January 2022 Newsletter

Click on the images for a larger view


HAPPY NEW YEAR!


"It ain't braggin' if you can back it up"

This is a quote by the famous baseball player Dizzy Dean during the highlight of his career in the 1940's. I remember hearing this quote years ago and thinking what a great, and true, statement. As I'm sure a lot of you know, I love quotes by famous people. Sometimes they said more in a sentence or two than I can say in multiple paragraphs. Another Dizzy Dean quote I love is, "I see them building filling stations on all of these corners. How did they know there was gas and oil under there?" He was not only wise when it came to human nature, he also had a great sense of humor. His quote about "braggin", however, is so true and is also something that a lot of artists are uncomfortable doing. A couple of years ago I was having dinner with a good friend who I'm sure most of you have heard of. His name is Joe Miller, the founder and owner of Cheap Joe's. We have known each other for approximately 20 years. During our dinner conversation we talked about the art business and marketing artwork. Joe is an incredible artist and also a brilliant businessman. In other words, when he speaks, you listen. The conversation steered towards artists and their reluctance to tell people about their art and their accomplishments. So many artists are either afraid of coming across as braggadocious or arrogant that it prevents them from marketing their successes and accomplishments. I was that way too for a long time. Once I finally started to get a real sense of success in my style of painting and it became an actual business, I realized that I needed to educate my audience about what I have done to get there. It's an important part of my story as an artist. People want to know what you did to get where you are. Most of the time they will not see it as bragging but rather a testament of someone who is really serious and passionate enough about their art to put it in front of the world and say, "look what I did to be able to produce my works of art". As Joe Miller said during our conversation, "he who doesn't tooteth ones own horn has a horn that does not get tootethed". Simply put, if you don't have enough confidence in yourself to promote your successes don't expect others to do it for you.

I have encouraged artists for years in my workshops to keep a running and up to date resume on themselves at all times. It's also just as important to keep an up to date biography. If you can validate everything that is on them then it is NOT bragging and you will NOT be perceived as arrogant or self absorbed. It's no different than walking into a doctors office and seeing all of the diplomas neatly framed and mounted on the wall of the office or treatment room. They are proudly displayed so that you can see that he or she is obviously well educated and worthy of your trust and confidence. You see them as a highly skilled and educated professionals who obviously worked very hard for years to get where they are. It's no different for an artist who has spent a good part of his or her life learning to master a craft. I've said for years that a piece of art will usually sell itself. Someone either wants it or they don't. That doesn't mean that they're going to buy it ,but it has captured their attention and they have a desire to own it. The artist resume and biography will let that person know that the piece was created by a serious and professional artist that knows the value of his or her work. Yes, this piece may be a little more than you were planning to pay for it, but you would be buying a piece of art from a very skilled professional artist.

To wrap this conversation up, let me just add that it doesn't matter if all you have accomplished thus far is taking a class with an accomplished or revered artist to further your skill level. That in itself, who you have studied with, can help to elevate you as a serious artist, in the eyes of someone who likes your work. It says that you are not just someone who piddles and plays with art but instead you are someone who takes your art very seriously and you have made an investment in yourself as an artist. It REALLY does make a positive difference as to how others see you.

Special Sale!

ALL of the ORIGINAL paintings on my website
Have been reduced by 20%
(This does not apply to prints)

and also on my NEW companion website:



Yes, we now have a NEW Companion Website:

For several years we have received numerous requests that we offer prints of some of my paintings. To accommodate these requests we have designed a new website that is a companion to our current site.

This new site allows us to offer a large selection of prints of my paintings and even some prints of my photography. Yes, unknown to most, I'm also a photographer. There are also two galleries that feature original watercolors and original acrylic abstracts on paper that are available.

Another great feature of this new site is that you can choose from a variety of sizes and surfaces that you would like for your prints. We hope that you will check it out and be as excited about it as we are.


Gift Certificates

We have received several request for Gift Certificates recently so Diane and I have decided to offer Gift Certificates for $75.00 or $100.00 that can be redeemed for Videos, Live Classes, Art Supplies, and Paintings. The Gift Certificates can be purchased on our website; www.sterlingedwards.com under Art Supplies.

(Not redeemable for live, on location workshops)
Upcoming January Live Zoom Classes


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 for future study.


A Peaceful Snow Scene

January 12, 2022


This is a four-hour watercolor Live Zoom class for intermediate to advanced watercolor artists. $100.00



Watercolor Abstracts

January 17, 19, 21, 2022


This is a three-day Live Zoom Workshop for all skill levels on painting a watercolor abstract on paper. There will be three different styles of Abstract Painting taught in this workshop. $300.00


Painting a Stylized Watercolor City-Scape.

January 31, 2022


This is a four-hour watercolor Live Zoom class for intermediate to advanced watercolor artists. $100.00



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.

ARTIST WORKSHOPS
***Please Read***
We are currently 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.
When you write, be sure and tell us the name of the group that you represent and where you are located.
All spots are filled on a first come, first served basis.
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.

2022 Workshops

  • January 3, 5 7, 2022 Cheap Joe's LIVE ZOOM WORKSHOP
  • This is s three-day LIVE ZOOM WORKSHOP on Big Brush Watercolor Landscapes. The workshop is being hosted by Cheap Joe's. For more information or to register, contact; Edwina May at edwina@cheapjoes.com 800-227-2788, ext 1123 SOLD OUT

  • January 12, 2022 LIVE ZOOM CLASS on Painting a Peaceful Snow Scene
This is a one-day LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting a snow scene with watercolor. There will be a lot of watercolor techniques in this information packed class. Go to; www.sterlingedwards.com
  • and click on "Live Zoom Classes to learn more or to register.

  • January 17, 19, 21, 2022 Painting Watercolor Abstracts LIVE ZOOM WORKSHOP
This is a three-day comprehensive workshop on learning a variety of styles and techniques for painting a watercolor abstract.
Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Zoom Classes" to learn more or to register.

  • January 31, 2022 LIVE ZOOM CLASS on Painting a Stylized and Colorful Cityscape with Watercolors.
This a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting a very stylized and unique watercolor of a cityscape using a wide variety of watercolor techniques.
Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Zoom Classes" to learn more or to register.

  • February 7-9, 2022, Three-Day LIVE ZOOM CLASS.
Santa Clara Watercolor Society. This will be a LIVE ZOOM CLASS
on painting stylized and creative watercolor paintings. Contact;
sgjochheim@gmail.com

  • February 17, 2022..LIVE ZOOM CLASS on Painting a Sunny Day at the Beach.
This will be a LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting a beach scene.
Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Zoom Classes" to learn more or to register.

  • February 28-March 1, 2022, The Villages, Florida
This will be a two-day watercolor workshop that will cover landscapes, floral, and abstract. Contact Wanda Boyd, wboyd2009@yahoo.com 804-536-1794

  • March 2-4, 2022 The Villages, Florida
This is a three-day Acrylic Abstract on Paper Class. Contact:
Wanda Boyd, wboyd2009@yahoo.com 804-536-1794

  • March 17-20, 2022 Grifton, North Carolina Watercolors from A to Z
This will be a four-day watercolor workshop that will cover a wide variety of subjects and painting styles using watercolor. Contact; Judy Dye, jadye@embarqmail.com 252-939-6121

  • March 25, 2022 LIVE ZOOM CLASS on Painting a Colorful Acrylic Stylized Tree.
This is a one-day LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting an acrylic stylized painting on gessoed watercolor paper. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Zoom Classes" to learn more or to register.

  • March 31, 2022. Painting a Colorful and Funky Watercolor Floral.
This is a one day LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting a very stylized and playful floral with watercolor. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Zoom Classes" to learn more or to register.

  • April 2022 Valley Watercolor Society, Los Angeles, CA
This is a four-day Live Zoom Class workshop on Expressive Watercolor Techniques for Painting a Floral.
Selena Cheng, selenachengart@aol.com 310-283-4105

  • May 2-5, 2022 Pensacola, FL. Palette Productions
This is a four-day watercolor workshop on Expressive and Creative Watercolor Techniques.
Pat Page, pat@paletteproductions.net or Diane Goeller,
diane@paletteproductions.net 850-384-3652

.....New Paintings.....

"Edgy"

22" x 30" Acrylic on gessoed Fabriano Artistico 300 lb cold pressed watercolor paper.
"Happy Time"

22" x 30" Acrylic on gessoed Fabriano Artistico 300 lb cold pressed watercolor paper.

This is a selfie of Diane and me taken somewhere in Montana. We spent almost two weeks driving the entire state and loved every minute of it.



As always, we appreciate your support.

Art; it chooses us

Ponder this:

"One eye sees, the other feels"
Paul Klee




Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
USA


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