"Close inspection"
22" x 30" Watercolor Abstract Expressionism using Holbein paint on Fabriano Artistico paper.
May, 2019 Newsletter
*Click on the images for a larger view.
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The "Pretty" Trap
Sometimes when I write my editorials I feel like I'm walking on very thin ice because we now live in a time where just about anything can be misconstrued and weaponized against me in the name of Political Correctness. Those of you who know me have surely come to the realization that I would never say anything with the express intent to embarrass, insult, or humiliate anyone. It's just not what I do. Never-the -less, I am always very conscious of what I write because many of my editorials are based on my personal opinions which are often based on my own observations and experiences. Even I take some of what I write about with a grain of salt because I know that there will always be those with different opinions based on their own observations and experiences. So who is correct? Who are you asking? In sorts, this is a somewhat long winded disclaimer but I felt it was necessary to set the tone for my editorials, past, present, and future.
This particular editorial addresses the idea that a painting, or for that matter, any piece of art, has to be "pretty" to be noteworthy and accepted by the masses. So how do you define "pretty"? We all have prejudices about which colors we think are pretty and which are not. So if you think pink is the prettiest of all the colors you would most likely be disappointed with a painting that had no pink. Well, maybe you can still agree that it is pretty but just not as pretty as it could have been if the artist had thrown some pink in the painting. The same thing can be said about the subject of the painting. Some think landscapes are the prettiest of all paintings, especially the finely detailed paintings that are difficult to distinguish from a photograph. Others would consider paintings that have expressive colors, textures, and shapes to be much prettier because they either have no or just a hint of detail. What about a floral painting? Detail or no detail, lots of pink or no pink at all, rich dark colors or very pastel, and on and on and on. Then of course there are the abstract paintings, abstract expressionism to be specific. Many of the ones that I have seen in books and museums would be very difficult to describe as "pretty" by most standards. But they are always in big demand in an ever growing market. That makes no sense at all. How can any piece of art that many would say is not at all pretty sell? Don't ask me, ask Christie's and Sotheby's. Their auction catalogs are full of paintings that I would not consider at all pretty, but that's just my opinion. But obviously others see a lot of value in them because the prices of many of those (ugly) paintings are a king's ransom. I have no doubt that many of the collectors who purchase these paintings see them as quite beautiful.
Very often I have students in my workshops that struggle trying to paint something that is "pretty". I know this because they tell me when I critique their work or offer ideas on what they can do to improve it. A typical response is, "What can I do to make it prettier?" Maybe I'm just too old school or too cavalier with my opinions but I judge a painting on how artistic it is and how well it is executed. The colors in the piece are a personal choice that the artist made based on his or her vision of the subject. Maybe the artist thought those colors were "pretty". Does it really matter as long as the artist was confident enough and proud enough of the painting to expose it to the masses, who as many artists know, can be very opinionated and sometimes brutally vocal?
A couple of years ago I had a conversation with a fellow artist about some of the great masters of painting and the painting "The Scream" came up. My immediate response was that I think it is one of the ugliest paintings that I have ever seen. Again, this is just my opinion. His response was that he thought it was probably one of the most beautiful paintings he has ever seen. So who was correct? Maybe both of us, or maybe neither of us. Art is very subjective and there are no absolutes. So in my book, the designation, "pretty" is not necessarily something that I strive to achieve. If someone looks at one of my paintings and thinks it is pretty then I will take that as the compliment it was intended to be. My ultimate how ever goal however, in any piece that I paint, is to create a piece of art that appeals to me and my personal interpretation of the subject. So always keep in mind that there will be those who think your work is pretty and those who don't no matter how hard you try. But that's OK. It's what you, the artist, thinks that matters most. To paraphrase and unknown author, "When we all think alike; no-one is thinking".
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"Just Another Party"
22"x 15" Transparent watercolor
This is a transparent watercolor representational abstract that I painted at a recent workshop for the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society in Hummelstown, PA. The workshop focused on creative and expressive designs with watercolor.
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"Trees and More Trees"
22" x 30" Transparent Watercolor
This is another painting from the workshop in Hummelstown, PA. This was an afternoon study on stacking negative shapes to create depth in a painting.
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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 does NOT include Whiskey Paintings.
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Sterling's 2019 Workshop Schedule
***Please Read***
Beginning in 2021 Sterling will be doing fewer workshops. Currently our 2019 and 2020 workshop schedules are full and we are booking the 2021 and 2022 workshops. If you would like to schedule a workshop for your group in 2021 or 2022 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.
- January 7-11, 2019, Myrtle Beach, S.C.
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects.
WAIT LIST
- January 21-24, 2019, Mission,TX
This is a four day watercolor workshop for the
Hidalgo Watercolor Society.
This workshop is for All Skill levels and will focus
on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects. The Contact person is : Joyce Capen,
capen1jl@cmich.edu
WAIT LIST
- February 4 – 8, 2019, 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. Two of the days will cover floral and landscape watercolors and three days will be devoted to creative and expressive deign with watercolors (abstract and stylized).
- February 20 -24, 2019, 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.
WAIT LIST
- March 18-22, 2019, Santa Fe, NM
This is a five day watercolor workshop for all skill levels that will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects. Contact: Heather Atherton,
misa@madelineschool.com
715-747-2054.
- April 8 -12, 2019, Hummelstown, PA
This is a five day watercolor workshop for the Pennsylvania Watercolor Society. This workshop is for all skill levels that will focus on Creative and expressive deign with watercolor (abstract and stylized). Contact: Linda Young,
pwswrkshops@gmail.com
.
- April 29-May 3, 2019, 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.
- 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 five 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
, 231-347-4337
WAIT LIST
- July 15 -19, 2019, Belfast ME, Coastal Maine Art Workshops
This is a four 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.
- 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 9-13, 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 followed by a three day workshop on the 11th thru the 13th focusing on creative and expressive design with watercolor (stylized and abstract). Both workshops are for all skill levels. Contact;
Steve Philbrook,
561-471-8588, Philbrookstudio52@gmail.com
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"Soon to Melt"
4"x 5" Whiskey Painting
I used Iceberg Vodka from Newfoundland to paint this piece on Fabriano 140 lb cold pressed paper. The reason that the image looks grainy is because it's a close up photo of a very small painting. The closer the image, the more grain. The somewhat unusual texture is the result of the alcohol being used as a medium instead of water. The alcohol has a lot of sugar in it and dries quickly on the paper creating various textures.
If you click on
"Paintings"
on my website;
www.sterlingedwards.com
you can scroll down to
Whiskey Paintings
and read a brief history of the
Whiskey Painters of America.
You can also click and see other examples of my
Whiskey Paintings
. It's a fantastic group of artists with a very unique and proud history. I am very honored to be part of this internationally renowned group.
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"Hanging Out"
22"x 30" Transparent Watercolor
Representational Abstract.
I love to paint these old boats on scaffolding because they have such interesting shapes and are a great opportunity to really get creative with negative painting.
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Diane and I on the waterfront in Reykjavik, Iceland.
As always, we appreciate your support.
Art; it chooses us
Food for thought
"A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others."
Salvadore Dali
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
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