March, 2020 Newsletter
Click on the images for a larger view
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"Intarsia"
20" x 13"
This is a painting that I did for my workshop group at the Villages in Florida in January. It's a watercolor using Holbein paint on Fabriano paper. This was a demonstration on creating an abstract expressionist painting with an asymmetrical composition.
Mix it up a little; some call it eclectic
Last month I wrote about the various reasons why people purchase art. It was a chance to open the door to what I think is a thought provoking topic that would be of interest to anyone in the arts who is or is considering selling their art. I know that many of you probably paint for the fun of it and have never really considered selling your paintings. That's perfectly fine and is how almost every professional artist I know first got into art. We all love art. Even those who do not produce art themselves love art. For many of us, however; art is an obsession. That's not saying that it is good or bad but merely stating a fact. Diane and I are always visiting art galleries and sometimes we find that "special" piece that we can't live without. That's when we have to make a decision. There are three main things that I think every potential art buyer has to consider before they make a purchase. This of course is not engraved on a stone tablet but is nevertheless true with most collectors or decorators that purchase artwork. They are:
Can I afford this piece?
Will it match my decorating scheme?
Where will I display it?
Only you know the answers to these questions so they require a little self evaluation, especially the question about whether you can afford the piece. As to it matching the decorating scheme in your home or office, well, that too can only be answered by you. As to whether it will match your decorating scheme? This is where I need to interject my personal and professional opinion. Is it really necessary to have a decorating scheme that puts limitations on what you purchase or display? If you run across a piece of art that really appeals to you and is within your budget, does it really matter if it matches your sofa, or your color scheme, or anything else in your home or office? I will use our home as an example of what I mean. We have a very contemporary home that has everything from antique furniture to abstract sculptures and paintings. There is no definitive decorating style and we don't concern ourselves with trendy colors or making everything match. In fact, we love to find unusual pieces of art and then find a way to make them work as a nice decorating accessory that becomes an addition to our collection of art or makes a statement. Some of the rugs on our hardwood floors are contemporary designs and some are antique hand knotted oriental rugs. It's a very eclectic way of designing and displaying what appeals to both of us. Our eclectic decorating is often a topic of conversation when we have people over. Some like it better than others but isn't that the case with most things? We love it and that is what matters most to us. So if we fall in love with a piece, and we can afford the piece, and we have a place for the piece, we're going home with the piece. It kind of boarders between an obsession and an adventure. When we enter an art gallery we sometimes feel as though we're on a treasure hunt, thus the adventure.
With so many beautiful and unique pieces to choose from in art galleries and art shows why would I put myself in a box were I can only purchase and display a certain style or color? This is not to say that everyone should do a total "do over" of their home or office with objects that have no real relevance to each other. Sometimes just a few objects that look a little out of the ordinary can really spice up a space; it can add an unusual color or an element of excitement to a room. A few years ago I sold a large framed abstract painting through a gallery that agreed to deliver and hang the piece for their customer. The owner of the gallery told me afterward that when he first pulled into the driveway of the home he was curious as to why someone living in such a stately and traditional home would purchase a large and very abstracted painting. When he entered the home he immediately noticed that everything was old world antiques, oriental rugs, porcelain vases, large crystal chandeliers, etc. This was not at all the kind of home where you would expect to find a large abstract painting. The owner of the home had him carry the piece to the Dining Room, which was also very stately. She asked him if he would hang the painting above a large and very traditional antique sideboard that was directly in the center of a wall that faced the front door of the home. He told me that he could not believe the difference the painting made. It livened up the entire home and made a bold first impression when you enter the home. The Dining Room and the painting were clearly visible when entering through the front door. He said that you couldn't help but notice that the painting was large, had bold colors, and a crazy abstract design. In other words, it was completely out of character for the home. He said that it made a beautiful and dynamic statement. The homeowner told him that she purchased the painting for that very purpose; to add some excitement and color and shake things up a little. Her home became eclectic with the purchase of just one painting and she couldn't have been happier.
So it's OK to settle on a color scheme and a decorating style if that's what pleases you but don't totally discount the idea of introducing something a little different. If you fall in love with a piece and it is within your budget you'll surely find a suitable way to display it, even if it is out of the ordinary. After all, do we really want to be ordinary?
On a personal note:
Recently Diane and I were invited to a large dinner party at the home of some friends in Charlotte, NC. The second we entered the home we were astounded at the diverse and intriguing collection of art that the couple had acquired. They were undoubtedly art collectors and took great pride in displaying their collection. Every room in the home was adorned with beautiful and very diverse paintings, ceramics, glass art, beaded objects of art, and hand made masks and small hand painted carvings. We couldn't take our eyes off of it. I don't think that I have ever been in a home as intriguing as this home and it reassured me that art is something to be loved and enjoyed and seen regardless of the style. It also made me realize that this might be the reaction of those who enter our home except on a smaller scale. Hopefully it is because we loved what we saw in their home and we're still talking about their incredible art collection. And, we're honored that they have some original Sterling Edwards paintings displayed in their collection although we would have loved that home just as much even if they hadn't.
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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"Floaters"
3.75" x 4.75"
Whiskey Painting using Vodka
I used Vodka to paint this piece. 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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"Why Not?"
20" x 13" Watercolor on Fabriano paper with Holbein paint.
This is a half sheet watercolor from my recent five-day watercolor workshop at the Villages in Florida. This was a demonstration painting to show some of the design techniques of Picasso. 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 and very creative week.
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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.
We still have a few spots left
- 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.
WAIT LIST
- 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 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
850-348-3652
- October 26-29, 2020 Lincolnton, NC
This is a four day abstract and creative design watercolor workshop for all skill levels. Contact: Kelli Scott, kelli
@donnadowney.com
704-240-8076
- 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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"Southern Roots"
20" x 28" watercolor.
This was a full sheet demonstration of an old Banyan tree that was shrouded in Spanish Moss and surrounded with some tropical ground cover. It was also a good piece to demo balancing hard and soft edges and negative painting.
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"Shadows on the Rim"
"
20" x 13" watercolor
This is a demo painting that I did in last month at my workshop at the Villages in Florida. The inspiration for the painting was an ancient Pinion tree in Canyonlands National Park in Utah.
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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
"I just do art because I'm ugly and there's nothing else for me to do".
Andy Warhol
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
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