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November 2024, Newsletter
Click on the images for a larger view
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15" x 11" Watercolor.
Want to paint looser? Be more spontaneous
Anyone who has ever taken a workshop with me has heard me refer to quick and spontaneous brushstrokes when explaining how to make your painting look looser and more energetic. The most common request that I get in workshops is "can you show me how to paint looser?" The beautiful dry brush effects from quick brushstrokes is almost impossible to duplicate in any other way and will definitely make your paintings appear looser and more exciting.
Here is how the Google Dictionary defines "Spontaneous"
"performed or occurring as a result of a sudden inner impulse or inclination and without premeditation or external stimulus"
I wrote an editorial about spontaneous brushwork five years ago but at that time I did not include a lot of examples of what it means to employ spontaneous brushstrokes in a painting. I love the look of spontaneity in a painting. Sometimes an artist will make a quick and impulsive brushstroke that results in a broken edge or dry brush appearance. I know from experience that it is often without premeditation or express planning. It just happens and suddenly you are faced with a decision. Do you leave it as is or use a damp brush to blend it away? If you decide to leave it alone it implies to the viewer that the artist is experienced enough and confident enough to continue without tampering with that fresh and spontaneous stroke of the brush. It took me a long time to resist the urge to tamper with those unexpected broken edges. Once I finally learned to leave them alone I saw that my paintings looked fresher and looser. It takes discipline but oh, what a difference it makes in a painting.
So why is this important? If you look at the painting above you notice right away that it has a fresh and expressive look because of the quick and painterly brushstrokes, especially in the foreground grass. The shapes are not at all precise but there is enough information to let the viewer know that these quick brushstrokes are grass. It would be very easy to take a damp brush and smooth out the edges in an effort to make the shapes look more precise, or even, use a small brush to paint individual blades of grass. If I did, however, I would lose some of the freshness of the painting.
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This is a quarter sheet watercolor abstract expressionist painting that I did at a workshop recently to illustrate the beauty of quick and spontaneous brushstrokes. Had I painted very carefully controlled lines the painting would not have the freshness and energy that you would see by simply leaving it alone. | |
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Here is another example of rapid and spontaneous brushwork. The leaves on the tree and the grass were all painted with a 1" flat nylon brush. I even threw in a few splatters of clear water on the scene while the paint was still wet in order to create even more expressive textures. Even though it's just rapid brushstrokes and splatters, you know exactly what it is.
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Even when painting something as delicate as a flower, a few spontaneous broken edges add an element of freshness to the painting. The broken edges and quickly rendered calligraphic lines are far more attractive and artistic than it would look if I had been very precise and controlling with my brushstrokes. | |
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So the next time you are working on a painting try using rapid brushstrokes and look at the beautiful freshness it gives your painting. In the tree painting above, you can still use more controlled brushwork with crisp edges to accentuate the key elements of the painting but those fresh spontaneous brushstrokes with the broken edges are a wonderful way to keep your painting from looking too tight and controlled.
***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.
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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.
*Please keep in mind that the price for all of our Live Zoom Classes is per person.
ALSO
Upon taking a Zoom Class you will become eligible to purchase many of my original paintings at a special student wholesale 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;
LIVE ZOOM CLASSES SCHEDULE
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Join renowned watermedia master Sterling Edwards as he shows how to paint a stylized and entertaining watercolor still life of wine bottles and glasses in this LIVE ZOOM CLASS. There will be a lot of techniques explained and demonstrated including color mixing, layering washes of color, controlling edge quality, building a strong composition, negative painting, working on wet paper, painting with large brushes, designing an eye catching composition, and more. From the initial sketch and discussion on composition to the finished painting, you'll see it all live.
There will be plenty of painting time with assistance and critiques.
Join us and see for yourself why Sterling Edwards, with his relaxed and approachable style of teaching, is one of the most sought-after watermedia instructors in the U.S. and abroad.
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.
November 5, 2024. Noon til 4:00pm U.S. Eastern Time.
$100
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Join renowned watermedia master Sterling Edwards as he shows how to Create a "Painterly" acrylic landscape on watercolor paper similar to this painting in this LIVE ZOOM CLASS. Pieces like this are all about colors and brushwork. There will be a lot of techniques explained and demonstrated including color mixing, layering color, controlling edge quality, building a strong composition, negative painting, painting with large brushes, creating exciting textures, and more. From the initial sketch and discussion on composition to the finished painting, you'll see it all live.
There will be plenty of painting time with assistance and critiques.
Join us and see for yourself why Sterling Edwards, with his relaxed and approachable style of teaching, is one of the most sought-after watermedia instructors in the U.S. and abroad.
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.
November 13, 2024. Noon til 4:00pm U.S. Eastern Time.
$100
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Join renowned watermedia master Sterling Edwards as he shows how to paint a stylized and glowing watercolor floral in this LIVE ZOOM CLASS. There will be a lot of techniques explained and demonstrated including color mixing, layering washes of color, controlling edge quality, building a strong composition, negative painting, working on wet paper, painting with large brushes, and more. From the initial sketch and discussion on composition to the finished painting, you'll see it all live.
There will be plenty of painting time with assistance and critiques.
Join us and see for yourself why Sterling Edwards, with his relaxed and approachable style of teaching, is one of the most sought-after watermedia instructors in the U.S. and abroad.
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.
November 19, 2024. Noon til 4:00pm U.S. Eastern Time.
$100
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This is a one day LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting a relaxing winter sunset with lots of color and landscape elements similar to this painting. There will be a lot of creative watercolor techniques explained and demonstrated in this class including, creative brush techniques, developing a strong composition, controlling edge quality, various texturing techniques, negative painting, saving whites, painting wet into wet and wet on dry paper, working with large brushes including large stiff bristle brushes, color harmony, and more.
Sterling Edwards is renowned worldwide for his laid back and very informative style of teaching.
There will be plenty of student painting time with assistance and critiques.
Each participant will also receive photographs of the demonstration painting along with an unedited and downloadable video of the class.
This class is suitable for the INTERMEDIATE to ADVANCED watercolor artist.
December 12, 2024 from Noon til 4:00pm U.S. Eastern Time
$100
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2024 Workshops
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Tellico Village, TN, December 5-7, 2024 WAIT LIST
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, mkukral@icloud.com 815-708-3128
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"Algonquin II"
22" x 30" Watercolor
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"Sounds of the City"
24" x 30" Acrylic on canvas
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"Contemplation
22" x 15" Watercolor
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This is a photo of me and Diane taken at one of the many wonderful vineyards in North Carolina.
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
"A good artist has less time than ideas"
Martin Kippenberger
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
USA
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