September, 2020 Newsletter
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New, "Rocks and Waterfalls" video
The video is 1 hour and 22 minutes in length and can be downloaded or streamed. When you're on the website click on "Videos" at the top of the page to see this and my other instructional videos.
Live Classes
We are pleased to announce that we are now offering live classes from our studio in Lewisville, North Carolina. These classes will be hosted on Zoom and will cover a wide variety of subjects and painting styles ranging from watercolor landscapes and floral, stylized and abstract expressionism, seascapes, southwestern scenes, sunsets , snow scenes, and on and on. For more information about our upcoming live classes click on the "Live Classes" tab at the top of our website; www.sterlingedwards.com
Your CURRENT skill level
Like all of you, I've suddenly found myself with a lot of extra time on my hands because of the virus. We've done a lot of household projects that have been on the back burner, filmed some new art videos, learned how to do a Zoom class, and reorganized many of my old business files. In doing so I have had a great opportunity to study and reassess dozens and dozens of older paintings. Some of them were painted over twenty-five years ago when I was still struggling to master certain techniques and learn what it takes to build a strong composition. In other words, some of them are really bad. We all have them; the pieces that for some unknown reason we hung on to hoping that the Art Fairy would sneak in some night and magically with the stroke of a brush convert them into masterpieces. I'm still waiting. Maybe I should try sticking them under my pillow some night. It has been a pretty humbling experience looking through these older pieces but it also made me stop and think why about I hung on to them in the first place, considering how pathetic they are. The answer is simple; they were great examples of what I was capable of painting using my current skill level at the time. They weren't good by any stretch of the imagination by today's standard but they were the best that I had been able to achieve up to that point which kind of, sort of, maybe, made them just a little bit great.
My work has changed a lot since those pieces were painted. I've learned more techniques, had more time to experiment and study, and gained more confidence in my abilities as an artist. So every time that I pull an older piece out I am critiquing it based on my current skill level which is far different from my skill level at the time the piece was painted. I've been telling people for years to hang on to those older and not quite great paintings because you will evolve as we all do over time and learn plenty of new techniques, or at the very least, have more time to perfect your existing techniques. If the painting is destined to be shoved in a drawer forever then why not at least see if you can take your newer skills and save the painting. After all, what have you got to lose? I've done that on numerous occasions and was surprised how different and more professional the piece looked on completion. In my case I usually just needed to add more dark values to make the painting a little more dynamic. Years ago, like many artists, I was afraid of putting a lot of rich and dark values in my paintings. Today, however; my current skill level demands that I add more darks. Who knows what my "current skill level" will be ten years from now? Maybe I'll be pulling out some of today's paintings and tweaking them just a little.
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.
Both of the websites will be edited from time to time with new artwork and announcements.
NEW
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.
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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.
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"Blazing Orange"
15" x 22" Watercolor using Holbein paint on Fabriano paper.
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"Any Time"
22" x 15" Watercolor on Fabriano paper.
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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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Wholesale pricing on original watercolors
A few months ago we announced a way for current and former students to purchase original watercolor paintings from my website at the same price that they would pay if they purchased the painting at the student wholesale price in one of my workshops. This has proven to be a very popular concept and we have sold quite a few paintings through this special offer. Here's how it works:
If you are a former student of mine and have taken a workshop you are entitled to the same special 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.
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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
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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.
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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 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 12-14, 2020 Raleigh, NC
This is the three day annual trade show in Raleigh, NC sponsored by Jerry’s Artarama Contact; Sharon DiGiulio at 1-800-827-8478, ext 156 or email Sharon@jerrysartarama.com
CANCELLED DUE TO COVID-19
- 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
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
- 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.
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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
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August 12-15, 2021, Manhassett, N.Y.
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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.
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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 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.
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"Asymetric"
15" x 22" Watercolor.
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"Circumvent"
15" x 22" watercolor on Fabriano paper.
It's no secret that I love Abstract Expressionism. These two paintings are good examples of my favorite style of abstraction. This painting found a new home in Pennsylvania.
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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 painter has the universe in his mind and hands"
Leonardo da Vinci
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
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