May, 2020 Newsletter
Click on the images for a larger view
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"Ascribed"
48" x 36" Acrylic on Gallery Wrap Canvas
This is a new Abstract Expressionist painting that I recently painted for our den. We needed something to bring all of the colors in the room together and it needed to be large.
What a time we're seeing now
Most of you have probably heard the saying; "Sometimes life throws you a curve ball". In this case it was a fast ball, slow ball, curve ball, grease ball, and spit ball all in one pitch. We're seeing and living through something that would have been hard to imagine a few months ago. Unfortunately, many have not lived through it. This has been tough on so many people in so many ways throughout the entire world. Our prayers and best wishes are with everyone who has been injured or is suffering.
For years I have had what some of my peers have referred to as a
"Brutal"
workshop schedule. Sometimes I spent as many nights in a hotel as I did in my own home and bed. I traveled a lot, taught a lot, ate out a lot, and was around lots and lots of people. Then suddenly and without warning, it stopped. It stopped so fast that I almost got whiplash when the brakes hit. Now I'm home a lot, secluded away from people a lot, not eating out a lot, and I have lots, and lots, and lots of studio time which, quite honestly, I have been longing for; but not like this. I have always tried to subscribe to the philosophy that there is usually some good in every bad situation. Sometimes you really have to look hard to find it and it's not always true. In this case, however, I can say that I am finding new ways to utilize my time at home. Diane is also finding new ways to utilize my time at home. Doing some painting touch-ups around the house, planting some shrubs, cleaning up the yard, and a lot of other domesticated projects. Doesn't she know that artists need to be in their studios? I tell her every chance I get but I think her hearing is going out.
One thing that I have been wanting to do and have found limited time to pursue is to set up a recording studio in our home where I can build a library of digital download videos. Before the Coronavirus epidemic I rarely had time in between workshops to work on this project. It's a multifaceted venture because you have to get the right equipment and learn how to use it, learn how to edit the videos once you have filmed them, and then you need to learn how to make them available to your market which involves all kinds of technical stuff. I'm not good at technical stuff. Each of these is a separate learning curve. But now I have the time to move forward with this. I'm also finding much more time to work on some new paintings such as the one at the top of this newsletter. Most of the time when I would return from teaching a workshop I would be a little burned out on painting. After all, I had just painted anywhere from eight to ten paintings in the last week at the workshop. My brain needed some creative time off because I knew that I'd be leaving again in a few days to teach at another location and paint anywhere from eight to ten paintings there as well. In other words, I usually painted very little in between workshops. But now I can pick and choose when and if I want to paint. I should also mention that Diane does not bother me about household projects when I'm painting. So I am finally figuring things out a little. Any time that I see her walking around the house or yard checking things out it's time to get to work on a painting. After all, everyone knows that an artist must stay focused when they're in that "creative zone" right? So far it's working. I never claimed to be a fast learner but this was one of those smack your forehead moments.
We both miss seeing our friends and family and I miss the interaction that I have always had with my students. I know that I'll be back on the road soon enough and our friends and family are just a phone call away. We even found a safe way to get out of the house one evening and visit with another couple whom we've known for years. They asked us if we'd like to come over one evening and sit around their fire pit. We picked up a to-go order of chicken wings and some wine and beer. We had a great time and yes, we stayed at least six feet apart and followed the recommended guidelines except for the mask thing while we ate the wings and drank the wine and beer.
Overall, we're making it through this crisis OK and hope that all of you are too. Even when this is over it's going to take quite a while for things to get back to normal if at all. I don't really think anyone even knows what the "NEW NORMAL" will be. What ever it is, we'll make it work. Please stay safe and hang in there.
On a personal note:
I have just finished filming my first of many digital download videos. I plan on filming a few more in the coming weeks and have every expectation to make an announcement in my June Newsletter that they are available in my website store.
WEBSITE NEWS
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.
NEW
The original paintings in this gallery are priced
50% off
of the regular retail price. We have already sold several of the paintings and will be adding others from time to time. Here is a link that will take you directly to the new gallery;
So far I have not found Saatchi to be beneficial but I'll give it some more time.
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I'm proud to announce that some of my artwork has been selected for a collection of designer apparel and home decor products by Le Galeriste located in Montreal, Canada. The painting that they selected is "Delta", an acrylic on canvas. This company has an international market and sells through their website and boutiques. I have sent them other images that might be used as well. Here is a direct link to my sight where you can see the full line of items that feature my painting:
When you go to my site scroll down to see other images that you might like to see produced as designer wear. Click on the images that you like. Your input will be helpful in deciding what other images should be considered as items of clothing, etc. Thanks
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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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"The Melting"
4" x 5"
This is a
Whiskey Painting
that was painted with Holbein watercolors and Iceberg Vodka from Newfoundland. The small scale of the painting is why it looks grainy. This painting meets the guidelines of the
Whiskey Painters of America
in which I became a lifetime (bonafide) member in 2015.
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"Just Hanging Out"
20" x 13" Watercolor on Fabriano paper with Holbein paint.
This is another half sheet watercolor from my recent six-day watercolor workshop in Grifton, NC. We did a four day traditional workshop followed by a two day abstract watercolor workshop. These are old Lobster Buoys hanging on a wall. They are
NOT
ice cream pops or lollipops as some have suggested.
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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.
CANCELLED due to Coronavirus
- 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.
Postponed until October 26-30
- 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 3-6, 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.
- 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
850-384-3652
- October 26-30, 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.
- 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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"Smash Hit"
4" x 5"
This is another
Whiskey Painting
using Holbein watercolors and Iceberg Vodka from Newfoundland.
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"Snake Grass"
20" x 13" Watercolor
Those of you who know me know that I love the southwest. The colors and the shapes make it a painters paradise. Throw in a sunset and you have it all.
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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
"No great artist ever sees things as they really are. If he did, he would cease to be an artist "
Oscar Wilde
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
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