May, 2021 Newsletter
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"On the Waterfront", 22"x 30" Holbein Watercolor on Fabriano paper.
Always pay attention to the edges...
Generally speaking, the average person with little or no experience or education in painting decides if they like a painting based on how pretty it is or how thought provoking it is. It either appeals to them or it doesn't. So most of us begin our lifetime of painting with the goal of painting something that is "pretty" so that it will have mass appeal and we will be complimented on it's beauty. I was guilty of doing the same. I didn't know a lot about composition, color theory, brush techniques, edge quality, value, etc. These are all skills that I acquired over time through studying and experimenting. It didn't take long before I realized that there is a lot more to producing a nice piece of art than just trying to paint something pretty. Now I break my paintings apart, almost like a checklist, to make sure that it fits the various principles and concepts that I have learned in order to ensure that my paintings are not only pretty, but well executed. This is where the real pressure comes in to play because I will at times be critiqued by those who know and understand these principles. Even if the painting turns out pretty, they will verbally or non-verbally be critical of it's poor execution if does not fit certain expected standards.
One of the areas that I was unaware of for years as I was learning to paint with watercolors was the importance of varying the edges in my paintings. I was so focused on getting my shapes correct and using the right colors and values that I did not even consider how the edges on my shapes played a major role in what I painted. When I look back at some of the paintings that I did thirty years ago I instantly see that everything had hard edges. Some of the paintings almost look as though I cut various shapes and pieces out of other paintings and then glued them onto a new painting. Everything looked stiff and contrived. The paintings did not flow. Eventually I learned to make a specific point of softening some of the edges as I worked on my paintings. The difference was incredible. Now they looked more professional and the soft edges in some areas of the painting made the more significant areas of the painting, such as the center of interest, more dominant and dynamic. The soft edges, because of their subtle nature, became small windows that allowed the eye to transition from one shape or color into another without any barrier such as a hard edge. The hard edges on the other hand, acted as small roadblocks for the eyes and subconsciously directed the eye to pay attention to this area of the painting as it must be something of importance. To me, this was an epiphany. That imaginary light bulb above my head suddenly came on and I had just crossed a bridge with my painting. Now I just needed to remember to always pay attention to the edges of my shapes and to soften some of them as I worked through the painting. I also learned that if I began my paintings with a wet into wet application of paint to lay in my basic shapes, I would be assured of plenty of soft edges. Then all I had to do was come back into the shapes on dry paper and selectively add hard edges where I wanted them while leaving many of the original edges soft. It didn't take long before I realized that hard edges were not only a necessity but also a great way to direct the viewer to my center of interest.
In the watercolor painting above, "On the Waterfront", you will notice that many of the edges in the painting were left as soft edges following my initial wet into wet beginning. I wanted the dock in front of the building to be the center of interest so I left the area predominantly white unpainted paper and intentionally put a hard edge on the individual shapes to make them more dynamic. I also balanced some of the other shapes in the painting with hard edges here and there to balance many of the soft edges elsewhere in the painting. Everything else in the painting is essentially just colors and values that are arranged in a playful and somewhat stylized manner.
So the next time you are planning a painting, be sure to remind yourself before you put the first brush to your paper to remember to leave some soft edges as you paint. Balance them later with some hard edges for a more professional and well executed presentation. It can make a profound difference in your work.
*Please Note*
I have recently 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 originally 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 someone 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.
____________________________________________________
Well, it's official
(At least until I change my mind)
As many of you know, for years I have offered my students a discount on my watercolor paintings at workshops and on my website. I do this because it's a way of showing appreciation for their support while at the same time increasing sales, which every business needs. I've been asked several times if the discount on paintings is available to those who take my Zoom classes as well as those who attend my four and five day on-location workshops. After thinking it over, Diane and I have decided to offer a flat 25% discount off of the listed retail price on ALL of my unframed and unmatted paintings (on paper) to anyone who has attended one of my Live Zoom Classes or on-location workshops. In addition, I will pay the shipping and insurance provided it is being shipped to an address in the U.S.
So if you are one of our students and see a watercolor painting or an acrylic on paper on my website that you are interested in purchasing, DO NOT click the "Add to Cart" button because if you do it will charge the full price for the painting. Instead, go to the "Contact" page and send an email telling us which painting you are interested in buying and what class or workshop you attended. We will email an invoice to you with the discounted price and instructions on ways to pay for the purchase.
This offer is NOT available for works on canvas or Whiskey Paintings
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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 Acrylic and Mixed Media Abstracts on Paper
I will be teaching a three-day LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting Acrylic and/or water soluble pastels and pencil on gessoed watercolor paper. Day-One will be an Abstract Expressionist painting, Day-Two an abstracted landscape, and Day-Three an abstracted still life.
The dates are May 24, 26, and 28 from Noon - 4:00pm Eastern Time. There will be plenty of time for everyone to paint in the afternoons and there will be a day off between each class for additional painting time. Each participant will also receive an unedited and downloadable video of each class.
We are also offering four-hour Live Zoom Classes.
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I will be teaching a LIVE ZOOM CLASS in May and one in June. Each is four-hours long and will include a completed demonstration painting and plenty of time for participants to paint. I will be available to assist as needed.
The painting of the Western Sunset is on May 15 from Noon til 4:00 Eastern Time.
The painting of the Atmospheric Mountain Scene is June 12 from Noon til 4:00 Eastern Time.
The cost of each of the four hour Live Zoom Classes is $100.00.
Both of these classes are for the intermediate to advanced student.
As an added bonus you will receive an unedited downloadable video of each class.
and click on "Live Zoom Classes" to purchase or learn more about these and our other upcoming Live Zoom Classes.
There are several upcoming classes to choose from.
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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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On the road again!
I'm happy to announce that I will finally begin teaching in-house workshops at various locations in the U.S after this long Covid break. Our 2021 schedule is full as well as our 2022 schedule. It will be nice to see everyone again.
2021 Workshop Schedule
***Please Read***
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
- May 15, 2021, LIVE ZOOM CLASS
This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM class teaching how to paint a southwestern mesa and sunset with watercolors. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Zoom Classes" to learn more or to register.
- May 24, 26, 28, 2021 LIVE ZOOM CLASS
This will be a three-day workshop on painting an Acrylic and Mixed Media Abstract on Paper. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Zoom Classes" to register or learn more.
- 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 26 - June 29, 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 old abandoned mine buildings with watercolor. 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
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August 12-15, 2021, Manhassett, N.Y.
The Art Guild of Port Washington
- 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.
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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.
- 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 ext. 1123
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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 8, 10, 12, 2021 Three-day LIVE ZOOM CLASS
- This will be a three-day LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting stylized watercolors. This is my signature style of painting. We'll explore how to paint a stylized landscape, buildings, and a stylized still life. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Zoom Classes" to learn more or to register.
- 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.
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22" x 30" Acrylic on Fabriano paper.
This is an acrylic painting on Fabriano 300lb cold pressed watercolor paper. I will be teaching a three-day Zoom class on painting acrylic and mixed media abstracts on paper this month. I generally prefer my abstracted acrylic paintings on gessoed watercolor paper more than I do my paintings on canvas. The textures seem easier to work with and I like the way the paintings look when framed with a white mat under plexiglass. It's a very classy look.
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15" x 22" watercolor on Fabriano paper.
Sometimes you just have to kick back and have some fun with this stuff. We all get into the mindset where everything has to be just perfect but in doing so we forget how to be a little playful and creative.
These funky and whacky paintings are fun and exciting to paint. The more imperfect they are, the better they are.
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Not too long ago Diane and I visited a local vineyard for an afternoon of relaxing and indulging. Sometimes we all need to spoil ourselves a little, right? As we were walking around the area we noticed this crazy and funky shadow of ourselves. I couldn't resist sharing it.
Be sure sure and tell your art loving friends about our monthly free newsletter. They can sign-up for it on our website;
As always, we appreciate your support.
Art; it chooses us
Ponder this:
"Everything has it's beauty, but not everyone sees it."
Andy Warhol
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
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