October, 2020 Newsletter
Click on the images for a larger view
|
|
New, "Painting a Stylized Sunflower" Live Class
Join me on October 14th for a three hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting a very stylized Sunflower similar to the painting above. The actual demonstration will last for approximately two and a half hours followed by a thirty to forty minute question and answer session.
To find out more about this class and my other upcoming live classes go to www.sterlingedwards.com. and click on "LIVE CLASSES".
They never turn out the way that you think they will or want them to...
Several years ago I wrote an editorial titled, "Vision vs. results". The article was inspired by an encounter that I had with a student while teaching a workshop. As I was walking through the room to look at everyone's paintings, I noticed a piece that one of the students was working on. In my opinion it looked good. It was obviously not a finished painting but I saw a piece with a lot of potential based on what I was seeing. I casually made the comment, "that's looking good". It had a nice variety of colors and shapes, it was clean and had a strong center of interest, the values were right on, and it looked like it would end up as a real keeper. Much to my surprise the artist, whose name I won't mention, became very agitated when I said this. He was raising his voice and I could see that I had apparently touched a nerve. He was not at all happy with the painting and was obviously struggling with it. When I asked him why he was not pleased with the painting he replied, "it's not not looking at all like I had planned". I could tell that he was on the verge of ripping it up and starting over so I told him about the good things that I saw in the piece. I asked him to consider finishing the piece before writing it off as a bad painting. But there was nothing that I said or could have said that would convince him that it was good because he only saw a failed attempt.
It occurred to me a few days later that I have been in that same frustrated and hopeless frame of mind hundreds of times myself when my painting is not looking at all as I had hoped it would. We all begin a painting with a preconceived idea of what we want the piece to look like upon completion. While staring at the white piece of paper or canvas, we can actually visualize this forthcoming masterpiece. We've mapped it out in our brain as to what colors we will use, where to leave some white paper, where to place the center of interest and on and on. It's going to be a very nice painting and we're going to show the world just how good we are. In other words, we're pumped and all systems are on go.
There is just one problem however. We just may have locked ourselves into such a tight box that we have not allowed for any unforeseen problems or variances that might take the painting in a slightly different direction. Maybe it's starting to get muddy or perhaps the colors ran into an area that they were not supposed to go. Maybe in our zest to throw paint we accidentally painted over the areas that we had originally intended to leave
as white, unpainted paper. The scenarios are endless but the result is the same; suddenly this is NOT the painting that I had originally intended to paint. Now it's going in a new direction and I need to get into survival mode if I'm going to make this painting work. This is what happened to my student at the workshop who was unhappy with his painting. I, on the other hand, had no way of seeing his initial vision for the painting because it was all in his mind. What I did see was a nice work in progress with an interesting design and nice colors. It looked good and had great potential to become a beautiful painting. For him, it was a failed attempt because he could not climb out of the box. Nothing I could have said would convinced him otherwise. He eventually gave up on the painting. Imagine taking a road trip that you've carefully mapped out. You know exactly where you want to go and you've even got a map or GPS to get you there. It's a 250 mile trip with lots of turns and roads but that's OK because you've got a map. After driving for a couple of hours you suddenly come upon a traffic jam because of a serious car accident. The entire road is blocked and probably will be for a long time. Do you just turn around and go home or do you get creative and find a new route? It's no different when painting a picture. Don't put yourself in a box that does not allow you to take a different route when things don't go exactly as planned. I think that those are the times when you are forced to get really creative. You never know what you'll end up with.
In my case, I can truthfully say that I have NEVER completed a painting that was exactly what I had envisioned. At some point in the painting process something went a little different than planned and the piece took on a different look. But that's OK because nobody has ever seen my vision; it's in my mind. The only person that even cares about the vision is the artist. Everybody else just sees the painting.
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.
____________________________________________________
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.
Both of the websites will be edited from time to time with new artwork and announcements.
ALSO
The original paintings in this gallery are priced 50% off of the regular retail price. We have already sold several of the paintings and will be adding others from time to time. Once on the website, click on "Paintings" to see the sale gallery and the other galleries as you scroll down.
|
|
FYI
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.
|
|
"Boats on Boats"
I will be teaching a LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting a stylized
(semi-abstract) watercolor painting very similar to this painting on November 23rd.
and click on "Live Classes" to purchase or learn more about this and other upcoming classes.
|
|
"Time Keeper"
I will be teaching a LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting an abstract expressionist watercolor painting very similar to this piece on December 12th.
Go to; www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to purchase or learn more about this and other upcoming 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.
_________________________________________________
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 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.
We also have a "SALE Gallery" with original, unframed and unmatted paintings that are reduced 50% from their original retail price. These paintings are available at the discounted price to everyone and we will cover all shipping costs to addresses in the U.S.
NOTE
Diane and I will donate 5% of each sale from the SALE GALLERY to the "Tunnels2Towers Foundation".
This is a charitable organization that builds mortgage free homes for the family's of fallen Police Officers, Firefighters, and our Military. They also build homes for our severely disabled Veterans. We proudly support this wonderful cause.
This offer is for works on paper only and DOES NOT include Whiskey Paintings, paintings on canvas, or paintings that are currently hanging in a gallery.
|
|
2020-2021 Workshop Schedule
***Please Read***
Beginning in 2021 Sterling will be doing fewer workshops. Currently our 2020, and 2021 workshop schedules are full and all that we have left in 2022 is a December date. 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. 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.
2020 Workshops
- June 8 – 12, 2020, Boone, NC, Cheap Joe’s
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on Big Brush Watercolor Landscapes and Floral. Contact: Edwina@cheapjoesartstuff.com 1-800-227-2788
Rescheduled to July 20-24 due to Coronavirus
- July 13 - 17, 2020 Calabash, NC
This is a five day acrylic abstract workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of acrylic techniques on paper and canvas.
- July 20 – 24, 2020, Boone, NC, Cheap Joe’s
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on Big Brush Watercolor Landscapes and Floral. Contact: Edwina@cheapjoesartstuff.com 1-800-227-2788
CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19
-
August 3-6, 2020, Denver, CO
This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects.
-
September 15, 2020, LIVE ZOOM CLASS...12:00-3:00PM EDT
This is a three hour class on painting a Rickety Old Building with watercolor. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com and click on "Live Classes" to see an image similar to what Sterling will paint and to register.
- September 21-25, 2020 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 29-30, 2020, San Diego Watercolor Society
This is a two-day ZOOM VIRTUAL WORKSHOP on painting a stylized watercolor. To sign up or get more information contact: www.sdws.org (Click on Workshops)
- October 14, 2020 Live Zoom Class
This is a three hour class on on painting a stylized watercolor Sunflower.
Go to www.sterlingedwards.com to register. Click on "Live Classes".
- October 5 - 9, 2020, Pensacola, FL
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on painting a stylized (Semi-abstract) watercolor.
Contact: Diane Goeller, diane@paletteproductions.net
or Pat Page, pat@paletteproductions.net
850-384-3652
- October 26-30, 2020, Lowell, MI
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects using Big Brushes. Contact: Kathy Bechtel, Art Director, Franciscan Life Process Center , kbechtel@lifeprocesscenter.org , 616-897-7842 ext 352.
- November 23, 2020 Live Zoom Class
This is a three hour live class on painting a semi-abstract of boats in dry dock. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com to learn more or to purchase.
- December 1–5, 2020. Bradenton, FL
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will cover a wide variety of styles and subjects. Contact: Carla Nierman,
carla@artcentermanatee.org
941-746-2862
- December 12, 2020 Live Zoom Class
This is a three hour live class on painting a watercolor abstract expressionist painting. Go to www.sterlingedwards.com to learn more or to register.
2021 Workshops
- January 11-15, 2021 Myrtle Beach, S.C.
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects
336-946-1425 * This workshop is filling quickly.
- February 1-5, 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, 208-780-2570 WAIT LIST
- March 9-12, 2021 Palm Dessert, CA
Coachella Valley Watercolor Society. This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of abstract designs and techniques.
Contact: Kathleen Scoggin, kscogginart@gmail.com, 503-515-9633
-
April 7-11, 2021 Grifton, NC
- May 24 – 27, 2021 Fairbanks, Ak
Fairbanks Watercolor Society:
- June 27 – July 2, 2021 Boone, NC
Cheap Joe’s: This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on Big Brush Watercolor Landscapes and Floral. Contact: Edwina@cheapjoes.com 1-800-227-2788
- July 19 -22, 2021, Alma, MI
Creative Art Guild of Mid Michigan: This is a five 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.
-
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.
-
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.
- 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.
|
|
This colorful acrylic on canvas has just been selected for a line of designer fashions and home accessories by:
Le Galeriste located in Montreal, Canada.
I have a page of products that showcase some of my artwork on their website. Here is the link to my page:
|
|
"The Flats"
15" x 22" watercolor on Fabriano paper.
This is a painting that I did a year or so ago. It was inspired by a rock formation that I saw at the edge of a parking lot while visiting Mesa Verde, Colorado.
|
|
Diane and I in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina.
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:
"The chief enemy of good sense is creativity"
Pablo Picasso
|
|
Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
Please like us on Facebook and Instagram
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
