|
July 2024, Newsletter
Click on the images for a larger view
| |
|
"Tight Community"
30" x 22" Watercolor.
Time and inspiration; if only they worked together.
Is it just me or do a lot of you find that when you have the time to paint it is difficult to get inspired; or when you are really inspired it's difficult to find the time? We live in a fast paced world that seems to always put demands on our time and our minds. Like most of you I get a great deal of pleasure when I paint. It takes my mind into a realm that is difficult for those who do not paint to understand. I become so involved with the thought process of creating a piece of art that I usually forget all of the mental clutter that seems to be ever present in our lives. I actually drift into what I describe as a time warp when I paint. I become mentally and physically at one with the art and lose all track of time. Time is not important when we create, at least in theory. Sometimes I think that I have been at my table or easel for an hour or two only to look at the clock and realize that I have been painting for almost four hours. Without realizing it, I have drifted into the zone where nothing else mattered except the next brushstroke. It's a great and peaceful place to be.
The dilemma for me, and a lot of the artists I know, is that when I get inspired, there is no time to paint. I need to put my inspiration aside and take care of everyday demands until I can clear my mind and set aside the time to create. Usually, my initial inspiration has long vanished by then so I patiently wait and hope that it will return. Sometimes it does while other times it does not, at least with the same intensity as before. Other times I find a rare situation where I am caught up on my life demands and have a large window of time to spend in my studio. Now I need to find something that inspires me to create so I scour through mountains of photographs in an effort to find something, anything, that screams "paint me!". Sometimes I find it and other times nothing seems to hit the mark. Usually, by the time I have found something that inspires me my time to actually paint has eroded away.
I am fortunate that I have developed a style and system of painting using large brushes that enables me to do a complete painting in a few hours or less. This style of painting however, requires an uninterrupted window of time to keep the momentum flowing. If I find a situation where I have to put my painting aside for a period of time I will usually lose the momentum and spontaneity necessary to do my work. Years ago, when I was a photo-realist painter, that wasn't a problem. I would typically spend weeks and sometimes even months to complete a painting . It was not unusual to pop into the studio for an hour or two or less and add a few more blades of grass or a few more leaves on a tree to my painting with my two hair brush. There weren't any creative demands or freshness, but rather, very deliberate brushstrokes that were always pre-planned and specific. It was easy to walk away from the painting at any time and pick up where I left off at any time.
Beginning next January I plan on spending much more time in my studio as I will be teaching mostly via Live Zoom Classes and Workshops. I look forward to actually having the freedom and time to paint what inspires me when it is fresh in my mind rather than having to put it off until I can find the time. There will still be times when I am committed to teach, write, and film but it should be much easier to get into my studio (my world) and do what I love to do, paint. Maybe at long last my time/inspiration dilemma will work to my advantage rather than always being an aggravation. We'll see.
| |
|
NEW
***Collectors List***
If you have purchased three or more original paintings from us over the years we would like to add you to our "Collectors List". Please email us at www.sterling@sterlingedwards.com so that we will have your your name and contact information.
Upon receiving your information we will send you information about a new offer that is only available to those on our Collectors List in appreciation of your support.
We have had a lot of qualified collectors requesting to be added to the list. If you qualify please let us know. The benefits are substantial.
New Whiskey Paintings
I have just posted a new collection of custom framed Whiskey Paintings on our website. Click the link below to go directly to my Whiskey Paintings Gallery. The Whiskey Painters of America is the most renowned and exclusive international miniature painting society in the world. There are only 150 lifetime signature members worldwide. I am proud that in 2015 I was selected to be one of them.
https://www.sterlingedwards.com/collections/90810
| |
|
Upcoming Live Zoom Classes from our studio
All my Live Zoom Classes and Workshops are designed to illustrate and explain a multitude of creative techniques. There will be plenty of painting time for each participant. I am available throughout the entire class to offer suggestions and/or critiques as you work on your paintings. As an added bonus, you will receive an unedited video of each class and photographs for future study.
ALSO
Upon taking a Zoom Class you will become eligible to purchase many of my original paintings at a special student price.
Please Note: Many of our Live Zoom Classes fill quickly. Early registration is recommended.
You can also see our Live Zoom schedule on our website; www.sterlingedwards.com
| |
|
"Painting a Foggy Watercolor"
| |
|
In this four-hour Live Zoom Class Sterling will show you how to maximize blended edges to create a dynamic atmospheric watercolor landscape similar to this painting. There will be a lot of specific painting techniques explained and demonstrated including developing a strong composition, working with large stiff bristle brushes, negative painting mixing grays, building rich dark values, saving unpainted white paper, and more.
From Sterling's initial sketch and discussion on composition to the finished painting, you'll see it all LIVE. You will also see why Sterling's laid back and informative style of teaching has mad him one of the most in demand watermedia instructors in the U.S and abroad.
Each participant will also receive photographs of the demonstration painting and an unedited and downloadable video of the entire class.
This class is intended for the intermediate to advanced watercolor artist.
July 29, 2024...Noon til 4:00pm U.S. Eastern Time
$100
| |
|
In this Live Zoom Workshop Sterling Edwards will take you through his processes for creating a rural landscape similar to this painting with watercolors. You will see how to paint an old barn, trees, grass, shadows, and more. From the initial sketch and discussion on composition to the finished painting, you'll see it all live.
There will be a lot of techniques including negative painting, layering washes of color, controlling edge quality, building a strong composition, painting with large brushes, and more.
Each participant will also
receive photographs of the various stages of Sterling's demonstration piece and an unedited downloadable video of the workshop.
This Zoom Class is intended for the intermediate to advanced watercolor artist.
August 6, 2024,...Noon til 4:00pm U.S. Eastern Time
$100
| | |
|
"Negative Painting on Steroids V" | |
|
This is going to be a four-hour Live Zoom Class that will focus exclusively on learning the skills to include beautiful negative shapes into your paintings. Introducing negative shapes into your paintings will take your work to much higher levels of professionalism. Sterling will paint a piece similar to this stylized landscape to illustrate how negative painting skills can be employed in both landscape as well as architectural scenes to elevate your art to a higher level of professionalism.
Sterling Edwards is a world renowned watermedia master and an expert on negative painting. You will find his explanations and demonstrations along with his insight very informative.
You will also enjoy Sterling's laid back and casual style of teaching.
The last four Negative Painting Zoom Classes sold out very quickly. If interested please register early.
Each participant will also receive photographs of the various stages of Sterling's demonstration piece and an unedited downloadable video of the workshop.
There will be plenty of student painting time.
THIS WORKSHOP FOR WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT FOR A BEGINNER AND THEREFORE IS RECOMMENDED FOR INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED WATERCOLOR ARTIST.
August 12, 2024 Noon til 4:00pm (U.S. Eastern Time)
$100
| |
|
"Painting an Atmospheric Acrylic Landscape"
| |
|
This will be a one-day Live Zoom Acrylic Watercolor Class that will focus on painting a dynamic and attention grabbing atmospheric landscape on gessoed watercolor paper similar to this painting.
Join renowned watermedia artist Sterling Edwards as he explains and demonstrates his techniques for designing and painting a unique and expressive impressionist painting that commands attention.
There will be a lot of techniques, discussions on composition, color theory, overlapping shapes, texturing, expressive brushwork, and much much more. You'll also enjoy Sterling's laid back and very informative style of teaching.
Each participant will also receive photographs of the various stages of Sterling's demonstration piece and an unedited downloadable video of the workshop.
THIS WORKSHOP IS INTENDED FOR THE INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED WATERCOLOR OR ACRYLICS ARTIST.
August 21, 2024...noon til 4:00pm (U.S. Eastern Time)
$100
| |
|
Join renowned watermedia master Sterling Edwards in this acrylic Live Zoom Workshop as he shows his processes and techniques for creating an exciting and interpretive Abstract Expressionist paint with acrylic paint on watercolor paper similar to this painting.
There will be a lot of techniques including color mixing, layering washes of color, controlling edge quality, building a strong composition, sgraffito and calligraphy and more. From the initial sketch and discussion on composition to the finished painting, you'll see it all live.
Each participant will also
receive photographs of the various stages of Sterling's demonstration piece and an unedited downloadable video of the workshop.
This Zoom Class is intended for all skill levels, however, experience with acrylic paint will be beneficial.
September 10, 2024 Noon til 4:00pm U.S. Eastern Time.
$100
| |
|
After almost twenty-five years on the road, Diane and I have decided that 2024 will essentially be my last year of traveling and teaching on-location workshops. We have a few long term commitments that we will honor then we will primarily be doing LIVE ZOOM CLASSES from our studio.
It has always been an honor and a privilege to have worked with so many wonderful groups and artists throughout the U.S. and internationally. Thank you for your support.
2024 Workshops
- Alma, MI, July 15-18, 2024, Abstract Acrylics
This workshop will cover several styles of abstraction using acrylic paint on paper or canvas.
Contact: Kathy Litwiller, litwi1km@gmail.com
989-236-5368
- Boone, NC (Cheap Joe's) August 26-August 30, 2024
Creative and Expressive Watercolors
This creative workshop will show you how to push design and color to create a unique and thought provoking visual statement. You'll learn a multitude of watercolor techniques and design principles.
Contact; Meghann Williams, meghann@cheapjoes.com
800-227-2788 Click here to register or learn more
-
Sioux Falls, SD September 17-September 18, 2024 WAIT LIST
Painting a Stylized Watercolor
Contact; Janice Bartels
jncbartels897@gmail.com
605-222-8033
- Sioux Falls, SD September 19-September 20, 2024
- WAIT LIST
Watercolor Abstracts
This creative workshop will show you how to push design and color to create a unique and thought provoking visual statement. You'll learn a multitude of watercolor techniques and design principles.
Contact; Janice Bartels
jncbartels897@gmail.com
605-222-8033
- Ocean City, MD, October 21-24
Art League of Ocean City... Creative, Expressive, and Dynamic Watercolors.
This workshop will focus on creating a stylized or abstract painting using a wide variety of watercolor techniques.
Contact; Katrin Huber.
katrin@artleagueofoceancity.org
- Tellico Village, TN, December 5-7, 2024
Creating Expressive and Dynamic Watercolors
This creative workshop will show you how to push design and color to create a unique and thought provoking visual statement. You'll learn a multitude of watercolor techniques and design principles.
Contact; Mari Kukral, mkukaral@icloud.com 815-708-3128
| |
|
"A Touch of Moss"
11" x 15" Watercolor Mono
chromatic study using Paynes Gray
| |
|
|
This is a photo of me and Diane taken at the Nantahala River in the beautiful Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina near Bryson City. It's one of our favorite places to just relax and get back to nature.
A special thank you to Diane for all that you do to manage our business and keep things running smoothly. It's a full-time job and your attention to detail and professionalism is appreciated by all. I couldn't do this without you.
Spread the word
Please tell your art loving friends about our website and newsletter; word of mouth referrals are by far the best advertising. They can sign-up for the newsletter on our website; www.sterlingedwards.com . Thank you.
As always, we appreciate your support.
Art; it chooses us
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
“The job of the artist is to always deepen the mystery"
Frances Bacon
| |
Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
USA
Please like us on Facebook and Instagram
| | | | |
