Sterling's March, 2021 Newsletter

March, 2021 Newsletter

Click on the images for a larger view

"Brisk", 22"x 15" Holbein Watercolor on Fabriano paper.

Shapes are what you make them

That seems like common sense to most people but to an artist it is a statement that makes you think of the endless possibilities that we have to work with. We often have a tendency to draw what we see because it's there and we can relate to it. Furthermore, if we are pretty good at drawing others will also see what we saw. If we are not so good at drawing they will see our misguided attempt to show them what we saw, but they will never really get a clear and accurate depiction. Again, this all seems like common sense but keep in mind that every coin has two sides. Here is the other side of the coin.

What if we deliberately distorted what we saw? The degree of distortion could be very minor, just enough to entertain and challenge the viewer a little, or it could be an extreme distortion that would force the viewer to put on their thinking cap and try and figure out what the artist was thinking or seeing when they created this piece of art. The snow scene at the top of this page, "Brisk", is a traditional watercolor painting where I intended the viewer to clearly see a snowy clearing with trees. There was no deliberate attempt to distort any of the shapes. This was a decision that I made before I put my first pencil line on the paper. It would have been easy to slightly distort and exaggerate the shapes if I wanted. Paintings that are a little distorted are often referred to as "stylized" works of art. The dictionary defines stylized as, "depicted or treated in a mannered and nonrealistic style". I often refer to my stylized paintings as my signature style of painting. They're not realistic nor are they abstract. It allows the artist to get a little creative as opposed to doing a careful copy of something. The degree of creativity is somewhat limited to making the subject recognizable without going so far as to make it abstract. Literally anything can be painted in a stylized manner. All that the artist needs to do is to exaggerate the shapes a little so as to make them look recognizable but also somewhat unique and even a little whimsical.

Abstract painting, on the other hand, takes things to a whole new level of depiction and interpretation. The dictionary defines abstract as; "existing in thought or as an idea but not having a physical or concrete existence". As with any two dimensional piece of art an abstract also has shapes just as traditional and stylized pieces. It's how the artist alters the shapes that will determine the degree of abstraction. We can use anything as a reference for an abstract painting or we can just make random unidentifiable shapes that do not relate to anything specific. Whichever process we choose, we're still making conscious decisions and making shapes.

I can truthfully say that I have been painting or drawing for well over fifty years. All of that time I was making shapes with a brush or pencil or something similar. It wasn't until about twenty years ago that I began to experiment with different ways of making shapes. I started making conscious decisions to distort the perspective on buildings and exaggerate the movement of things like tree branches. At times I would paint something that had a very geometric undertone whereas other times I would create shapes that appeared fluid or rhythmic. I quickly fell in love with this style of painting and almost overnight my work had become more and more stylized. As an added bonus, I found wide acceptance for my newer and stylized paintings. I was often told that my paintings looked more artistic and interpretive and that they stood out from the crowd. Then one day I decided to push the shapes even further and found that they were becoming abstract. I was on a mission to see just how far I could take my creativity. It was exciting to see just where this could go. Little did I know at the time that this would become the new me.

I will never stop painting the traditional pieces like "Brisk". I spent most of my life learning how to paint them and I still enjoy showing others what I have seen in a way that they can truly and easily relate to. But nowadays when I'm ready to paint something I have to make decisions. The shapes that I make will be what the viewer can relate to when they see my finished work. Who is my audience? What am I trying to say with this piece? What do I feel like doing? These are all questions that need to be addressed before I make the first shape on my paper or canvas. That initial shape sets the stage for everything else that I will do in the painting. It's always a challenge, but that's the way I like it. Now I've got to decide what colors would work best for this piece and what size do I want to paint? Should I do a portrait or landscape format? Maybe I should...

*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.

____________________________________________________

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.

The second is a new website that I designed to showcase my abstract paintings. The web address is: abstractionsbysterlingedwards.com

Both of the websites will be edited from time to time with new artwork and announcements.

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.

Day-One Demo

Day-Two Demo

Day-Three Demo

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.

We are also offering three and four hour Live Zoom Classes.

I will be teaching a three hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on March 2nd from Noon till 3:00pm Eastern time on painting stylized old buildings similar to this painting. There are still some spots available.

Go to; www.sterlingedwards.com

and click on "Live Classes" to purchase or learn more about these upcoming Live Zoom Classes.

There are several upcoming classes to choose from.

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.

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

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 LIVE ZOOM CLASS

Coachella Valley Watercolor Society, Palm Desert, CA

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.

April 15, 2021 LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting old buildings in the snow. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

May 15, 2021, LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM class teaching how to paint a southwestern sunset and rock formations. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

June 12, 2021, LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting a foggy mountain scene with watercolors. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

June 20, 2021, Live Zoom Class

This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting an abstracted and geometric cityscape with watercolors. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

June 28 - July 1, 2021 Boise, ID

This is a four-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

July 10, 2021 LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting stylized buildings on the waterfront. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

July 19 -22, 2021, Alma, MI

Creative Art Guild of Mid Michigan: This is a four-day workshop focusing on painting a stylized and expressive (Semi-Abstract) painting with watercolors. Contact: Kathy Litwiller, klitwiller@cmsinter.net, 989-236-5368

August 12-15, 2021, Manhassett, N.Y.

The Art Guild of Port Washington

This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects. Contact: tlefkowitz@theartguild.org, 516-304-5797

August 20, 2021, LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting a Picasso style abstract with watercolor. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

September 8, 2021, LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting a foggy shoreline of a lake with rocks using watercolor. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

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.

Contact: Diane Edwards, sterling@sterlingedwards.com, 336-946-1425.

September 24, 2021, LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting an abstract Expressionist watercolor. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

October 4 - 6, 2021 LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This is a three-day LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting Big Brush Watercolor Landscapes and Floral that will be hosted by Cheap Joe's. Contact Edwina May, Edwina@cheapjoes.com 800-227-2788

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.

Contact; Sharon DiGiulio at 1-800-827-8478, ext 156 or email Sharon@jerrysartarama.com

November 20, 2012, LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This is a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting an old oak tree covered in Spanish Moss. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

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.

"Ice Cave"

48" x 48" Acrylic on gallery wrap canvas.

"The Ancient Ones"

30" x 22" watercolor on Fabriano paper.

This is a full sheet stylized demo that I did at my annual Myrtle Beach watercolor workshop in January.

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:

"A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others."

Salvador Dali

E-mail: sterling@sterlingedwards.com

Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC

230 Sunny Acres Drive

Lewisville, NC 27023

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