May 2024, Newsletter
Click on the images for a larger view
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"Extravaganza"
30" x 22" Acrylic on watercolor paper.
Why do some paintings work while others do not?
A four part conversation.
Part Three: Color
So far in this series we have discussed Composition and Values and how they can sometimes make or break a painting. Now lets discuss color. There are numerous books that have been written that go into great detail and explanation about how colors work when mixed or applied beside each other in a painting. I have looked at a few of them and been overwhelmed by all of the technical analysis that is discussed and illustrated. I really do believe that we can become overwhelmed and even a little afraid of color to the point that we fall into the zone of "Analysis Paralysis" when we look at something we would like to paint. We have to decide on what colors, what value, what tone, what shade, what tint, and on and on. What I intend to do in this segment is break things down into a common sense approach of deciding what colors might work well in a painting. Before I get too far into this segment let me just say that I have always encouraged my students to be creative with color when working on a painting. It is not always necessary to use the local colors of the subjects or objects in your reference. Local color is essentially the color that something actually is prior to being influenced by adjacent or surrounding colors. In other words it's what we see. For example; if you are painting a green tree you will find that there is a wide variety of greens in the tree. There are usually warm greens in the lighter areas of the tree that face the light and cooler greens in areas that are away from the light source. So which is more important; getting the exact greens or the color temperature of the greens? If you focus most of your attention on painting the correct color temperature it really doesn't matter if you mix the exact local color of the various greens. As an artist, your color choices are almost unlimited so why not be a little creative and original as opposed to copying something to perfection. In the finished painting the viewer will see a green tree so why stress over the local color.
One of the biggest problems that watercolor artists have is learning how to avoid muddy colors in their paintings. A simple rule of thumb is to avoid pushing complimentary colors into each other while painting. Complimentary color are colors that are directly opposite each other on the color wheel. If mixed in equal amounts they will produced a neutral or gray color which is not only acceptable but often needed in a painting. The gray colors make the lighter areas look brighter and the dark values looks richer. The problem that plagues all artists is that flat and nasty muddy color that suddenly rears it's head when we begin to push others colors into the neutral complimentary grays and mix it up with a brush while still wet.
Over time and experience we learn what colors mix well and maintain their luminosity but the less experienced artist usually finds out the hard way as what was a beautiful painting a few minutes ago suddenly looks flat and grimy because of the mud that you just created. My solution is to purchase a color wheel and take a little time studying the basic characteristics of colors and how they can be altered and applied in a cleaner and more vibrant manner.
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There is a ton of good information explained and shown on this wheel about which colors mix well together and various color combinations that we can use to produce vibrant and clean paintings, while at the same time, avoiding the mud. Both sides of the color wheel have valuable information that in my opinion is much easier to comprehend than most of the books that I have seen.
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"Extravaganza", the vibrant painting at the top of this newsletter, is an example of going crazy with color and just having fun. It's almost difficult to think of a color that is not in this painting. Notice that there is no ugly mud in this painting. That's because it is an acrylic painting which allows me to layer colors on top of existing dry colors rather than mixing the colors on wet paper as is the case when painting with watercolors. On the other hand, this stylized watercolor painting of pink flowers was painted mostly on wet paper so that the colors could blend together while still wet. Even though there are a lot of greens and reds, which are complimentary colors and mud makers, I was careful not to brush them together too much or include additional colors into the wet mix. If you do decide to incorporate additional colors into your wet mixes, which is called "Charging Color", make certain the the charged colors are compatible and not mud makers. another way to avoid getting mud is to merely drop the additional colors into the wet neutral and let the colors merge on their own without being brushed together. You will still have a nice area of neutral gray but now there will be slight under tones of different colors which form a pleasant accent rather than an area of muddy dull colors. Once again, refer to your color wheel.
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Taking the time to learn about the pitfalls of color mixing is time well spent. I don't think that it's necessary to learn about all of the thousands of variations of colors as many of the books go into great detail explaining. Just knowing what NOT TO DO when mixing or applying color into your paintings can make an incredible difference in the end result. The color wheel is designed to make the process easier and more rewarding. The color wheel will also show you how to lighten colors and shade colors once you have made your color selections.
In the June newsletter we will discuss "SHAPES"
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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"Acrylic Abstract Expressionism" |
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 eye-catching and unique abstracts with acrylic paint on watercolor paper. Sterling will teach you how to design and find inspiration for an abstract paintings as we as a multitude of creative techniques.
You will also enjoy Sterling's laid back and casual style of teaching.
If you are ready to dive into the exciting world of abstract art then then you will not want to miss this opportunity.
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 all skill levels, however; previous painting experience is always helpful.
May 6, 8, 10, 2024 from Noon til 4:00pm U.S. Eastern time daily.
$300
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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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"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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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
- Vilano Beach (St. Augustine), Florida May 20-23, 2024, Creative and Expressive Watercolors
WAIT LIST
This is a four-day watercolor workshop that will focus on tapping into your creative side and creating exciting and expressive watercolors that stand out in a crowd. This workshop is being hosted by Sterling and Diane Edwards.
- 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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22" x 30" Watercolor
This is a demonstration painting from a recent LIVE ZOOM CLASS on negative painting.
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Here's something a little different. This is a 5" x 4" Whiskey Painting that I did recently. I used Vodka instead of whiskey which is allowed by the Whiskey Painters of America. I have been a proud member of this renowned group of artists since may 2015.
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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
“In art, the hand can never execute anything higher than the heart can imagine.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
USA
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