Merry Christmas!
December, 2019 Newsletter
Click on the images for a larger view
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"Gentle Light"
22" x 30" Holbein Watercolor on Fabriano paper.
This is a piece that I painted about a year ago but, what the heck, it just feels like Christmas.
The Artist's Resume
In my November newsletter we explored the importance of writing and maintaining your Artist's Biography. I referred to it as your chance to tell your story. I also suggested that you include a photograph of yourself, that it should be written in narrative form and in third person as though another person is telling someone else about your artistic history. Your biography should usually be no more than one page that is broken down into two or three short paragraphs. I have found that if you make it too long people will not take the time to read it.
In this editorial I'd like to talk about the importance of keeping and maintaining an Artist's Resume. I know that this is not very exciting but it is something that I am often asked about in the workshops I teach. Even if you just paint for the fun and joy of painting it's not a bad idea to start your resume and frequently keep it updated along with your biography. Who knows, someday you might decide to place your work in a shop or gallery. Having a current resume can be a great selling tool. Your resume is a written record of who you are and what you've accomplished. It's an important document because it can help you qualify yourself to art collectors, museums, schools, and most of all, it validates the value you place on your art.
Writing an artist’s resume is easier than you may think. There are two primary categories of information you need to include:
Your contact information
A chronological list of events and accomplishments
Your contact information should include name, address, phone number, and an email address. If you have your own artist’s website, be sure to include a link to your website as well. Your resume is a chronological list of events and accomplishments. Unlike your biography which is written in narrative form, your resume is a list. Its an overview of your accomplishments separated into categories. Unlike your Artist's Biography, you do not need to post a photograph of yourself on the resume. Typical events and accomplishments may include:
Juried shows
Awards
Publications which have featured your work, such as books, magazines, or websites
Corporate and public collections which have purchased your work, such as companies, museums, or public buildings
Corporate sponsors
Galleries that feature your work
Artists you’ve studied under
Sometimes it can be a little tricky to recall all of these events, much less put them in chronological order, but you’d be surprised how quickly most people are able to pull together a solid list once they sit down and start writing. The good news is that you don’t need to include a lot of detail in your list. Always remember that everything that you list on your resume needs to verifiable.
You want to keep the information on your resume brief, to the point, and easy to read. The readers should be able to quickly review your resume and easily find information of interest and relevant for their purposes. Bullet points are best and paragraphs should be avoided. Too many words and exhaustive details can oftentimes deter people from reading your resume, so brevity is the goal. Once your resume is complete, it's then very easy to add new events and accomplishments as they occur. I keep an ongoing resume on my computer desktop. Every time something occurs such as being accepted into a juried competition, I immediately add it to my resume before I forget.
I recently added my resume to both of my websites under the "About the Artist" column. I also have my Artist's Biography and my Artist's Statement under the same heading. I put the resume on the websites to educate people about my history as an artist, author, and teacher. It's also a good example for many of you if you decide to write one. One thing that you'll notice right away is that my biography is basically an overview of what I've done and is relatively short in comparison to my resume which is a chronological list of what I've accomplished. The length of the resume is not what matters, its the content.
The Artist's Statement
This will be short and sweet. People want to know what makes an artist tick. What inspires you? Why do you choose this medium over the others? Why do you paint in the style that you do? What do you want the viewers to take away when they see your art? And on and on. This is the viewers chance to mentally connect with you, the artist. Keep it relatively short and to the point. Write it in first person and in narrative form as though you are personally telling someone about your art. It's OK to get a little artsy-fartsy in your language but don't overdo it. An overdose of artsy terminology will most likely confuse the reader and may be viewed as an attempt to oversell your work or yourself. Be honest, be direct, and allow your viewers to get inside your head. It makes great conversation when they are describing you to their friends or showing the piece of art that they just purchased from you.
It's also a good idea to do a separate Artist's Statement for each show that you do. For example; you might be having a gallery showing of your latest oil landscapes that were painted primarily with a palette knife. An Artist's Statement about why you decided to incorporate so much palette knife technique in the paintings will not only educate the viewer, it will also add more perceived value to the pieces because they are part of a specific collection of paintings. It gives the end buyer some additional bragging rights. Collectors like that.
On a personal note:
Needless to say, the holidays are a chance to unite with family and friends, spread some joy, eat lots of great food, and conclude what may or may not have been a good year. It's a time to get a little self absorbed in family and gift giving but don't forget those who make it all possible. Our incredible Military, Law Enforcement Officers, EMS, Firefighters, Health Care providers, and so many others. And don't forget those who work behind the scenes. For example the road crews who are out at 3:00 am spreading salt and scraping roads so that we can safely get to that big Christmas party or get-together. The Utility Company employees who work 24/7 keeping the power lines up and running in severe weather so that we can have a warm and well lit home and place of employment. The airline employees who work 24/7 in an effort to get us from point A to point B safely. The list goes on and on.
When you're out and about this holiday season and happen to see one of these wonderful people offer a
"Thanks for looking out for us"
. As a former Police Officer I can assure you that it will mean a lot because they rarely hear that.
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 erchanges in my schedule.
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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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"Garden Glory"
13" x 20"
Holbein Watercolor on Fabriano paper
SOLD
This is a demonstration painting for the workshop that I held in Reno, NV for the Sierra Watercolor Society in October. We had a very receptive and fun group from around the country.
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"Sentinel Rock"
13" x 20" Holbein Watercolor on Fabriano paper.
This is a demonstration piece that I painted in October for the Sierra Watercolor Society in Reno, NV.
In my November newsletter I showcased a smaller and somewhat different version of this same scene.
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Are you an Interior Designer or Decorator?
If so, or if you know someone who is, we would like to talk with you. We extend a professional discount to licensed businesses on our original artwork. We offer a wide variety of sizes, styles and subjects. It doesn't matter if you are working on a commercial job or residential, you might be interested in hearing what we have to offer. If you would like more information, email; sterling@sterlingedwards.com
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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 or paintings that are currently hanging in a gallery.
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Sterling's 2019 and 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.
2019 Workshops
- December 9-10, 2019 Palm Beach, FL, Palm Beach Watercolor Society
This will be a two day watercolor workshop on the 9th and 10th covering floral and landscape painting. Contact;
Steve Philbrook,
561-471-8588, Philbrookstudio52@gmail.com
- December 11-13, 2019 Palm Beach, FL, Palm Beach Watercolor Society
This will be a three day on Creative and Expressive Design with watercolor. Both stylized and abstract will be taught at this workshop for all skill levels. Contact: Steve Philbrook, 561-471-8588, Philbrookstudio52@gmail.com
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
Only
ONE
spot left
- 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
- 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
- March 30 – April 2, 2020, Virginia Beach, VA
This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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 10-14, 2020, County Louth, Ireland
This is a five 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.
- October 26-29, 2020 Lincolnton, NC
This is a four day abstract and creative design watercolor workshop for all skill levels. Contact: Liz Poole, liz
@donnadowneystudio.com
- 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 – 4, 2020. Bradenton, FL
T
his is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will cover a wide variety of styles and subjects. Contact: Frank Perry,
frankp@creativeart.supply
941-259-1449
Cancelled
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"Situational II"
20" x 13" watercolor.
What can I say, it's an abstract. As I'm sure most of you know, I love to paint abstracts,. They're exciting, they're unique, and they're challenging. I'm also pleased to say that we are getting more and more requests for abstract workshops from around the country. It's becoming one of the most popular styles of art in galleries and art museums not to mention in commercial buildings and designer and decorator shows and magazines.
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"Geisha"
36" x 24" Acrylic on Gallery Wrap Canvas.
This is an abstract expressionist studio painting. It's all about color, shapes, textures, and interpretation.
When the painting was finished I saw what appeared to be a Geisha but others may see something different. Quite often I will not title my expressionist paintings in a way that might sway the viewer one way or the other. This painting, however, just screamed "Geisha".
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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 are 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 is the lie that enables us to realize the truth."
Pablo Picasso
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
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