March 2024, Newsletter
Click on the images for a larger view
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"Side of the Road"
30"x 22" Stylized Watercolor
Why do some paintings work while others do not?
A four part conversation.
Part One: Composition
Let's be honest, it doesn't matter how experienced you are or how skilled you are some paintings simply don't rise to the levels of others you've painted. Most of the time we see right away what went wrong but other times we really can't put our finger on it. I'm speaking not only from my own personal experience but also from what I see other artists struggle with in the workshops that I teach. There are numerous reasons why some pieces don't work, such as, trying to paint something that is outside of our skill level, overworking the piece, being distracted while painting, the colors that we chose were mud makers, and so on and so on.
I am a firm believer in constantly pushing myself and my painting in the framework of continuous improvement. It's easy to get complacent when we paint because you're really not reinventing the wheel but rather going through the same motions that you've been doing for years. The difference is that each piece is a unique statement even though you are using the same techniques, brushes, colors, paper, etc.
I am going to write a four part series of editorials that address what I see as the main culprits that can bring our work down in ways that we may not even know about or may have not noticed in our work. As always, everything that I write is based solely on my experience and my opinions.
Composition is the number one aspect of a painting that I feel is often overlooked when planning a piece of art. I am always focused on composition when painting my own pieces or viewing works by other artists. In fact, it is the first thing that I look for when judging a piece in a competition. I wholeheartedly believe that the composition of the painting can make or break the piece. I have always referred to composition as the backbone of your painting.
In the above painting, "Side of the Road" I was very particular about creating the painting around the large foreground tree. There are a lot of interesting and stylized shapes in the painting but, at first glance, we notice the tree. It's a dominant shape that has movement and stands out from the angular shapes of the buildings. The Center of interest is the base of the tree and the areas around the base. It is in the lower right one-third of the painting which subscribes to the "Rule of thirds" philosophy. It is a simple but very effective standard of composition. There are many others that are equally as powerful. Many books have been written about the various philosophies surrounding composition. The "Rule of Thirds", however; is my preference in most of my paintings. You can see it in all of the paintings in this newsletter. If you are not familiar with the Rule of Thirds here is how it works. Imagine drawing two vertical lines cross your paper or canvas that are equally space. You have essentially divided your surface into three equally sized sections. Now divide the surface into three equally sized horizontal shapes. It will look like a tic tac toe configuration. Any place that two lines cross can be an appropriate location for a center of interest. In spite of the name, avoid putting your center of interest directly in the center or your painting. You will see several example of the Rule of Thirds at work in the paintings below.
Another aspect of composition that I endorse is an asymmetric design and, when possible, overlapping shapes. Asymmetry simply means keeping the elements in the painting off balance to a certain degree rather than having everything lined up and symmetrical. Look for opportunities to vary the sizes and shapes of the objects in the painting. The painting below, "Ankle Twisters" is an example of combining the rule of thirds and an asymmetrical imbalance of the elements in the painting. In this piece the center of interest is the upper left third of the painting but the overlapping and juxtaposed boulders create a sense of chaos and movement in the painting. Had I painted the boulders all the same size and lying next to each other the painting would be boring and flat. So once again I used the age old Rule of Thirds as my compositional guideline. The ancient tree nestled in the boulders is the center of interest and the rest of the shapes in the painting were carefully arranged to create a little chaos and imbalance by varying the shapes and sizes. You will also notice that the boulders overlap each other and all point toward the center of interest, more or less. I am basically telling the viewer where to look.
Most artists work from photographs and want to design their painting around the layout in the photo. Photographs are a great way to find inspiration for a painting but very rarely do you find a photograph where everything is laid out in a perfect composition. Usually we need to move things around and even remove things that are not necessary to make the painting work. It's always a good idea to do several small 3" x 5" thumbnail sketches with a pencil before diving into the painting. By taking the elements of the photograph and moving them around allows the artist to make their own decisions about the size, placement, and significance in the composition of the painting. Look for opportunities to overlap shapes to create depth and make decisions on what is really necessary to make this painting work and what is unnecessary to include in the painting. Once you have a thumbnail sketch that has a strong center of interest and is a pleasing balance of shapes and sizes, then you have much greater chance of producing a nicer painting with a strong and appealing composition.
My April editorial will discuss "Values".
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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 sterling@sterlingedwards.com so that we can record 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". We always appreciate your support.
Here's what I've been up to lately
February was a busy month for us. We taught a Live Zoom Class on painting a vivid sunset with watercolors and on painting a stylized floral with watercolors. We have also been working on reaching out to our corporate clients and developing new connections with designers.
I'm also pleased to announce that I have recently produced a video series on how to create a "Painterly" acrylic landscape, floral, and still life. This NEW series is now available through the Artefacto School of Art and can be purchased at the following link.
Click below to learn more...
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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.
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"Watercolor Abstract Expressionism"
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This will be a one-day Live Zoom Watercolor Class that will focus on painting a dynamic and attention grabbing watercolor abstract expressionist painting similar to this piece.
Join renowned watermedia artist Sterling Edwards as he explains and demonstrates his techniques for designing and painting a unique and expressive abstract painting that commands attention and triggers the imagination. If you're tired of painting the same ole same ole, then you will enjoy and benefit from this very creative class. There will be a lot of techniques, discussions on composition, color theory, overlapping shapes, negative painting, 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 FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS, HOWEVER; PREVIOUS WATERCOLOR EXPERIENCE IS ALWAYS BENEFICIAL.
March 13, 2024 from noon til 4:00pm (U.S. Eastern Time)
$100
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"Negative Painting on Steroids III" |
This is going to be a four-hour Live Zoom Class that will focus exclusively on learning the skills to include beautiful negative shapes in your paintings.
Sterling Edwards is a world renowned watermedia master and an expert at 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 two Negative Painting Workshops sold out 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.
THIS WORKSHOP FOR WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT FOR A BEGINNER AND THEREFORE IS RECOMMENDED FOR INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED WATERCOLOR ARTIST.
April 3, 2024 from noon til 4:00pm (U.S. Eastern Time)
$100
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"Acrylic Abstract Expressionism"
Join renowned watermedia master Sterling Edwards as he walks you through his processes of creating eye-catching and unique abstracts with acrylic paint on watercolor paper. Sterling will teach you how to design and find inspiration for an abstract paintings as we as a multitude of creative techniques.
You will also enjoy Sterling's laid back and casual style of teaching.
If you are ready to dive into the exciting world of abstract art then then you will not want to miss this opportunity.
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; previous painting experience is always helpful.
May 6, 8, 10, 2024 from Noon til 4:00pm U.S. Eastern time daily.
$300
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"Painting Old Buildings with Loose Watercolor Techniques"
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Join renowned watermedia master Sterling Edwards as he walks you through his processes for creating a loose and appealing painting of an old building. There will be a lot of techniques illustrated including saving white paper, building rich dark vales for drama, controlling edges, negative painting, creative color mixing and more.
You'll see it all from from the initial sketch to the completed painting.
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 water color artist.
June 13, 2024 from Noon til 4:00pm U.S. Eastern Time.
$100
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"Painting Stylized Trees with Acrylics" |
In this acrylic Live Zoom Workshop Sterling Edwards will take you through his processes for creating an exciting and artistic stylized (semi-abstract) painting of trees similar to this painting on watercolor paper.
There will be a lot of techniques including negative painting, layering washes of color, controlling edge quality, building a strong composition, 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 the intermediate to advanced artist.
June 18, 2024 from Noon til 4:00pm U.S. Eastern Time.
$100
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- Diane and I have decided that 2024 will essentially be my last year of traveling and teaching on-location workshops. I have a couple of long term commitments that we will honor then we will primarily be doing LIVE ZOOM CLASSES from our studio.
2024 Workshops
- Grifton, NC March 20-March 24, 2024...
Watercolors From A to Z WAIT LIST
- Painting loose landscapes, flowers, and stylized watercolors
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Littleton, CO April 12-April 14., 2024 Painting Expressive Watercolors WAIT LIST
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.
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Littleton, CO April 16-April 18, 2024 Painting Expressive Watercolors WAIT LIST
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.
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Vilano Beach (St. Augustine), Florida May 20-23, 2024 WAIT LIST
Creative and Expressive Watercolors
This is a four-day watercolor workshop that will focus on tapping into your creative side and creating exciting and expressive watercolors that stand out in a crowd. This workshop is being hosted by Sterling and Diane Edwards.
- 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.
- Sioux Falls, SD September 17-September 18, 2024
Painting a Stylized Watercolor
Contact; Janice Bartels
605-222-8033
- Sioux Falls, SD September 19-September 20, 2024
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
605-222-8033
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"A Touch of Blue"
This is an acrylic painting on watercolor canvas that I painted a few years ago. It was a fun experiment.
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"Seeing the Light"
24" x 30" Acrylic on canvas.
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This is a photo of Diane and me taken at Lake Louise in Alberta recently. We had the pleasure of spending a week exploring the Canadian Rocky's and were totally mesmerized by it's beauty.
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
"I don't believe in art. I believe in artists".
Marcel Duchamp
Marcel
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
USA
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