"Jungle Surprise"
22" x 30" Watercolor using Holbein paint on Fabriano Artistico paper.
July, 2019 Newsletter
*Click on the images for a larger view.
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Alas, a
DREAM
studio
Let's face it; artists have a love affair with art studios. There's something about a studio that puts you in the mood to hunker down and create masterful works of art, right? OK, at the very least it is a place of refuge where an artist can escape the reality of the real world and immerse themselves in their own little private world. It's a place where you are surrounded by the sights, the smells, and the clutter of art and art production tools. It's a GREAT world. Even those who are not artists love to come into and browse through an artist's studio. It's like a treasure hunt. There is a certain romanticism about artists and their studios that people love. But not all studios are created equal.
For the last thirty years I have had studios that were located in basements of homes where there were no windows, lots of basement clutter, damp and musty smells, and often no heat. As hard as I tried I could not find the romanticism in these studios. I was always painting with either florescent overhead lights or clip on light fixtures with 100 watt bulbs that were mounted to my drawing table. I would often read books that implied that you HAD to have the "north light" illuminating your painting surface and subject to properly mix your colors and stand any chance of creating a masterpiece. But let's face it, you work with what you have and in my case it was a dark and musty basement. In spite of the sub-standard studio space I was able to make a living with my art and I found ways to adapt to my conditions. It really wasn't that bad because I had never worked in an ideal studio so I didn't know what I was missing. Isn't it that way with most things? The paintings that I created there sold in galleries, were accepted into shows, won awards, and decorated the walls in many homes and offices. I seriously doubt that the people who bought the paintings cared one iota about the conditions in which they were painted. They just liked the end result. Nevertheless, like most artists, I dreamed about someday having that ideal studio. Then it happened.
About a year and a half ago Diane and I bought a contemporary home in Lewisville, NC. The home is tucked away in about two acres of woods that are food for the soul. We looked at lot of houses before selecting this home. One of the main criteria that we had for making our selection was adequate room for an artist studio where we could have an office, plenty of studio space, and extra room for storing all of the stuff that businesses and artists accumulate. This particular house had it all plus it was the style home that we had hoped to find and of course we love the wooded setting. All of the ducks were lining up. It's been an ongoing project to make the home exactly what we want with exception of the studio space; it's perfect just as it is. I posted two photos of the studio below so you can see how it looks and how it is set up. You can click on the images to get a larger view. This space is also Diane's office. This space actually has heat, lots of natural light including skylights, lots of space, and it has that ambiance that you would expect to find in a serious artist studio. I love it because it is my refuge where I can immerse myself in my life's ambition; to be a professional artist. I don't always have to be painting to be in my zone. Even when I'm working on the computer, as I am right now, I feel creative. I enjoy writing and I find that it is another way for me to be creative. This entire room screams, "Be Creative!". I've always been creative, even when I worked in the dark and cold basements of my previous homes. I guess that it's more of a psychological thing than anything else.
The bottom line is this; a real artist will always find a way to create regardless of their environment. Do you think that the famous artists that we all admire had perfect studios? I'm guessing that they did not. It didn't seem to affect their work though did it? I know a lot of exceptional artist who paint on their kitchen table. When I first started painting with watercolors I had a very small drawing table, a block of paper, about six or seven small brushes, and a little watercolor palette with no more than eight or ten colors. It was all that I could afford at the time. It worked and I loved my time painting. So a nice studio is wonderful to have but is not a necessity for most artists. The creative spirit doesn't just go away because of your surroundings. In fact, if I had to, I could go back to that kind of a set up although it would be kind of tough because now I'm spoiled rotten.
On a personal note:
The one (and in my opinion very important necessity) that my dream studio DOES NOT have is a Kegerator. That's because Diane will not let me have one. And as we all know;
SHE IS THE BOSS.
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This photo of my studio shows a wider angle that includes Diane's desk, our Giclee printer, and my staging area for large canvas paintings. We also have a large flat file for storing paper and paintings. As you know, I'm on the road quite a bit teaching so I always look forward to getting back in the studio when I return from my trips.
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In this photo you can see the double Santa Fe easel that I use for large canvases and to the right is my staging area for my watercolors. There is an abundance of natural light that is provided by large windows and skylights. I also have a television and stereo. What can I say, I'm an artist and this is my world.
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"Autumn Walk"
Acrylic on canvas
This is a representation abstract painting from the recent acrylic abstract workshop in Calabash, NC. These paintings are all about color and recognizable shapes with very little or no detail.
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"While in Yellowstone"
11" x 15" watercolor
This is a small afternoon demo on painting subtle shadows and contour on snow with watercolor. The subject was a small stream that we saw several years ago when we visited Yellowstone in early May.
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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 2019, 2020, & 2021 workshop schedules are full and we are booking the 2022 and 2023 workshops. If you would like to schedule a workshop for your group in 2022 or 2023 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.
- May 20-23, 2019, Folsom, CA
This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects using mostly big brushes. Contact: Barbara Otey, cawatercolorworkshops.com, 916-608-9153
WAIT LIST
- June 10-14, 2019, Boone, NC, Cheap Joe’s
T
his is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on painting floral and landscape watercolors primarily with large brushes. Contact:
Edwina@cheapjoes.com
1-800-227-2788
WAIT LIST
- June 24 -27, 2019, Petoskey, MI, Crooked Tree Arts Center
This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects. Contact: Megan DeWindt,
megan@crookedtree.org
, 231-838-1566
WAIT LIST
- June 28-29, 2019, Petoskey, MI, Crooked Tree Arts Center
This is a two day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on painting watercolors with big brushes.
- July 15 -19, 2019, Belfast ME, Coastal Maine Art Workshops
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects.
207-594-4813
- July 29 – August 1, 2019, Evergreen, CO
This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects.
- August 12-16, Grand Marais, MN; Grand Marais Art Colony
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on
Stylized Interpretations
of a wide variety of subjects. Contact: Ruth Pszwaro,
programs@grandmaraisartcolony.org
- September 9 -13, 2019, Hendersonville, NC
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects.
One Spot Left!
- October 7-10, 2019, Morgantown, WV
This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects.
- October 22-26, 2019, Reno, NV, Sierra Watercolor Society
This is a four day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects. The contact person is : Linda Parisi,
parisiart@outlook.com
, 360-589-9330
- November 14 -16, 2019, Raleigh, NC Art of the Carolinas Trade Show
This is the annual trade show in Raleigh, NC sponsored by Jerry’s Artarama
- 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. The workshop will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects.
- January 20 -24, 2020 The Villages, FL
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects.
Contact: Wanda Boyd, wboyd2009@yahoo.com, 804-536-1794
- February 24-28, 2020, Bonita Springs, FL
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects.
- March 11 - 15, 2020, Grifton, NC
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects.
- 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 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
T
his 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 6-10, 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 14-18 Hendersonville, 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 - 9,2019, Pensacola, FL
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects.
- 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,
frank@keetononline.com
, 941-4747-2995
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"The Plains
30" x 40" Acrylic on canvas
I am currently working on a series of abstract expressionist paintings on canvas and paper that are inspired by the shapes and colors of places that I have visited. The series is called,
"My America Collection". I anticipate that there will be between thirty and fifty paintings before I am finished with this series.
My objective with this series is to create a collection of original art that reflects the feeling that I had while at the various locations. They're not totally inspired by what I had seen but also the mood and feeling that the area presented. This painting,
"The Plains" for example, embodies the wind, grasses, bold skies, and openness of the Central Plains. An abstract expressionist approach in painting this presented an excellent opportunity to be creative with the brushwork and colors as opposed to painting a traditional landscape. This is an exciting project that I have thought about for a long time. I will be showing more of these paintings in upcoming newsletters.
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Diane and I on our recent trip to Iceland. We snowmobiled to the top of a glacier. That was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Yes, that really is Diane behind the mask.
As always, we appreciate your support.
Art; it chooses us
Food for thought
"The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless."
Jacques Rousseau
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
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