August, 2020 Newsletter
Click on the images for a larger view
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We are now offering two more digital download or streaming videos on our website;
The still life painting above and the Autumn scene to the right are each approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes long and can be purchased by clicking on the
"VIDEOS"
tab at the top of our website. We will be producing more videos in the future with a wide variety of subjects including some acrylic and mixed media abstract videos.
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The Caveman in all of us
Several years ago I wrote an editorial about the cave drawings in France and how they revealed an incredible urge by our earliest ancestors to use art as a means of communication. This is somewhat of a rewrite of that editorial.
To fully get the gist of this message, try and imagine yourself as a hunter in the valleys of southern France 35,000 years ago. It's a world that we can never fully imagine because many of the animals that these people hunted and encountered have since become extinct. It was a tough life and I have no doubt that many of these early hunters did not survive these hunting trips. They were chasing down animals such as Woolly Mammoths, Woolly Rhinoceros, Giant Sloths, herds of horses, herds of bison, elk, and a host of other equally large and dangerous animals. All the while they were always on the lookout for animals such as sabre-toothed cats, packs of wolves, and cave bears that were hunting them at the same time. What I find really remarkable about theses early hunters is the fact that they were armed with nothing more than a flint tipped spear. In other words, you have to be within a few feet of these giant and dangerous animals to bring them down. We know that they hunted in packs and that there had to be some form of communication between them to coordinate such a seemingly impossible task without being gored or trampled to death, as I suspect many were. Nevertheless, these animals provided them with food and skins that they could use to protect themselves from the weather, and bones that they used for tools. Without these hunting trips they, and those who relied on them, would not survive. If they were seriously injured while hunting it was most likely a death sentence since there were no doctors or hospitals. In spite of the brutal conditions these people endured they were very successful at staying alive and they even left a visual record of their lives for future generations. They left drawings on the walls of a cave. I wonder what drove them to do those drawings. Someone had to be the first to draw something and more than likely others liked the idea and started to draw as well. They even used some of the bones from animals to carve effigy figures and make pendants to adorn themselves. This clearly implies that they did not spend all of their time hunting and struggling to survive; they had leisure time as well. They obviously spent part of their leisure time creating works of art. Sound familiar?
Several years ago a cave was discovered in Chauvet, France that had been sealed for thousands of years when the face of an overhanging cliff broke loose sealing the cave from the outside world. Inside of the cave there were fossilized remains of giant cave bears that at one time inhabited the cave. As you venture further into the cave you enter an art gallery that is almost beyond belief and has received world wide acclaim. It is such a valued national treasure that the French Government will not allow anyone to enter the cave unless they are recognized anthropologists, historians, etc. who are escorted through the cave for limited amounts of time so as not to risk damaging the drawings. The pictographs that await them are 35,000 years old. Most of them were drawn with charcoal and colored with shades of ocher. They are so old that many of them are encased under a transparent layer of calcite which formed over tens of thousands of years of mineral rich water seeping down the walls of the cave. They look as though they are under glass. This isn't the first time a cave containing beautiful and ancient drawings has been discovered but this is by far the most intriguing and the oldest. It is a journal of what these early humans had seen and hunted. Many of the drawings actually suggest motion such as a group of horses running. The anatomical details of the animals and the movement are very precisely rendered. That's remarkable considering that there was no light in the cave when these drawings were created so the artists who created them had to go back into the bowels of the cave with nothing more that a piece of charcoal and a torch. It's also worth noting that the remains of many of the the cave bears also date to the same period so it's possible that they had encounters with the bears while venturing into the recesses of the cave to make their drawings. In 2010 a documentary titled,
"CAVE OF FORGOTTEN DREAMS"
was produced about this cave. It's my understanding that the documentary can be seen on Netflix and Amazon. It's a fascinating and jaw dropping film that I highly recommend watching.
So here is where the artist's enter the scene. When I first watched this documentary I was astounded by the anatomical accuracy of the animals and the manner in which many of them were shown in motion. Then it occurred to me that these early artists had no reference when drawing these animals other than what they saw and remembered while hunting. They had actually taken the time to carefully study these animals and make mental notes about the way in which the animals moved and the anatomy of the animals. Equally amazing is that at some point they felt compelled to venture into the darkness of the cave with their torch and a piece of charcoal and leave a visual record of what they had seen. To my knowledge, there has never been any creature on earth, past or present, other than humans to have the desire and the ability to do this. I truly believe that a desire to express ourselves and communicate through art is inherently a human trait that we all possess. Needless to say, some people are more inclined to create pieces of art than others but even those that never involve themselves in the arts still have the artistic brain to do so if they wish. The ancient people that painted the walls of the caves had never taken a drawing class or even had the luxury of buying art supplies. They didn't have a camera to photograph the animals so they would have a visual reference when they were ready to draw them. They didn't even have good lighting when they produced their works of art. But in spite of all of their disadvantages, they produced incredible works of art that are almost beyond belief. These people were just the first to leave a visual record through their art. For thousands of years since other groups of people and civilizations have left artistic records of their lives and experiences as well. I think that they had no choice. Creating a piece of art or using art as a means of communication is something that they were compelled to do; it's in their genes. Yes, I really do believe that there is a little of the caveman in all of us.
WEBSITE NEWS
We have just posted our
2021
workshop calendar on our website and newsletter.
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. 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 recently 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 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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"Marilyn's Pride"
15" x 22" Watercolor
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The last few months have given me an opportunity to go through a lot of my old files, including my archives of paintings. I'm finding things that I haven't seen or thought about in years.
This painting is a painting from ten or so years ago was inspired by a photograph that was loaned to me as reference by my former Canadian agent, Marilyn Mercer, in Bobcaygeon, Ontario. For several years Marilyn coordinated many of my Canadian workshops and was a very accomplished artist herself. She passed away a few years ago and will always be remembered as an exceptional artist, a very good friend, a good person, and a wonderful agent.
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"Stiletto"
36"x 36" Acrylic and Water Soluble Pastel on Gallery Wrap canvas.
This is a new piece that I painted at my recent workshop in Calabash, NC.
We had a GREAT group of artists and spent five days exploring acrylic and mixed media abstract painting. The workshop was hosted and held at the
Sunset River Marketplace Gallery.
I also brought a new collection of large abstract paintings on canvas to the gallery. If you're going to be in the Myrtle Beach area be sure and stop by; it's a great gallery.
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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 both of my websites even though I am very computer challenged. The best part is the price. I'm only paying $28.00 a month for a 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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2020-2021 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
- 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 Covid-19
- 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
CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19
- 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
Cancelled due to Covid-19
- 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
2021 Workshops
- 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
- February 1-5, 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
- March 9-12, 2021 Palm Desert, CA
Coachella Valley Watercolor Society.
This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of creative and abstract designs and techniques.
Contact: Kathleen Scoggins, 503-515-9633
- April 7-11, 2021 Grifton, NC
- May 24 – 27, 2021 Fairbanks, Ak
Fairbanks Watercolor Society:
- June 27 – July 2, 2021 Boone, NC
Cheap Joe’s: T
his 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
- August 12-15, 2021, Manhassett, N.Y.
- 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.
- 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: Deannn 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 Blaze of Glory"
22" x 15" watercolor
Both of these paintings were painted about ten or twelve years ago. It's fun to dig around in my old archives.
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"At Eye Level"
22" x 30" Watercolor on Fabriano paper.
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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
Ponder this:
"Life doesn't imitate art, it imitates bad television."
Woody Allen
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
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