November, 2019 Newsletter
Click on the images for a larger view
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"A Mountain Morning"
20" x 13" watercolor painted with Holbein paint on Fabriano paper.
This is a stylized demonstration painting that I painted last month in Flat Rock, NC. The demonstration was an exercise in creating an expressive piece of art from simple or common subjects.
The Artist's Biography; your chance to tell your story
This months editorial and my December editorial will address what I consider MUST HAVE marketing tools for those of you who currently are or considering marketing their artwork. I realize that many of you are not interested in selling your paintings but maybe somewhere, sometime you will be. Even if you sell your art just to raise enough money to purchase more art supplies, which by way, is how I got started selling.
I have re-written an editorial that I wrote in my December, 2013 newsletter about creating a professional and concise artist biography. I am often asked by students in my workshops about the importance of writing and maintaining an artist resume, artist's statement, and biography. I will address the resume and artists statement in my December newsletter. All three are very important if you are considering gallery representation or educating your collectors about your history and philosophy concerning your art. In other words, if you're selling, like it or not, you're a business person. As such, you need to do what every other business does; learn how to market your products and educate your potential customers.
Every business involves selling. You're either selling a service or a product or both. Every business owner has to market themselves and their product or service. Artists are a little different however, because you essentially are the product. Those who are interested in your art want to know all about you. So essentially, your biography sells you. I have always believed that a painting will sell itself, you either like it and want it or you don't. The Artist's Biography is what sells the artist. It's your opportunity to be a little braggadocios while at the same time be perceived as professional by educating the public and potential collectors or galleries about your accomplishments, who you have studied with, etc. Let's face it, it's hard to talk about yourself without sounding a little self absorbed. But
if you don't tell your story who will?
A good biography is a safe way to blow your own horn and look good as you do it. Here are a few suggestions that may help you update or create your Artists's Biography.
Your biography should be written in second person as though someone besides you is telling your story. It should be written in narrative form and should preferably not be more than two or three paragraphs. It's purpose is to help people familiarize themselves with you on a more personal level as well as professional level.
The following is how to write your biography in print form. The format may vary when putting your biography on a website depending on the website and format that you use....
All of your contact information should be in the upper left corner.
This is your name, address, phone number, email, and website if you have one.
It's a good idea to include a photograph of yourself in the upper right corner. People want to see and identify with the artist. Putting a face with the name helps people connect with you.
Centered beneath your contact information and photo it should read "Biography". Beneath the word Biography should be your narrative. This is where your history is told. Always keep everything factual so that you can verify something if asked to do so. It's important to be concise and keep in mind that you are not writing a book. Try and keep everything on one page. If it's too long people may not take the time to read it. Writing about yourself is not as easy as it sounds. If you have been painting for years it can be difficult to get everything on one page. If necessary, consider using a smaller font as long as it can be easily read. If you are relatively new as an artist and don't have a long list of accomplishments, consider double spacing the narrative, or go into a little more detail as to why you paint in a specific style or medium. Having a long list of awards, one artist shows, sales records, and such are great and look wonderful on your resume but can be consolidated on your biography by saying that you are "an award winning artist with numerous one artist shows". If they need more specific information give them a resume that lists all or your shows and awards in the sequence in which they happened. Remember that your artist biography is a conversation with your audience, not a list of facts.
If you are not a skilled writer consider asking someone who is. It can be written from facts that you furnish. Several years ago I received assistance from a professional writer and was rewarded with a more creative and expressive way of telling my story while still being factual. She just seemed to know all of the right words to use. Make sure that this person understands that you may need to edit his or her writing since you, and only you, know more about your art and your history than anyone else.
That's pretty much it. Take your time writing it and use spell check and grammar check if necessary. Have someone proof read it before putting it out for the world to see. It's that "first impression" thing. Below this editorial are links to both of my websites. Each has a biography under the heading "About the artist". Feel free to use them as examples when writing your biography. Anytime you have something new to add or change in your biography you can do so in a matter of minutes so always keep your biography updated. As I stated earlier; if you don't tell your story who will?
On a personal note:
Have you ever noticed how a dog can hear a refrigerator door open from the other side of the house but are totally deaf when you call them at the top of your lungs? As hard as it is to believe, sometimes husbands are accused of this too.
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 changes in my schedule.
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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 a step daughter and a good friend who have been teaching in the public school system for years. Both of them have told me about the shortage of paper and art supplies in the schools because of budget constraints. It's been a problem for a long time but we can offer a little help on occasion. 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.
So why not spend a couple of hours gathering up all of the excess stuff that is always in the way and take it to a public school art teacher, retirement center, local art guild, or something similar. I recently donated some supplies to a high school art teacher for her students. To say that she was overwhelmed with surprise and joy is an understatement. She said that her high school art students have never had REAL art supplies.
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"Quiet Afternoon"
19.5" x 27"
Acrylic on Fabriano paper
This is an acrylic stylized painting that I did last month as a demo at Cheap Joe's in Boone, NC last month. It is painted on a gessoed piece of 300lb cold pressed Fabriano paper using Cheap Joe's acrylics. We had a nice turn out for the demo and as usual the staff at Cheap Joe's was top notch.
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"Codify"
13" x 20" Mixed Media
This is a demonstration painting for my workshop group in Morgantown, West Virginia last month. This is a watercolor and watercolor pencil abstract expressionist painting on Fabriano paper. The watercolor pencil calligraphy makes a bold and painterly look when you use a wet brush to soften the lines.
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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, 2023, and 2024 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.
If you want more information about any of the workshops below get in touch with the
Contact
person for that particular workshop. They can answer questions about the workshop price, lodging, airports, etc.
2019 Workshops
- 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
Contact person; Sharon DiGiulio at 1-800-827-8478, ext 156 or email
Sharon@jerrysartarama.com
I'll be teaching six, three hour workshops, at the trade show.
There are still a few spots left in one or two of them.
- 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 Resort. The workshop will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects. Contact: Diane Edwards,
sterling@sterlingedwards.com
, 336-946-1425
Only a few spots left
- 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
- 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
- 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 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
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 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.
- 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,
frankp@creativeart.supply
941-259-1449
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"The Watchman"
9" x 13" watercolor.
What's not to like
about
the Southwest. This
demonstration
piece was really about painting a clean sunset but placing the dark rock formation and rich foreground added a lot to the painting. The colors are attractive but the contrast is what really makes the painting work.
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"Autumn in the Pisgah's"
13" x 20" watercolor
This is another painting from my workshop in Morgantown, West Virginia.
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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!
As always, we appreciate your support.
Art; it chooses us
Food for thought
"Perhaps it's true I'm very hard on myself, but that's better than exhibiting mediocre work...too few were satisfactory enough to trouble the public with."
Claude Monet
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
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