September, 2019 Newsletter
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"Split Personality"
20" x 13" watercolor painted with Holbein paint on Fabriano paper.
This is a demonstration painting that I painted last month in Evergreen, Colorado for the
Rocky Mountain Watercolor Society.
The RIGHT way to paint?
Several years ago I was working with a company that produced art instruction videos among other things. There were actually several well known artists that worked in this company and each of us brought something different to the table. We would from time to time spend a day or two at a recording studio filming instructional videos designed to illustrate our individual painting techniques. We had subscribers from all around the world with skill levels that ranged from professionals to beginners. It was a great source of information for artists, regardless of their individual medium, and for a while we did pretty well. This was a new company and we were experimenting with a variety of new and innovative ways to reach our audience. As with any new company, things can change on a dime as it evolves. Sometimes, however, things just don't work out as planned or hoped and it becomes necessary to either regroup or go your separate way.
I chose to go my separate way.
As can be expected, with many known artists and egos all vying for their individual share of the spotlight, there would eventually be some one-up-man-ship rearing it's ugly head. For example; I had just finished a two day stint of filming and was heading home when one of the other artists arrived for his filming engagement. One of the demos that I had just filmed was a short clip on how to paint clouds. I titled my demo "Painting Clouds with Transparent Watercolor". I found out a few days later that the other artist also did a demo on painting clouds immediately after I finished filming mine and he titled his demo, "Painting Clouds the Right Way". When I heard that he had done this I was surprised that he would be that condescending and arrogant. I have an entire library of watercolor instruction books by dozens of well know and successful artists. Every one of them has a special way of painting skies, clouds, grass, trees, and a multitude of other elements. They're all good techniques and theories and I would often refer to them when I was learning to paint with watercolors. I might like the way this artist painted trees and the way another artist painted skies. I enjoyed having so many different options and ways of doing things and having the freedom to choose what most appealed to me. I don't ever recall one of the the authors stating or implying that his or her way was the right way. They left that up to the individual artist to choose which method he or she thinks is best. But this particular artist clearly implied that anyone who does not paint in his style or process is doing it the wrong way. Seriously?
I have always made it a specific point at my workshops to explain that the techniques and processes that I teach are what I have found works best for me. I have gone even further in telling my students that you may take a workshop next month and learn a technique that works even better for you. In other words, I have never said that what I teach is the only way nor the best way, nor the right way. In fact I often encourage my students to study with numerous instructors to find the one that best suits their individual likes and skill level. All workshop instructors have worked hard for years to develop their skills and hone their techniques. They have found what works best for them and they have developed a process for teaching this to others. It's not easy nudging your way into the national and international workshop circuit. It can take years and a tremendous amount of work. I have always highly respected and admired my peers and will continue to do so. In most cases I think it's mutual.
With the exception of this particular artist, I have not heard any of them say that they paint the RIGHT WAY. I wonder if Van Gogh and Monet and Andrew Wyeth and Turner and hundreds of other renowned artist ever realized that they were painting clouds the wrong way. Fortunately for us, each of them showed the world how they saw things. Isn't that what makes a painting a piece of art? The artists has given us a glimpse inside of their world. They have shown us their personal interpretation, something that we would never have been able to see for ourselves had they not shown it to us.
As for me, I'm going to show you my vision using techniques that work well for me. I'm also going to show how it's done so that you can decide if this is the way that you want to paint or if you would prefer someone else's style. I respect your right to choose. I guess that I'll just stay my course even if it isn't the "right way".
On a personal note:
We have decided to slow down and do fewer workshops beginning in 2021. Actually we're slowing down a little as soon as next year. There are several reasons why I'm slowing down. First of all, I'm not getting any younger. Secondly, well I can't remember but I'm sure it was a good reason.
Art demo:
I will be doing an acrylic abstract demonstration at Cheap Joe's in Boone, NC on September 28th from 10:00am til 1:00pm. If your in the area please stop by. There is no charge.
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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"Enter at Your Own Risk"
13" x 20" Watercolor
This is a half sheet watercolor that was a study on painting foggy conditions. I painted this piece at my workshop in Grand Marais, MN on the north shore of Lake Superior last month. We had a great workshop with a fun and creative group.
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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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"A Laid Back Afternoon"
13" x 9" 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. The workshop will focus on a wide variety of watercolor styles and subjects. Contact: Diane Edwards,
sterling@sterlingedwards.com
, 336-946-1425
Now taking reservations
- 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 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 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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"Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder"
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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"Delta"
20" x 30" Acrylic on canvas
This is another painting from the "
My America Collection" that I am working on. I anticipate that there will be between thirty and fifty paintings before I am finished with this series.
My objective with this series is to create a collection of original art that reflects the feeling that I had while at the various locations throughout this incredible country. These paintings not totally inspired by what I had seen but also the mood and feeling that the area presented.
This is an exciting project that I have thought about for a long time. I will be showing more of these paintings in upcoming newsletters. Some pieces will be more abstract than others but all of them will be inspired by my personal interpretation of the area.
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Diane and I on our recent trip to Iceland. We snowmobiled to the top of a glacier. That was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Yes, that really is Diane behind the mask.
As always, we appreciate your support.
Art; it chooses us
Food for thought
"Art is unquestionably one of the purest and highest elements in human happiness. It trains the mind through the eye, and the eye through the mind. As the sun colors flowers , so does art color life. "
John Lubbock
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
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