June 2024, Newsletter
Click on the images for a larger view
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"The Waterfront"
30" x 22" Watercolor.
Why do some paintings work while others do not?
A four part conversation.
Part four: Shapes
In the above painting, "The Waterfront", we see buildings and docking and maybe even a few masts of docked boats; or do we? Everything is merely suggested rather than carefully rendered. Our eyes are seeing things but our mind interprets things. So how much information does the eye need to see for the mind to assess and decide what it is? It varies from one person to the next, but even if the mind cannot determine what the eye is seeing, it triggers the imagination and creates a mystery that it is often compelled to solve. This is why so many people are intrigued with abstract expressionism.
As an artist we often feel that we have to state every aspect of a shape for it to be recognized by the brain but that is not always necessary. Little hints and suggestions are usually all that it takes. Even something that is distorted such as a abstract portrait by Picasso gives the viewer more than enough information to readily see that it's a face although we would never see something like that in real life. Artists figured out a long time ago that people are good at deciding what something is even if they just have a mere suggestion to work with.
As artists, this allows us to use as much artistic license as we choose when designing a painting. Everything in the painting, to one degree or another, is a shape. We can embellish them if we wish or we can do a carefully executed realistic rendering, or we can take the shapes and abstract them to the point where we can only guess what they are. Unless we are working on a totally abstracted piece that consists of nothing more than random and unrecognizable shapes, there are some things that we can do to give the brain what it needs to draw a conclusion and be entertained at the same time. The following are a few suggestions that I have found beneficial in many of my paintings.
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This is a painting that I did several years ago. I used my editing program to convert it into a black and white image to illustrate how shapes tell the story even when there is no color. There are a few points that I want to make about this image.
First; notice how the buildings and the scaffolding overlap. This creates the illusion of depth and dimension in the painting.
Second; some of the background trees are rendered as negative shapes while others are positive shapes. The two styles compliment each other and make the painting more interesting.
Third; The buildings are all different sizes so that the painting is more interesting and avoids looking to symmetrical. I also deliberately distorted the perspective of the buildings a little to give them more character.
As artists, we have the freedom to move things around to suit our needs if necessary. As long as the viewer can interpret the shapes as intended and we and we have a good composition, the painting stands a much better chance of being successful.
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In this acrylic abstract still life painting I deliberately suggested flowers and leaves in a haphazard and quick brushstroke manner so as to allow the viewer the opportunity to interpret what they are. The background is basically an abstract expressionist painting with a suggestion of a still life intertwined within the design. Adding mere suggestions of somewhat recognizable objects in a painting is all that you need to entertain the mind and allow the viewer to make an interpretation.
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Another important aspect concerning shapes is our ability to give the shapes more intrigue by exaggerating the movement of the shapes. In this small study of a Bonsai Tree, I intentionally embellished the stylized movement of the branches to make the painting more intriguing. There is very little detail in this painting because it doesn't need any detail; the shapes tell the story, as shapes always do. Expressive and energetic brushwork combined with suggested shapes have been a standard of painting by many of the worlds greatest artists: Monet and Van Gogh each had their own style based on this philosophy just to name two.
To sum things up, this four part series has been a discussion of things that we can do to make our paintings come together in an appealing and accepted manner. The backbones of a good piece of art are composition, values, color, and shapes. Of course, there are many other things that can enhance or be used to embellish a painting but these are what I have always found to be the most obvious and beneficial in my paintings.
So anytime I am working on a painting I strive to achieve these these four basic factors above all else.
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NEW
***Collectors List***
If you have purchased three or more original paintings from us over the years we would like to add you to our "Collectors List". Please email us at www.sterling@sterlingedwards.com so that we will have your your name and contact information.
Upon receiving your information we will send you information about a new offer that is only available to those on our Collectors List in appreciation of your support.
We have had a lot of qualified collectors requesting to be added to the list. If you qualify please let us know. The benefits are substantial.
I have recently produced a video series on how to create a "Painterly" acrylic landscape, floral, and still life. This NEW series is now available through the Artefacto School of Art and can be purchased at the following link.
Click below to learn more...
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Upcoming Live Zoom Classes from our studio
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 and photographs for future study.
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"Negative Painting on Steroids IV" |
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This is going to be a four-hour Live Zoom Class that will focus exclusively on learning the skills to include beautiful negative shapes into your paintings. Introducing negative shapes into your paintings will take your work to much higher levels of professionalism. Sterling will paint a piece similar to this floral and really get into the nitty gritty of teaching you how to create and maximize negative shapes.
Sterling Edwards is a world renowned watermedia master and an expert on negative painting. You will find his explanations and demonstrations along with his insight very informative.
You will also enjoy Sterling's laid back and casual style of teaching.
The last three Negative Painting Zoom Classes sold out very quickly. If interested please register early.
Each participant will also receive photographs of the various stages of Sterling's demonstration piece and an unedited downloadable video of the workshop.
There will be plenty of student painting time.
THIS WORKSHOP FOR WOULD BE VERY DIFFICULT FOR A BEGINNER AND THEREFORE IS RECOMMENDED FOR INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED WATERCOLOR ARTIST.
June 6, 2024 from noon til 4:00pm (U.S. Eastern Time)
$100
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"Painting Old Buildings with Loose Watercolor Techniques"
Please note; many of our Live Zoom Classes fill very quickly so early registration is recommended.
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Join renowned watermedia master Sterling Edwards as he walks you through his processes for creating a loose and appealing painting of an old building. There will be a lot of techniques illustrated including saving white paper, building rich dark vales for drama, controlling edges, negative painting, creative color mixing and more.
You'll see it all from from the initial sketch to the completed painting.
Each participant will also
receive photographs of the various stages of Sterling's demonstration piece and an unedited downloadable video of the workshop.
This Zoom Class is intended for the intermediate to advanced water color artist.
June 13, 2024 from Noon til 4:00pm U.S. Eastern Time.
$100
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"Painting Stylized Trees with Acrylics"
Please note; many of our Live Zoom Classes fill very quickly so early registration is recommended.
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In this acrylic Live Zoom Workshop Sterling Edwards will take you through his processes for creating an exciting and artistic stylized (semi-abstract) painting of trees similar to this painting on watercolor paper.
There will be a lot of techniques including negative painting, layering washes of color, controlling edge quality, building a strong composition, and more. From the initial sketch and discussion on composition to the finished painting, you'll see it all live.
Each participant will also
receive photographs of the various stages of Sterling's demonstration piece and an unedited downloadable video of the workshop.
This Zoom Class is intended for the intermediate to advanced artist.
June 18, 2024 from Noon til 4:00pm U.S. Eastern Time.
$100
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"Watercolor Abstract Expressionism"
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Please note; many of our Live Zoom Classes fill very quickly so early registration is recommended. |
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This will be a one-day Live Zoom Watercolor Class that will focus on painting a dynamic and attention grabbing watercolor abstract expressionist painting in the style of this piece.
Join renowned watermedia artist Sterling Edwards as he explains and demonstrates his techniques for designing and painting a unique and expressive abstract painting that commands attention and triggers the imagination. If you are ready to jump out of the box and tap into your totally creative side then you will definitely enjoy and benefit from this exciting is very creative class.
There will be a lot of techniques, discussions on composition, color theory, overlapping shapes, negative painting, expressive brushwork, and much much more. You'll also enjoy Sterling's laid back and very informative style of teaching.
Each participant will also receive photographs of the various stages of Sterling's demonstration piece and an unedited downloadable video of the workshop.
THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS, HOWEVER; PREVIOUS WATERCOLOR EXPERIENCE IS ALWAYS BENEFICIAL.
June 27, 2024 from noon til 4:00pm (U.S. Eastern Time)
$100
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After almost twenty-five years on the road, Diane and I have decided that 2024 will essentially be my last year of traveling and teaching on-location workshops. We have a few long term commitments that we will honor then we will primarily be doing LIVE ZOOM CLASSES from our studio.
It has always been an honor and a privilege to have worked with so many wonderful groups and artists throughout the U.S. and internationally. Thank you for your support.
2024 Workshops
- Alma, MI, July 15-18, 2024, Abstract Acrylics
This workshop will cover several styles of abstraction using acrylic paint on paper or canvas.
Contact: Kathy Litwiller, litwi1km@gmail.com
989-236-5368
- Boone, NC (Cheap Joe's) August 26-August 30, 2024
Creative and Expressive Watercolors
This creative workshop will show you how to push design and color to create a unique and thought provoking visual statement. You'll learn a multitude of watercolor techniques and design principles.
- Sioux Falls, SD September 17-September 18, 2024
Painting a Stylized Watercolor
Contact; Janice Bartels
605-222-8033
- Sioux Falls, SD September 19-September 20, 2024
Watercolor Abstracts
This creative workshop will show you how to push design and color to create a unique and thought provoking visual statement. You'll learn a multitude of watercolor techniques and design principles.
Contact; Janice Bartels
605-222-8033
- Tellico Village, TN, December 5-7, 2024
Creating Expressive and Dynamic Watercolors
This creative workshop will show you how to push design and color to create a unique and thought provoking visual statement. You'll learn a multitude of watercolor techniques and design principles.
Contact; Mari Kukral, mkukaral@icloud.com 815-708-3128
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"Dada"
20" x 15" Acrylic on watercolor paper.
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"A Touch of Moss"
22" x 15" Watercolor
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"Autumn Light"
22" x 15" Acrylic on watercolor paper.
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This is a photo of Diane and me taken at Lake Louise in Alberta recently. We had the pleasure of spending a week exploring the Canadian Rocky's and were totally mesmerized by it's beauty.
A special thank you to Diane for all that you do to manage our business and keep things running smoothly. It's a full-time job and your attention to detail and professionalism is appreciated by all. I couldn't do this without you.
Spread the word
Please tell your art loving friends about our website and newsletter; word of mouth referrals are by far the best advertising. They can sign-up for the newsletter on our website; www.sterlingedwards.com . Thank you.
As always, we appreciate your support.
Art; it chooses us
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist"
Pablo Picasso
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
USA
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