"So Still", 20"x 28" Holbein Watercolor on Fabriano paper.
The secret Society of "THEY"
Have you ever wondered just who "They" are? We've all been exposed to them our entire lives but nobody can really explain to us just who in the world "They" are. We've been told by them how to raise our children, what we should eat, that we should exercise, what is inappropriate and what is acceptable. "They" like to challenge us and are always trying to control our behavior or at the very least, cause us to question ourselves. We can't put a face on them or question their wisdom because we don't honestly know who "They" are. But trust me; "They" are always present in our lives. The worst part is that "They" use us to convey their messages to one another. We do so all of the time without our even knowing that "They" are using us as their messengers.
A lot of them are very well meaning and truly try to be helpful. For example; "They" say you shouldn't let your children play in traffic. "They" say that you should always try and maintain a balanced diet. "They" say that you shouldn't run into a burning building, unless of course you are a Firefighter and then "They" say that you should always be wearing to proper equipment and have the proper training. The list goes on and on. "They" are right, these are all good and helpful bits of advice. Let's just call them the "Good Theys".
There are also the "Opinionated Theys". These are the ones that are very free with advice and offering opinions when "They" are merely repeating what another "They" has said. In other words, they aren't that knowledgeable but they love to pass it on as though it's an unwavering fact. "They" say that if you have more than one style of painting, it implies that you are conflicted and have not quite found yourself as an artist. "They" say that you can't really make a living as an artist. "They" say that abstract paintings are not real art. "They" say that natural born talent is just a myth. These are just a few of the "Opinionated Theys" words of wisdom pertaining to art. I could actually spend several hours writing more of them because in my line of work I've heard hundreds if not thousands more. No doubt you have too.
Then there are the "They" that can be confrontational and even mean spirited at times. We'll call them the "Bad Theys". Unfortunately, we encounter them much more often that the "Good and Opinionated Theys'. What the "Bad Theys" say is often destructive or self serving. It can cause you to question yourself or others in ways that you may not have considered without their imposing and obnoxious input. Depending on who is on the receiving end of a conversation it can cause a profound and detrimental impact on you as well. "They" say that he made his millions by cheating people. "They" say that she is having an affair. "They" say that you'll never make it on your own. "They" say that you're crazy if you listen to him or her. Once again, the list goes on and on. As you're reading this you're probably thinking of dozens of similar unwanted and unsolicited remarks that "They" sent to you via an unsuspecting friend or coworker. It's really kind of scary that "They" have so much influence in our lives. But the fact remains that "They" do. So what can we do about it?
Just recognizing that "They" exist is the first step in dealing with them. You can't escape them because "They" are everywhere. One thing that we can do is to always remember that anytime someone says "They", we're about to receive advice, a comment, a suggestion, or a condemnation from someone with no name. It's coming from the Society of "They" and the person that is saying it to you is just the unwitting messenger. The next thing that we can do is to remind ourselves that we can choose to believe what we are being told or brush it off as nonsense. I don't harbor any bad feelings for the person that is telling me because, once again, they're just the messenger.
I guess that I have developed thick skin over the years because most of the time I really don't care what "They" say. By the same token, "They" probably don't care what I say. To me that just seems like a healthy way to look at it.
Do you think that "They" will be upset about my views?
*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 someones 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.
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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 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 painting 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
