April, 2020 Newsletter
Click on the images for a larger view
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"#19"
20" x 13" Holbein Watercolor on Fabriano paper.
So is this your style or is that?
It seems like we are always hearing that artists need to paint in a specific style in order to gain recognition in the art world and develop a following. Art galleries, in particular, want artist whose style is not only consistent but also easily recognizable. They want an artist whose work is readily identifiable and can be attributed to the artist even if the viewer is not close enough to read the signature on the piece. Personally I think that this is a good idea from the standpoint of marketing because art galleries incur a lot of expenses each month and they depend on numerous sales to meet their expenses and still make a profit. If the artist has a specific style of painting, the gallery can promote their style to a tailored market as well as promote the artist by name. That's why if you're like most artists who approach art galleries, it's a good idea to stick with one style that they can promote as opposed to several styles. It's just makes good business and marketing sense.
The problem for most artists however, is that they do not always paint the same style or subject matter that they did when they were learning to paint or beginning their art career. Most of us have evolved into a style that we can call "our style". Most likely it has taken a lifetime of trial and error to reach the point where you can say to yourself, "I've arrived". We have taken bits and pieces of all of the other styles, techniques, and philosophies that we've learned over the years and honed in on something that just speaks to us and is something that we know that we can produce consistently well. It feels as though someone has lit a fuse and we're ready to show the world what we can do. There is excitement in the air and a great feeling of accomplishment because after years of searching we have finally reached a destination point, at least for now.
One of the biggest problems that I have, however, is the felling that I might be looked down upon in the galleries and the art world if I deviate from that recognizable style and try something different or even worse, I paint something in my "old" style. The painting of the barn, above, is a good example of what I mean. I live in North Carolina which is very much an agricultural state, specifically tobacco. Tobacco farming is not as common as it was back when I was learning to paint but a lot of the old barns that were built to cure tobacco are still standing. They're old, they're rustic, they have a lot of charm, their historic for the area, and they have always been very common subjects of paintings by most of the local artists. I pretty much learned how to paint by painting the old barns. For over twenty years I painted the barns as I learned about composition and watercolor techniques and I sold a great deal of the finished paintings in the local art shows and galleries. It was great; I liked to paint them and people liked to buy them. It doesn't get much better than that for a painter. During that same period I also learned to paint landscapes , seascapes, and flowers but in every art show that I attended and gallery that I entered the old barns sold more than anything else. So what do you do when you've found something that sells like hotcakes? That's right, you paint a lot more of them. Then one day I realized that I was really getting sick and tired of painting barns. Painting was no longer as enjoyable as it had been and I sometimes dreaded having to sit for hours working on another barn painting. I was also burdened by the extreme detail that everyone expected to see in the paintings. It was not as exciting as it once was and it became the job that I dreaded to going to every day.
It was time to evolve. I had always been intrigued with abstract paintings. I didn't understand them and I was totally confused by the prices of many of them. In fact I was angry that something that probably took no more than an hour or two would sell for three or four times more money than the barn that I labored over for weeks or longer. I thought that anyone can knock out an abstract painting because all you're really doing is smudging paint all over a canvas or piece of paper in an attempt to make it look like nothing that is easily recognizable. One day I mustered enough courage to give it a try. I mean, after all, how hard could it be? What an understatement; it was mentally painful because I had always used a photograph or some form of reference that I could copy when I painted. Now rather than copying something I found myself in an awkward and brain twisting position of having to create something that I've never seen. Since I had no reference material I had no way of judging if I had painted it correctly or not. It was much tougher than I thought it would be. Now I was on a mission to learn as much about abstract art as I could. I read books and went to art galleries and museums that feature abstract art in an attempt to learn more about it. Every time I learned something new I would rush to my studio if I had the opportunity and try it out. Then one day it occurred to me that I was once again excited about my paintings and looked for every opportunity that I could to practice even more. Eventually I began to understand abstract art enough that I was comfortable with it. I also learned that there is no limit as to how I paint abstract. When I painted the barns I was pretty much locked in a box where I had very limited room for artistic license or experimentation. Everyone knew what a barn looks like so I had to walk the line and conform to a very rigid standard of acceptable outcome.
As time went on I experimented even more with abstraction and found that I could marry my traditional style of painting with a little of the newfound abstract ideas that I had developed. The paintings below of the the dry docked boats and the crazy pink flowers are what I often call representational abstracts. They're a combination of over fifty years of learning, experimenting, practicing, observing, and creating. So nowadays I refer to myself as an abstract artist. That doesn't mean that I can't go back once in a while and paint something from the past.
Let's go back to the barn painting above. I recently painted this piece at a watercolor workshop in Grifton, North Carolina. The title of the workshop was
"Watercolor from A to Z"
. I do this workshop all over the U.S. and it's by far my most popular workshop. In these workshops I teach everything from how to paint old buildings such as the barn, flowers, seascapes, sunsets and cloudy skies, wooded landscapes, southwest scenes, and yes, abstract. These are great workshops for me because I get an opportunity to reach into my past and paint some of the things that I enjoyed painting all of those years that I was experimenting and learning to paint. I really enjoyed painting the old barn because I only do them at workshops as a learning demonstration so I don't do so many that I find them as monotonous as I did years ago. I should also mention that it sold before it was even signed. As before, there was a temptation to paint more of them. Why not? I actually enjoyed painting the barn and the new owner of the painting was excited to add the piece to her collection. But I'm going to resist that temptation. I'll still demonstrate how to paint the old buildings in my workshops but when I have the opportunity to work in my studio I'll continue working on my abstracts; at least for this period of my art career.
I realize that this editorial has jumped around a bit but so has my career. I wouldn't have it any other way.
On a personal note:
Just like most of you Diane and I have self-sequestered ourselves in our home which we now lovingly refer to as our "Bomb Shelter" because of the Coronavirus. We are using this time to do some spring cleaning, catch up on office projects, and work on our video recordings. We're also watching a lot of movies thanks to Netflix and Amazon. Needless to say we have found it necessary to rearrange our workshop schedule and postpone or cancel some workshops. We have never been in this type of situation and have found it very difficult. But as we have heard many say, "this too will pass".
Our main concern right now is the well being of each other our family and friends. We sincerely hope that all of you reading this are doing well and in good health. Our prayers and best wishes are with all of you.
MY TWO 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.
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I'm proud to announce that some of my artwork has been selected for a collection of designer apparel and home decor products by Le Galeriste located in Montreal, Canada. The painting that they selected is "Delta", an acrylic on canvas. This company has an international market and sells through their website and boutiques. I have sent them other images that might be used as well. Here is a direct link to my sight where you can see the full line of items that feature my painting:
When you go to my site scroll down to see other images that you might like to see produced as designer wear. Click on the images that you like. Your input will be helpful in deciding what other images should be considered as items of clothing, etc. Thanks
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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.
Is it time for a studio clean up?
If you're like me, you probably have drawers and cabinets full of art supplies that you've collected over the years that you will never use. Why not donate them to a school or retirement center so that someone else can enjoy them. I have been donating excess supplies for several years and I enjoy doing so. I need the space in my studio and the schools need the materials. It's a win/win. There's probably even a tax deduction if you like.
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"Crazy Pink"
13" x 20"
Holbein Watercolor on Fabriano paper.
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These funky floral paintings are always fast and fun. This piece was painted at my workshop in Grifton, NC.
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"Barnacles"
20" x 13" Watercolor on Fabriano paper with Holbein paint.
This is another half sheet watercolor from my recent six-day watercolor workshop in Grifton, NC. We did a four day traditional workshop followed by a two day abstract watercolor workshop. This is a Representational Abstract of boats in dry dock.
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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 watercolors that are shipped to a U.S. address.
This offer is for watercolors only and DOES NOT include Whiskey Paintings, paintings on canvas, or paintings that are currently hanging in a gallery.
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2020 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 a 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
- January 6-10 ,2020 Myrtle Beach, S.C.
This is the annual five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that is hosted by Sterling and Diane at the Brighton Tower in Kingston Plantation Resort. The workshop will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects. Contact: Diane Edwards,
sterling@sterlingedwards.com
, 336-946-1425
WAIT LIST
- January 20 -21, 2020 The Villages, FL
This is a two day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on creating an abstract expressionist watercolor.
Contact: Wanda Boyd, wboyd2009@yahoo.com, 804-536-1794
- January, 22-24, 2020 The Villages, FL
This is a three day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on painting a stylized (Semi-abstract) watercolor. Contact: Wanda Boyd, wboyd2009@yahoo.com, 804-536-1794 Registration Details;
www.villageartworkshops.com
WAIT LIST
- February 25-28, 2020, Bonita Springs, FL
This is a four day watermedia workshop for all skill levels that will focus on painting an abstract expressionist painting with watercolor and acrylic.
- March 11 - 14, 2020, Grifton, NC
This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects.
WAIT LIST
- March 15-16, 2020 Grifton, NC
This is a two day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on creating expressive abstracts with watercolor.
WAIT LIST
- April 20 -23, 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.
- May 4-7, 2020, Black Mountain, NC
This a four day acrylic and mixed media abstract workshop in Black Mountain, NC. All skill levels are invited to this exciting and creative workshop. Contact; Diane Edwards at
sterling@sterlingedwards.com
or call 336-946-1425 for more information or to register.
CANCELLED
- May 18-22, 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.
Postponed until October 26-30
- 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
WAIT LIST
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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
- 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
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"Strokes"
20" x 28" Acrylic on Fabriano paper.
This was a full sheet demonstration of an expressive and impressionistic landscape on gessoed Fabriano paper with acrylic paint. It's all about color and texture.
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Diane and I at Looking Glass Falls near Brevard, North Carolina. This photograph was taken a few years ago and is still one of my favorites. I am one lucky guy!
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
Food for thought
"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life"
Pablo Picasso
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
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