February, 2020 Newsletter
Click on the images for a larger view
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"Turkey Pen"
20" x 28" Holbein watercolor on Fabriano paper. This is a demonstration painting that I did for my annual Myrtle Beach Workshop group in January.
Are you an art collector or a decorator?
Maybe you're both.
Let's face it, everyone loves art. Even those who do not consciously buy art are buying art when they purchase a house, a car, the clothes they wear, jewelry, etc. Someone had to design these things and the person who purchased them was usually attracted to the design and aesthetics as much as anything else. The term "Art" is widespread and all encompassing when you put it in that context. But for the sake of this article and conversation; let's refer to two and three dimensional art that is created solely to be considered a piece of art.
So why do people buy art? I think that if we can examine why people purchase art it might give us some direction as we look for successful ways to sell our art. You probably need to look no further than a mirror. What motivates you to purchase a piece of art? Sometimes people buy a piece of art as an investment or to add to a collection. Other times people buy a particular piece of art solely because they like it and intend to display it as a decorative object. Then there are those who display their investment and collection pieces as decorative art. It could be paintings, fiber art, pottery, glass, sculptures, metal, or a host of other objects. This is the category that Diane and I fall into. We both love art in most of it's forms. We often hear that our home looks more like an art gallery than a residence. It's very eclectic with original paintings, art pottery, sculptures, art glass and a few other things. They are all pieces that we love and many of them have been purchased in art galleries we visited in our travels so they are reminders of a wonderful time we had together. Some of the pieces are by renowned and very well known artists and were rather expensive while others were just too beautiful to pass up regardless of the artist's name. Does it really matter to those who visit our home? Personally I don't think anyone other than an art historian or curator would know the difference. In fact, most people don't even get close enough to read the signature on the pieces.
They just all blend together to form an interesting and artistic home.
I have on rare occasions been in homes that have an impressive collection of investment grade art that is beautifully displayed for everyone to enjoy. So even though the pieces were purchased as investments they were proudly incorporated into the decorating of the home. For a lot of people, us included, this can be cost prohibitive.
So why do we buy the type of art that we buy? Collectors that like to invest in rare or expensive art are often hoping to get a return on their investment someday when they sell the pieces. In the meantime they like to display their collection for personal enjoyment. Some art buyers like to keep up with the popular color and decorating trends when they make their purchases. Others are influenced by what they see in the home decorating and remodeling shows on television and in magazines. Then there are those who decorate using the same type of art that all of their friends and neighbors have or what is widely accepted. Some simply make their purchase because they are attracted to something unique that speaks to them without regard to who created the piece. For example; Diane and I recently purchased a small hand-built bowl in an art gallery in Wilmington, NC for $28.00. We were both immediately attracted to the piece and knew that it was hand built and that we would never see another just like it. We also had an opportunity to meet the artist which added to the excitement of buying the piece. Even though the piece was inexpensive we love it and have it proudly display in our home with the rest of our collection. We also enjoy supporting artists. The bottom line is that people are buying art.
So how about you; why do YOU buy art?
P.S.
Art Collectors/Investors that purchase bananas duct taped to walls should consider it a short term investment.
On a personal note:
While writing the above editorial it occurred to me that I do not have a list of those who have purchased several pieces of my art. I consider anyone that has purchased at least three of my paintings to be a collector. I would like to have a list of my collectors for my personal records. This information will only be used to assess the number of those who are private collectors and will not be used for any solicitation purposes.
So if you have purchased three or more of my paintings and would like to be added to this list please send an email to:
sterling@sterlingedwards.com
I would like to have your name and what state or country you live in. All information gathered will be kept confidential and will not be shared.
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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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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Here are two Whiskey Paintings that I painted at my annual Myrtle Beach Workshop in January. Each of them is just under 4" x 5" which is the maximum allowable size as determined by the Whiskey Painters of America guidelines.
I used Vodka to paint these two pieces. If you are not familiar with the
Whiskey Painters of America click on
"Paintings"on my website:
www.sterlingedwards.com and scroll down to
Whiskey Paintings where you can
read a brief history of the
Whiskey Painters of America and
see other examples of my
Whiskey Paintings. It's a fantastic group of artists with a very unique and proud history. I am honored to have been chosen to be part of this internationally renowned group.
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"Deep in a Jungle"
20" x 28" Watercolor on Fabriano paper with Holbein paint.
This is a full sheet watercolor from my recent five-day watercolor workshop in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. We had an outstanding group of artists from all over the U.S. and Canada. Thank you to all who attended. It was a fun week for us as well.
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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.
- 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.
Contact: Diane Goeller, diane@paletteproductions.net
or Pat Page, pat@paletteproductions.net
850-467-0712
- 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 – 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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"Coalesce"
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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"On a Spring Day"
20" x 13" watercolor
This is a demo painting that I did in last month at my workshop at the Villages in Florida. It was an exercise in negative
painting.
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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 wasn't supposed to look nice; it was supposed to make you feel something"
Rainbow Rowell
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
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