July, 2021 Newsletter
Click on the images for a larger view
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"City Sounds", 20"x 28" Watercolor
This painting is what I often refer to a "Representational Abstract".
Crazy shapes and lots of other things
Those of you who have taken my workshops or my Live Zoom Classes over the years have heard me talk about what I refer to as my "Rule of Opposites". The painting above, "City Sounds", is an excellent example of this philosophy. To put it in a nutshell, the Rule of Opposites is a process whereby you can build a painting that is based pretty much on compliments. In the above painting you see the Rule of Opposites in action. Look at the soft edges in the painting that were painted on wet paper. They let the eye move from one color or shape to another without any obstruction, or as call them, "Roadblocks". As the eye moves closer to the center of interest you begin to see more and more hard edges (roadblocks) that were painted on dry paper so the edges would be crisp. They are a nice balance and compliment for the softer edges. If you look at the varied shapes you will see bigger shapes complimented by clusters of smaller shapes. This creates an asymmetrical imbalance that is one of the main compositional components that I employ in most of my paintings. If all of the shapes in the painting were the same size it would look too symmetrical and boring. Now let's look at the color selection. About two thirds of the painting is cooler tones of blue and violet. The cooler colors mingle so that they are not just a flat color. Some areas are more blue, some more violet, and some are a blend of the two main cooler colors. This sets the mood and foundation for the painting. Next I introduced some Burnt Sienna into the painting. Burnt Sienna is a warm color and served as a nice compliment to the cooler blue and violet tones. The little touch of Hooker's Green that I introduced was added just for visual appeal. It's a pretty color that in my opinion leans more to the warm side of the spectrum.
At this point the painting was coming together. I intentionally left areas of white unpainted paper in the center of interest to pull the eye to that spot. The very light shades of most of the larger shapes and the white paper near the center of interest were then accented with strong and dark mid-tones to make them appear even brighter. As long as I was on a mission to introduce some darker values, I decided to use the opportunity to create even more individual shapes in the painting by creating negative shapes utilizing the colors that I had already laid down. This created what I often refer to as "drama" in the painting. I usually ask myself while working on a painting, "Would this piece stand out if hanging in a gallery?" The dramatic presence of my darkest dark next to my lightest value, which is usually the white unpainted paper, typically gets the piece noticed, especially when the painting has a strong composition and attractive colors. To compliment the negative shapes I introduced a few positive shapes just for balance. I think by now you can relate to the Rule of Opposites.
All that I really needed to do to finish this painting was add a little bit of calligraphy and details to complete the story. I used a rigger brush to apply the calligraphy. Since the painting had so many geometric and angular shapes I needed to find a way to introduce some curvilinear design to the painting as a compliment. The angular shapes look rigid and suggest strength but the curvilinear lines that were created with the rigger brush added some movement and variety. Calligraphy is an excellent way to do this. This is something that I do quite often, especially with my abstracted paintings. Calligraphy can often take a painting that is attractive, but lacking drama, and make it exciting. Suddenly it has movement and rhythm. So the Rule of Opposites can even be applied to the calligraphy in a painting to make it more exciting.
I added a few funky looking windows to the building using one inch and a half inch flat brushes and the painting was finished. This was a fun piece to paint and it was the subject of a Live Zoom Class that I taught last month. The participants in the class had fun using these principles to create their own abstracted cityscapes. We had a great group that painted some beautiful pieces. Best of all, it was another enjoyable day of painting.
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 someone 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 on paintings 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 watercolor painting or an acrylic on paper 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
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FYI
For those of you that haven't read this before, 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.
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The following are upcoming Live Zoom Classes.
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"Learn How to Master Negative Painting" (All Skill Levels)
If you struggle with negative painting then you will find this workshop very helpful. This is a three-day watercolor workshop where I will spend the first day working with you on a series of exercises that break negative painting down into easy to understand processes. Not only will you learn negative painting principles, you will also see two painting demonstrations throughout the week that reinforce what you learned on Day One of the workshop. The Autumn landscape and floral that you see both have a strong balance of positive and negative shapes. I will be available each day to offer suggestions and critique your progress.
August 9, 11, 13, 2021
Noon til 4:30pm Eastern Time.
$300.00
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"Painting a Watercolor Abstract in the Style of Picasso"
(All Skill Levels)
This is a four-hour workshop that will explore many of the design techniques that Picasso used to create his dynamic paintings. There will be a wide variety of techniques discussed and illustrated in the class. Participants will have plenty of painting time and I will be available to assist or critique if requested.
August 20, 2021
Noon till 4:00 Eastern Time
$100.00
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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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***Please Read***
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
- 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, 989-236-5368
- August 9-11-13, 2021 LIVE ZOOM CLASS
This will be a three-day workshop on "Mastering Negative Painting". This workshop is for ALL SKILL LEVELS. Go to
- 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.
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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.
- 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 ext. 1123
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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 4, 2021 LIVE ZOOM CLASS
This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting old abandoned mine buildings with watercolor. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to learn more or to register.
- November 11, 12, 13, 2021 Art of the Carolina's Annual Trade Show
This is a three day trade show in Raleigh, NC sponsored by Jerry's Artarama. I will be teaching six three-hour classes during the show. Contact; sharon@jerrysartarama.com for more information.
November 20, 2012, LIVE ZOOM CLASS
This will be a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting a large Oak Tree covered in Spanish Moss. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Zoom Classes" to learn more or to register.
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November 29, 30, December 1, 2021 Three-day LIVE ZOOM CLASS
This will be a three-day LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting stylized watercolors. This is my signature style of painting. We'll explore how to paint a stylized landscape, buildings, and a stylized still life. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Zoom 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.
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22"x 15" Watercolor on Fabriano paper.
This is a stylized piece that I painted several years ago at a workshop.
It was a demonstration on balancing positive and negative shapes.
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5" x 6" Whiskey Painting on Fabriano paper.
Here is another piece that has a strong dominance of negative painting but this piece is a Whiskey Painting that I did a year or so ago.
It was painted using Iceberg Vodka from Newfoundland.
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This is a selfie of Diane and I 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:
"A life spent making mistakes is not only more honorable, but more useful than a life spent doing nothing"
George Bernard Shaw
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
USA
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