June, 2020 Newsletter
Click on the images for a larger view
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"Full Bloom"
15" x 22" Watercolor using Holbein paint on Fabriano paper.
Click on
"Videos"
at the top.
Lo and behold, it finally happened!
What? you might be asking.
Videos!
Yes, we are finally producing digital downloadable and streaming videos in our studio. We had the idea a few years ago to set up a recording and filming station in our home so that we could film a painting demonstration from time to time that could be added to our website store. Sounds easy enough; you just buy a good camera, mount it above what you are painting, talk into a little clip on microphone, and voila, you're in business. What could be easier? OK, before I go any further, I should mention that I AM NOT one of those tech savvy people. In today's world, this is a real handicap because everything that we buy these days requires some degree of technical knowledge and proficiency. Your cell phone, digital cameras, televisions, the dash board on your car, if it's relatively new, and even the new thermostat in you home requires some technical skills and more importantly; knowing how to interpret all of the technical jargon in the instruction manual.
So we bought a digital recorder, a clip-on microphone, and an overhead camera mount. Putting it all together was relatively easy so all that I needed to do now was to learn how to use the camera. Fortunately it came with an instruction manual. Unfortunately, it was 174 pages of that tech language that made no sense what so ever. Not exactly a good way to get started. Then I learned from talking with other artists I know that, in addition to recording the video, you also need to edit and process the video before it can be made available for purchase. To say that I was in over my head is a gross understatement. After what seemed like an eternity of trying to get things to work, and a lot of unrepeatable language, I finally caved and called in the cavalry. I'm usually not ashamed to admit that I don't know how to do something. But quite often I will try to prove to myself that just maybe I can figure it out. All that I really accomplished at that point was wasting several months of my time between traveling and teaching workshops as well as reaching an almost paralyzing level of defeat and frustration. I finally had to accept the fact that I had no idea what the hell I was doing; but I knew someone who did. I heard a story several years ago about Henry Ford testifying in a lawsuit against Ford Motor Company. When he was put on the witness stand and questioned by an attorney, Mr. Ford was asked technical questions about the various elements and parts of his vehicles. Many of his answers were, "I don't know, or I am not sure". In an attempt to make a mockery of Mr. Ford, the attorney asked him in a somewhat humerus manner, "how can you design and build motor vehicles when you don't even know what makes them work?" Mr. Ford replied, "that's true, I don't, but I know how to hire people that do." I needed to follow that same philosophy and find someone who could help me.
I have known Larry Hamilton for several years. Larry is a friend and successful artist who also had a successful tech career. He lives in Florida and produces his own YouTube videos from his studio. He's a good guy and someone that I felt comfortable talking with and asking for help. So I called Larry and discussed what was going on and asked him if he would consider coming up to North Carolina for a couple of days to teach Diane and I how to film and edit videos. I agreed to pay Larry for his time, and talent, and to compensate him for any travel expenses. He was more than willing to help and we set a time that worked well with both of our schedules. Upon his arrival the three of us went to work in the studio and began to go through the instruction manual for the camera and figure out what I was doing wrong. Larry is a very tech savvy guy and even he agreed that the instructions were difficult to interpret and confusing. I loved hearing that because for a brief moment I just felt just a tiny bit less ignorant. Let's face it; I'll take a little vindication any time I can get it. It took a while but once we got the camera working we started doing some short filming clips and began the process of learning how to edit a video. Editing a video was a whole different process compared to filming. Learning how to add music, fade in and out of film segments, add graphics, cut unwanted material, and lots of other things that make the video look professional, are all individual learning curves that are conquered one at a time. It was confusing and mentally taxing but it was all starting to come together now. In the limited time that we spent with Larry, he taught us enough to have a basic working knowledge of the equipment and processes to pull this off.
After a couple of days Larry returned home and Diane and I spent hours on end thumbing through mountains of notes that we had taken and that Larry had written and printed for us. He was even willing to give some technical advise on a few occasions when I called him with a problem after he returned home. All in all, it was a very tough project but with Larry's guidance and a lot of perseverance we made it happen. As of this writing, we have recorded three videos that are available on our website. Both can be downloaded or streamed. I refer to my videos as my
"Not Quite Hollywood Videos"
. I don't read from a script, I don't use a teleprompter or cue cards, I don't have a cameraman or a director, or a sound mixer, or a make-up artist, and I don't try to be something that I'm not. I'm not an actor; I'm an artist and an instructor. My ultimate goal is to allow the viewer to feel as though they are standing beside me in the studio as I paint and explain my process for creating a piece of art. I try and explain every aspect of what I'm doing so that the viewer can not only see the painting evolve, they can follow along in the thought process and get a better understanding of the reasoning of what I am doing and why I am doing it at that time. These are the things that I think are very helpful when learning how to paint. It's as much a thinking process as it is a physical process.
In time we will have an entire library of videos showing how to paint waterfalls, stylized interpretations, sunsets, southwestern scenes, snow scenes, buildings, wooded scenes and a multitude of other subjects and styles. I will at some point even have videos showing my processes for painting abstract expressionism with acrylics on large canvases. It's going to take time and energy but what a great adventure. This is just the beginning.
My thanks to artist Larry Hamilton for his patience, willingness to help, and knowledge.
On a personal note:
Needless to say, this quarantine has been a big nuisance and imposition as I'm sure you well know. We miss seeing family and friends, going out to eat, going out in the afternoon for a cold beer or glass of wine, and being able to travel and teach. We've tried to make good use of this time by working on the house and getting my filming studio up and running among other things. The old saying "You don't miss something until it's gone" could not be truer. Nevertheless, we are fortunate that we and our family have been spared this virus at least for now. We hope that the same is true with you and your family. It sounds like the restrictions are going to be lifted soon and we can maybe get out a little in the hope of getting things back to normal if that's possible. We may see what will become a new normal. Who knows. At any rate, if we can just stay well it will certainly be an improvement over being locked away from the world.
WEBSITE NEWS
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.
NEW
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. Here is a link that will take you directly to the new gallery;
So far I have not found Saatchi to be beneficial but I'll give it some more time.
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I'm proud to announce that some of my artwork has been selected for a collection of designer apparel and home decor products by Le Galeriste located in Montreal, Canada. The painting that they selected is "Delta", an acrylic on canvas. This company has an international market and sells through their website and boutiques. I have sent them other images that might be used as well. Here is a direct link to my sight where you can see the full line of items that feature my painting:
When you go to my site scroll down to see other images that you might like to see produced as designer wear. Click on the images that you like. Your input will be helpful in deciding what other images should be considered as items of clothing, etc. Thanks
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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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15" x 22"
Watercolor on Fabriano paper.
This is another new digital video that has just been released on our website. The video is 1 hour and 35 minutes long and covers a wide variety of watercolor techniques. We will be adding many more downloadable videos covering a wide range of topics as they become available so check our site from time to time.
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"At the Foot of Acoma"
15" x 11" Sepia study.
This is a small study that I will use as reference for a larger painting. I don't always take the time to do a study before I tackle a more serious painting but it's something that I often recommend to those who are first learning to paint. These don't take a lot of time and it's very inexpensive to do since it's on 140lb paper. This is where you work out the composition and values to see if the idea is worth the time and expense of doing as a larger piece on more expensive paper. If everything fits together as planned you' ll know it right away. If it doesn't fit together you'll know right away that something just isn't right. These are fun to paint and sometimes turn out good enough to frame.
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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
A few months ago we announced a way for current and former students to purchase original watercolor paintings from my website at the same price that they would pay if they purchased the painting at the student wholesale price in one of my workshops. This has proven to be a very popular concept and we have sold quite a few paintings through this special offer. Here's how it works:
If you are a former student of mine and have taken a workshop you are entitled to the same special 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 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 watercolors that are shipped to a U.S. address.
This offer is for watercolors only and DOES NOT include Whiskey Paintings, paintings on canvas, or paintings that are currently hanging in a gallery.
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2020 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 a 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
- January 6-10 ,2020 Myrtle Beach, S.C.
This is the annual five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that is hosted by Sterling and Diane at the Brighton Tower in Kingston Plantation Resort. The workshop will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects. Contact: Diane Edwards,
sterling@sterlingedwards.com
, 336-946-1425
WAIT LIST
- January 20 -21, 2020 The Villages, FL
This is a two day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on creating an abstract expressionist watercolor.
Contact: Wanda Boyd, wboyd2009@yahoo.com, 804-536-1794
- January, 22-24, 2020 The Villages, FL
This is a three day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on painting a stylized (Semi-abstract) watercolor. Contact: Wanda Boyd, wboyd2009@yahoo.com, 804-536-1794 Registration Details;
www.villageartworkshops.com
WAIT LIST
- February 25-28, 2020, Bonita Springs, FL
This is a four day watermedia workshop for all skill levels that will focus on painting an abstract expressionist painting with watercolor and acrylic.
- March 11 - 14, 2020, Grifton, NC
This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects.
WAIT LIST
- March 15-16, 2020 Grifton, NC
This is a two day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on creating expressive abstracts with watercolor.
WAIT LIST
- April 20 -23, 2020, Denver, CO
This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects.
- May 4-7, 2020, Black Mountain, NC
This a four day acrylic and mixed media abstract workshop in Black Mountain, NC. All skill levels are invited to this exciting and creative workshop. Contact; Diane Edwards at
sterling@sterlingedwards.com
or call 336-946-1425 for more information or to register.
CANCELLED due to Coronavirus
- May 18-22, 2020, Lowell, MI
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects using Big Brushes. Contact: Kathy Bechtel, Art Director, Franciscan Life Process Center ,
kbechtel@lifeprocesscenter.org
, 616-897-7842 ext 352.
Postponed until October 26-30
- June 8 – 12, 2020, 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@cheapjoesartstuff.com
1-800-227-2788
Rescheduled to July 20-24 due to Coronavirus
- July 13 - 17, 2020 Calabash, NC
This is a five day acrylic abstract workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of acrylic techniques on paper and canvas.
- July 20 – 24, 2020, 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@cheapjoesartstuff.com
1-800-227-2788
- August 3-6, 2020, Denver, CO
This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects.
- September 21-25, 2020 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.
- October 5 - 9, 2020, Pensacola, FL
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on painting a stylized (Semi-abstract) watercolor.
Contact: Diane Goeller, diane@paletteproductions.net
or Pat Page, pat@paletteproductions.net
850-384-3652
- October 26-30, 2020, Lowell, MI
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects using Big Brushes. Contact: Kathy Bechtel, Art Director, Franciscan Life Process Center ,
kbechtel@lifeprocesscenter.org
, 616-897-7842 ext 352.
- November 12-14, 2020 Raleigh, NC
This is the three day annual trade show in Raleigh, NC sponsored by Jerry’s Artarama Contact; Sharon DiGiulio at 1-800-827-8478, ext 156 or email
Sharon@jerrysartarama.com
- 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
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"Smash Hit"
4" x 5"
This is another
Whiskey Painting
using Holbein watercolors and Iceberg Vodka from Newfoundland.
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"Snake Grass"
20" x 13" Watercolor
Those of you who know me know that I love the southwest. The colors and the shapes make it a painters paradise. Throw in a sunset and you have it all.
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Diane and I at Looking Glass Falls near Brevard, North Carolina. This photograph was taken a few years ago and is still one of my favorites. I am one lucky guy!
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
Food for thought
"No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist "
Oscar Wilde
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
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