October, 2019 Newsletter
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"Windward"
20" x 28" 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.
Perseverance... it's not just a fancy word but a state of mind
I am often asked at workshops "How do you become successful as an artist?". That's an interesting question because for years I was wondering the same. It seemed as though some artists just "made it" while others, that I thought were just as talented, did not. But why? Maybe the more successful artists hung out in the right circles or were discovered by the right person who hung out in the right circles. Maybe they were just one of those lucky people that always seem to get a break. Then on the other hand, maybe they worked harder and smarter than a lot of other equally talented artist. Or maybe it was a combination of all of the above.
It's possible that a few of them that did fall into the right circles and were quickly elevated to the top. We've all heard the stories of artists who were suddenly discovered and rose to instant success by those who were influential in the world of art. There is no doubt that this happens on occasion, but in reality, the vast majority of successful artists work very hard and smart to make it in this very competitive and unpredictable business. I know a lot of successful artists and literally every one of them has worked hard for years to get where they are. I can always assume that they were given a lucky break but in reality, it wasn't just handed to them and they weren't born under a lucky star. Instead, they worked and evolved, then worked some more and evolved, and then more and more. With each evolution they were honing their skills and reevaluating just where they wanted to go with their art and what would be the best way to get there. Every one of them had one thing in common that helped them overcome the down times and failures which are inevitable in this business; perseverance.
I have always thought that success has much to do with ones state of mind. Each of us needs to do a little soul searching and ask ourselves at what point would we consider ourselves to be successful. It varies from person to person. For some it may be be defined by reaching a desired skill level or for others it might be the satisfaction of winning awards or receiving accolades from friends and family. Others measure their success by developing a market for their art and reaping monetary rewards. There are probably as many definitions for being successful as an artist as there are artists. Some of the definitions for success are much easier to achieve than others but they all require perseverance on the part of the artist. Quitting in the face of obstacles or resistance is easy but perseverance takes a solid mindset and a willingness to do what ever it takes to make it happen, regardless of the failures. This quote by Pele' pretty much says it all.
"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice, and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do."
Pele'
On a personal note:
OK, let's be honest. It doesn't matter how much I try to persevere, I'll never play soccer like Pele'. I wonder if he can paint.
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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"Jesu"
20" x 28" Watercolor
This is a full sheet watercolor that was an exercise on painting a loose and expressive floral. I painted this piece at my workshop in Flat Rock, NC last month.
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We Need Your Help
We are always looking for great locations to host a workshop. If you know of a good location in your area please drop us an email with some information about it. Most of our workshops accommodate 20 to 25 people so we look for locations that have an adequate number of tables and chairs, good lighting, restrooms, air conditioning, and plenty of parking.
All information is appreciated and can be emailed to; sterling@sterlingedwards.com
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"Solace"
13" x 20" watercolor
This is another demo painting from my recent workshop in Grand Marais, MN. These funky still life studies are always popular. Sometimes we get so caught up in our quest to paint the perfect landscape we forget to just kick back and paint something the is fun and creative. Every one of these that I paint is different and for me the real pleasure lies in finding new color patterns to give the painting more of a dynamic and eye catching appearance.
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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.
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.
- 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
WAIT LIST
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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 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 14-18, 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,
frank@creativeart.supply
941-259-1449
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"Egress"
20" x 13" watercolor.
This is an interpretive study of an abandoned mine in Colorado. I painted this piece at my workshop in Evergreen, CO last month.
Another outstanding group!
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OK, this is shameless bragging but I've just got to do it. I recently received my third private wine label from Daveste' Vineyards in Troutman, North Carolina. Diane and I along with another couple went to the vineyard two weeks ago and had lunch with one of the owners, Ester Defehr. She and her husband Dave have built a beautiful vineyard that produces award winning wine. They are both very supportive of artists and Ester is herself an accomplished artist. While we were there she presented me with a bottle of their newest Pinot Grigio that has a label featuring my painting, "The Square Vase". It is a semi-abstract painted in watercolor. What an honor. Thank you Ester and Daveste' Vineyards.
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Diane and I atop White Mountain in western North Carolina.
As always, we appreciate your support.
Art; it chooses us
Food for thought
"A true masterpiece does not tell everything."
Albert Camus
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
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