Sterling's January, 2021 Newsletter

February, 2021 Newsletter

Click on the images for a larger view

"Strokes", 30"x 40" Acrylic on gessoed paper.

Go ahead and think yourself out of it

Quite often I will see something that I am instantly attracted to and want to paint. When this happens it sets into motion a series of questions that need to be carefully considered and answered before I put my first brushstroke on a piece of paper or canvas. Questions like; do I have the skill to paint

this successfully? Do I want to paint this in watercolors or some other medium? What size would best serve this subject? Do I want to rely mostly on the local colors or would a more creative and expressive palette better convey my thoughts? You know the routine. These are just a few of the never ending list of questions that need to be addressed before we begin a painting. At times it seems like every question that we answer brings with it two or more new questions. Then there are the questions that you didn't think to ask before starting the piece but will undoubtedly pop up when you are well into the painting. Wow; being an artist sure does take a lot of thinking and planning. It's exhausting. Maybe I had better sleep on it because right now my brain is worn out. I'm just too tired to be able to focus.

If you're at all like me and most of the artists that I know, the concept of "sleeping on it" is a joke. I will sometimes lay in bed for hours visualizing how I will paint that piece tomorrow. It's funny how creativity isn't something that you can turn on and off like a light switch. We're artist. our brains don't allow us the luxury of deciding when to be creative. Everything that we see bombards our brain with visual stimulation and preconceived notions. There are usually many more questions than there are answers. Sooner or later our brain tells us it's time to get some sleep and we drift off looking forward to our big and creative new project that we'll get started on right away in the morning.

I thought that I'd never get to sleep last night. Maybe I'd better have some more coffee before I dive into this painting. It would probably also be wise to do a few small thumbnails as well just to make sure that the composition works. Maybe I should change the direction of the light source to create more drama in the painting. In fact; I think that it would be a good idea to rearrange the elements in the scene to make it more balanced. Maybe I should just have another cup of coffee. Did I remember to make an appointment to put my car in the shop next week? Do I really want to paint this or would my time be better served cleaning up my studio? This place is such a mess it will be hard to stay focused on my painting with all of this clutter. Yes, I should definitely clean this place up before I dive into this painting. In fact; the more I think about it, is this really what I want to paint? Now that I've had sufficient time to think it through, I'm not as excited about it as I was yesterday. Oh well, that's OK because I'm sure that I'll find something even more exciting to paint tomorrow. Sound familiar?

*Please Note*

I have just 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 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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Our Websites

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.

The second is a new website that I designed to showcase my abstract paintings. The web address is: abstractionsbysterlingedwards.com

Both of the websites will be edited from time to time with new artwork and announcements.

FYI

For those of you that didn't read this last month, I have just 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 have 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.

Day-One Demo

Day-Two Demo

Day-Three Demo

Three-Day Live Zoom Class on Painting Water

I will be teaching a three-day LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting water with watercolors. Day-One will be a waterfall , Day-Two a beach scene, and Day-Three a lake with reflections.

The dates are March 22, 24, 26. Each class will include a two hour demo, a one hour lunch break, and two hours of student painting time. There will be a day off between each workshop for additional painting time. Each participant will also receive a downloadable video of each class.

Go to; www.sterlingedwards.com

and click on "Live Classes" to purchase or learn more about these and other upcoming Live Zoom Classes.

We are also offering three and four hour Live Zoom Classes.

These paintings are the subjects of our upcoming three-hour watercolor workshops.

Go to; www.sterlingedwards.com

and click on "Live Classes" to purchase or learn more about these upcoming Live Zoom Classes.

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 my website even though I am very computer challenged. The best part is the price. I'm only paying $28.00 a month for my 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

If you are a former student of mine and have taken a workshop or a Zoom class, you are entitled to the same 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 are 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 all unframed watercolors that are shipped to a U.S. address.

This offer is only for works on paper and DOES NOT include Whiskey Paintings, paintings on canvas, or paintings that are currently hanging in a gallery.

2021 Workshop Schedule

***Please Read***

Beginning in 2021 Sterling will be doing fewer workshops. Currently our 2021 workshop schedule is full and all that we have left in 2022 is a December date. We are also 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.

2021 Workshops

February 1-3, 2021 LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This is a three-day Live Zoom watercolor class for The Villages. I will paint a different subject each day. Day-One a stylized floral, Day-Two a lake scene with reflections, and Day-Three and abstract expressionist watercolor painting. For more information email Wanda Boyd, wboyd2009@yahoo.com or call 804-536-1794

February 15, 17, 19, 2021 LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This is a three-day Live Zoom watercolor class sponsored by Cheap Joe's. The workshop will be about taking a typical scene of Birch trees in a meadow and painting a Spring, Autumn, and Snow scene of the same scene. For more information contact; Edwina May

1-800-227-2788, edwina@cheapjoes.com

February 26, 2021 LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This is a three-hour live class on painting an atmospheric marsh

with watercolors. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on

"Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

March 2, 2021 LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This will be a three-hour class on painting a cluster of old shacks in a stylized (semi-abstract) manner with watercolors. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

March 9-11, 2021 LIVE ZOOM CLASS

Coachella Valley Watercolor Society, Palm Desert, CA

This is a three-day LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting abstracts with watercolor. A wide multitude of watercolor techniques and styles of abstraction will be explained and demonstrated in this creative workshop.

Contact: Kathleen Scoggin, kscogginart@gmail.com, 503-515-9633

March 22, 24, 26, 2021 LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This is a three-day LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting water with watercolor. Topics will be: a waterfall, a lake with reflections, and a beach scene with rolling waves and sand dunes. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

April 7-11, 2021 Grifton, NC

This is a five-day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects.

Contact: Judy Dye, jadye@embarqmail.com, 252-939-6121

Cancelled due to Covid

April 15, 2021 LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting old buildings in the snow. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

April 19-23, 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, 208-870-2570 Cancelled due to Covid

May 15, 2021, LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM class teaching how to paint a southwestern sunset and rock formations. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

May 24 – 27, 2021 Fairbanks, Ak

Fairbanks Watercolor Society:

This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects. Contact: Chery Berong, Cheryl@clearysummit.com 907-750-3332, or Nelda Nixon, 907-456-3329 CANCELLED DUE TO COVID

June 12, 2021, LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting a foggy mountain scene with watercolors. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

June 20, 2021, Live Zoom Class

This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting an abstracted and geometric cityscape with watercolors. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

June 28 - July 1, 2021 Boise, ID

This is a four-day watercolor workshop that focuses on painting expressive and dynamic (Semi-abstract) paintings with watercolors.

Contact: Anne Watson Sorensen, aewatsonart@aol.com, 208-870-2570

July 10, 2021 LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting stylized buildings on the waterfront. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

July 19 -22, 2021, Alma, MI

Creative Art Guild of Mid Michigan: This is a four-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.

The Art Guild of Port Washington

This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects. Contact: tlefkowitz@theartguild.org, 516-304-5797

August 20, 2021, LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting a Picasso style abstract with watercolor. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

September 8, 2021, LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting a foggy shoreline of a lake with rocks using watercolor. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

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.

Contact: Diane Edwards, sterling@sterlingedwards.com, 336-946-1425.

September 24, 2021, LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting an abstract Expressionist watercolor. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

October 4 - 6- ,2021 LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This is a three-day LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting Big Brush Watercolor Landscapes and Floral that will be hosted by Cheap Joe's. Contact Edwina May, Edwina@cheapjoes.com 800-227-2788

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: Deann 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.

Contact; Sharon DiGiulio at 1-800-827-8478, ext 156 or email Sharon@jerrysartarama.com

November 20, 2012, LIVE ZOOM CLASS

This is a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting an old oak tree covered in Spanish Moss. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.

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.

"Serengeti"

22" x 30" Acrylic on Fabriano paper.

"Tucked Away"

30" x 22" watercolor on Fabriano paper.

This is a full sheet demo that I did at my annual Myrtle Beach watercolor workshop in January.

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:

"All forms of madness, bizarre habits, awkwardness in society, general clumsiness, are justified in the person who creates good art""

Roman Payne

E-mail: sterling@sterlingedwards.com

Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC

230 Sunny Acres Drive

Lewisville, NC 27023

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