Happy New Year!!

January 2023 Newsletter

Click on the images for a larger view

"Extravaganza", 22"x30" Acrylic Abstract Landscape on Watercolor Paper.

If you like it; that's all that really matters

When it comes down to it, all of us who produce pieces of art have standards as to what we think is a good example of our work and what falls short of expectations. Not every piece that we produce will turn out great, but I see that as a good thing. It makes the pieces that do turn out great even more special and often sets a new standard for our future paintings. The main question I have is, what constitutes a great painting? I'll bet that you could put ten artists in a room and ask that question and get ten different answers. It is too subjective to come up with a conclusion that all artists will agree is conclusive. Some artists like a lot of vibrant colors while some like more muted tones; some like total photographic realism whereas some prefer more impressionistic or abstracted works. Some like a painting that makes a statement, others like something that is nostalgic. I could go on and on for hours throwing out scenarios but I think you get where I'm going by now.

Each of us paint what we like and really only need to answer to one person; ourselves. When we start letting others dictate to us what and how to paint we are setting a trap for disappointing ourselves because it is not something we would have chosen to paint had we not allowed someone else to dictate to us. Most of us have allowed this to happen at some point. Speaking only for myself, I kicked myself every time I gave in to this way of painting. I've had art galleries dictate what subjects they want, what sizes to paint, what colors they want me to use, how much to ask for my paintings, etc.. I gave in because I was in need of more sales, so I essentially gave them control of my talent. Sometimes I did get a few more sales but I felt as though I had sacrificed some of my artistic integrity. The extra cash was nice but it just felt a little hollow.

Very rarely do I paint a commissioned piece these days for this very reason. When someone commissions you to paint something they usually have a preconceived idea as to exactly what they want. They want it a certain size, style, color palate, price, etc.. If you agree to take the job then you agree to paint what they want and the way that they want it painted. That's a clear and agreeable business deal and you know what is expected of you. I know many professional artists that do quite well painting commissioned pieces for their clients. In fact, I did commissioned paintings for about twenty years and it helped support myself and my family. It eventually became very time consuming and I found that I did not have time to paint the things that I wanted to paint. So I quit doing them and focused more on what I thought was my initial calling as an artist; to show the world my unique and artistic interpretation of what I see and feel and doing it on my terms.

I know that many of those who see my paintings will find things that they do not like. It might be the style or the colors, or maybe the exaggerated and often distorted shapes but that's OK. People also like different kinds of music and cars, and clothing. We're all entitled to our own opinion. But if I am pleased with the piece and I feel that I was true to myself and put part of my heart into it, then that's all that matters. Others do not have to like it or purchase it for me to feel good about the painting or myself. I think that most artists eventually reach this almost cavalier attitude as they become more individualized in their way of expressing themselves. The artist is usually the greatest critic of his or her own work. We know when it's good and when it's not so good. If the artist likes it; that's all that really matters because they know, more than anyone else, a good example of their work.
***PLEASE NOTE***
When ordering merchandise from our website store, the quoted price of the item will now include the shipping costs rather than the shipping costs being added separately.
For international orders, please email sterling@sterlingedwards.com
and we will get back to you with shipping, pricing, and payment instructions.

Here's what I've been up to lately

December was a pretty busy month. I taught a sold out Live Zoom Class on painting old buildings in Maine, and I filmed two new instructional videos for the Artefacto Online School of Art in Paris, France.

I have also been working with a professional video editor who has helped me finalize the editing process for my videos. This was the last step in my plan to begin working on a library of new downloadable and streaming videos in the next few months.

Other than that, like most of you we have been busy preparing for the holidays and enjoying valuable time with friends and family.

Of Special Interest

I recently received a copy of a new book written by Parisa Diba whom I met at one of my workshops in California a few years ago. She is a wonderful artist and has written a fantastic book titled, "Seascape Watercolors with the One-Wash Technique". I'm proud to have one of her beautiful paintings in my private collection.
I am also very proud and honored to have been asked to write the Foreword for her new book.


New Print Service

We are pleased to announce that we now have a new print on demand service thru FASO and are offering prints of some of my favorite paintings. Go to our website; www.sterlingedwards.com and click on

The images are printed on Premium Archival Matte Photo paper or canvas and come in a variety of sizes and prices. You can also choose to have the print custom framed and shipped directly to you.


Newsletter Archive

If you would like to see some of our past newsletters click on "Newsletter Archive" in the top tool bar of my website; www.sterlingedwards.com.


Gift Certificates

We have received several request for Gift Certificates recently so Diane and I have decided to offer Gift Certificates for $75.00 or $100.00 that can be redeemed for Videos, Live Classes, Art Supplies, and Paintings. The Gift Certificates can be purchased on our website; www.sterlingedwards.com under Art Supplies.

(Not redeemable for live, on location workshops)
Upcoming Live Zoom Classes hosted from our studio


All my Live Zoom Classes and Workshops are designed to illustrate and explain a multitude of creative techniques. There will be plenty of painting time for each participant. I am available throughout the entire class to offer suggestions and/or critiques as you work on your paintings. As an added bonus, you will receive an unedited video of each class for future study.


"Stylized Watercolor Poppies"

January 25, 2023

WAIT LIST
This is a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting a stylized cluster of Poppies with watercolor. There will be a wide variety of creative watercolor techniques taught.
Each participant will receive a downloadable or streaming video of the class.

This class is for the Intermediate to Advanced Watercolor Artist.

$100
Painting Water with Watercolors

February 6, 8, 10, 2023


Space is limited
This is a three-day watercolor LIVE ZOOM WORKSHOP that will cover various ways to paint water.

Day One: Crashing waves on rocks
Day Two: A Lake with reflections
Day Three: Rushing water

There will be tons of creative watercolor techniques explained and demonstrated in the workshop. Participants will receive a downloadable or streaming video of each day's class.

This class is for the Intermediate to Advanced Watercolor Artist.
"Stylized Buildings with Watercolors"

February 20, 22, 24, 2023


Space is limited
This is a three-day watercolor LIVE ZOOM WORKSHOP that will cover various ways to paint stylized buildings.

Day One: A colorful and stylized cityscape.
Day Two: A stylized painting of Taos Pueblo.
Day Three: A stylized painting of old wooden buildings

There will be a lot of creative watercolor techniques explained and demonstrated in the workshop. Participants will receive a downloadable or streaming video of each day's class.

This class is for the Intermediate to Advanced Watercolor Artist.

$300
"Stylized sailboats with Watercolors"

March 23, 2023


Space is limited
This is a four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS on painting stylized sailboats and waves. There will be a wide variety of creative watercolor techniques taught.
Each participant will receive a downloadable or streaming video of the class.

This class is for the Intermediate to Advanced Watercolor Artist.

$100
"Acrylic Abstracts on Paper"

April 3, 5, 6, 2023


Space is limited
This is a three-day watercolor LIVE ZOOM WORKSHOP that will cover various ways to paint Acrylic Abstracts on paper or canvas.

Day One: Abstract Expressionism
Day Two: A Stylized Abstraction of trees with lots of negative painting.
Day Three: An Abstracted Landscape with expressive brushwork.

There will be a lot of creative acrylic painting techniques explained and demonstrated in the workshop. Participants will receive a downloadable or streaming video of each day's class.

This workshop is for ALL SKILL LEVELS.
ARTIST WORKSHOPS
***Please Read***

We are currently booking 2024 and 2025 workshops. If you would like to schedule a workshop for your group please contact us soon so we can send you the information that you will need to make an informed decision. Email us via the Contact Page on our website and request a workshop information packet. https://www.sterlingedwards.com/contact

When you write, be sure and tell us the name of the group that you represent and where you are located.

All spots are filled on a first come, first served basis.
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.


2023 Workshops


  • January 9, 11, 13, 2023 LIVE ZOOM WORKSHOP sponsored by Cheap Joe's.
This is a three-day watercolor virtual workshop on painting Expressive and Creative Watercolors (Stylized and Abstract)
Contact; edwina@cheapjoes.com
1-800-227-2788

  • March 9-12, 2023 Grifton, NC Watercolors From A to Z
This is a four-day watercolor workshop that will cover a wide variety of subjects and creative watercolor techniques. Contact; Judy Dye, 252-939-6121 ALL SKILL LEVELS
jadye@embarqmail.com

  • April 17-21, 2023 Santa Fe, New Mexico. Creative and Expressive Designs with watercolors.
This is a five-day watercolor workshop that will focus on expressive and creative designs with watercolors. ALL SKILL LEVELS.
Contact; https://madelineartschool.com/workshops

  • May 9-12, 2023 Lowell, Michigan...Watercolor from A to Z. All SKILL LEVELS
This workshop will focus on painting a wide variety of subjects with watercolor. You'll see landscapes, floral, stylized, and abstract. There will be techniques galore in this four-day class.
Contact; Kathy Bechtel, kbechtel@lifeprocesscenter.org

  • June 12, 14, 16, 2023 Big Brush and Bold Color Watercolors LIVE ZOOM WORKSHOP hosted by Cheap Joe's.
This Live Zoom Workshop will focus on using big brushes to paint the majority of your painting and on creating different and exciting colors that make your work unique. A lot of creative techniques will be covered in the workshop.
Contact Edwina My, edwina@cheapjoes.com 1-800-227-2788

  • August 21-24, 2023 Colonial Beach, Virginia, Creative and Expressive Watercolors.
There will be a lot of creative ideas and techniques in the exciting workshop. All designed to make your work stand out and command attention. ALL SKILL LEVELS
Contact Janice Jones, theartscenterofmontross@gmail.com

  • September 13-16, 2023 Calgary, Alberta, Canada
Watercolors from A to Z.
This watercolor workshop will cover a wide variety of subjects and a multitude of create watercolor techniques. Contact; Louise Hall
louise.hall@shaw.ca www.greatartworkshop.com ALL SKILL LEVELS

  • October 4-6, 2023 Reno, Nevada...Stylized Interpretations with Watercolors.
This creative workshop will show you how to push design and color to create a unique and thought provoking visual statement. You'll learn a multitude of watercolor techniques and design principles.
Contact; Anita Watson, tarnished@sbcglobal.net ALL SKILL LEVELS


  • Oct. 30, Nov 1&3, 2023...Big Brush Watercolor Landscapes, LIVE ZOOM WORKSHOP
In this workshop you will see how to paint a watercolor landscape using mostly large brushes while keeping unnecessary details to a minimum. There will be a lot of creative techniques and subjects in this workshop.
Contact; Edwina May, edwina@cheapjoes.com, 1-800-227-2788

"A Fiery Sunset"
15"x22"

Watercolor


"Tropical Colors"
30" x 22"

Acrylic on gessoed Watercolor Paper




"Two Pigeons"

30" x 22" Stylized Watercolor

This is a photo of Diane and me taken at one of the many North Carolina vineyards that we explore when we have the time.

Sometimes we just have to get back to nature and rough it a little.







A special thank you to Diane for all that you do to manage our business and keep things running smoothly. It's a full-time job and your attention to detail and professionalism is appreciated by all. I couldn't do this without you.

Spread the word
Please tell your art loving friends about our website and newsletter; word of mouth referrals are by far the best advertising. They can sign-up for the newsletter on our website; www.sterlingedwards.com . Thank you.

As always, we appreciate your support.

Art; it chooses us

Ponder this:

"Art should make you think and feel. It doesn't have to match your couch". Damali Ayo

(Scroll to the very bottom for one more painting)


15" x 11" monochromatic Liquid Graphite value study.

These small studies are where I work out my composition and values before I dive into a larger painting. They're fast and fun. I don't always do one before I began a painting but every time that I do it works to my advantage. I should also add that once you have completed a study such as this you really do not need the photograph you used as a reference. Everything has been worked out except for the colors. In fact, I often do not even refer to the photograph while painting the finished piece.

In doing this I can be much more creative with my colors than I might be if I am trying to copy the colors in the photograph. The freedom of having total artistic license with my color selection for the painting rather that merely trying to copy the colors in the photograph is refreshing. Sometimes I will paint these monochromatic studies using Sepia or Payne's Gray.




Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
USA


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