thing will suddenly become exciting, at least for a while until we again began to see them as common and routine. I'm as guilty of that mindset as anyone else. It's so unfortunate that for many of us, it took a Pandemic to make us realize and treasure what we had and what we hope to regain. Speaking of treasure, where's that Pumpkin Pie?
*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.
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.
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FYI
For those of you that didn't read this last month, 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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Three-Day Live Zoom Class on Painting Water
I will be teaching a three-day LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting water with watercolors. Day-One will be a waterfall , Day-Two a beach scene, and Day-Three a lake with reflections.
The dates are March 22, 24, 26. Each class will include a two hour demo, a one hour lunch break, and two hours of student painting time. There will be a day off between each workshop for additional painting time. Each participant will also receive a downloadable video of each class.
and click on "Live Classes" to purchase or learn more about these and other upcoming Live Zoom Classes.
We are also offering three-hour Live Zoom Classes.
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These paintings are the subjects of our upcoming three-hour watercolor workshops.
and click on "Live Classes" to purchase or learn more about these upcoming Live Zoom 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.
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.
Speaking of discounts; we also have a "SALE Gallery" with original, unframed and unmatted paintings that are already 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. Paintings in this gallery are not subject to any additional discounts.
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.
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2021 Workshop Schedule
***Please Read***
Beginning in 2021 Sterling will be doing fewer workshops. Currently our 2021 workshop schedule is full and all that we have left in 2022 is a December date. We are also 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.
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 our annual five-day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects
336-946-1425
- 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 1-3, 2021 Live Zoom Class
This is a three day Live Zoom watercolor class for The Villages. I will paint a different subject each day. Day-One a stylized floral, Day-Two a lake scene with reflections, and Day-Three and abstract expressionist watercolor painting. For more information email Wanda Boyd, wboyd2009@yahoo.com or call 804-536-1794
- 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 9-11, 2021 Palm Dessert, CA
Coachella Valley Watercolor Society
This is a three-day Live Zoom Class on painting abstracts with watercolor. A wide multitude of watercolor techniques and styles of abstraction will be explained and demonstrated in this creative workshop.
Contact: Kathleen Scoggin, kscogginart@gmail.com, 503-515-9633
- March 22, 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, 208-870-2570
- 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.
The Art Guild of Port Washington
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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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"Sarasota"
24" x 48" Acrylic on canvas.
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"More Good Times"
30" x 22" watercolor on Fabriano paper.
This is a full sheet demo that I did at a workshop early last year.
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Diane and I hope that all of you had a wonderful Christmas and Holiday Season. As with all of you, we hope that 2021 will be a less stressful and safer environment for everyone. For those of you who have been severely affected by the Pandemic, we offer our prayers.
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:
"The job of the artist is to deepen the mystery"
Francis Bacon
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
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