June 2023, Newsletter
Click on the images for a larger view
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"Comstock", 22"x 30" Watercolor.
This is a stylized demonstration painting that I recently did for the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour
Once upon a time in a workshop long, long ago...
OK, this is a little bit of a rant but bear with me. The workshop that I refer to in my title was a watercolor workshop I attended that was taught by my mentor Zoltan Szabo in 1986. I was relatively new to watercolors and like most beginners I was struggling. Everything that I painted looked washed out and often overworked. I was working full-time and raising a family back then so my practice time was very limited, as is the case with many artists. I saw a book of Zoltan's watercolor paintings and was intrigued with the beautiful and expressive style in which he painted. At the time, he lived in Tempe, Arizona and I was living in North Carolina. I figured that I would never have an opportunity to actually meet or study with him until I stumbled upon a small advertisement in the back of Artists Magazine. As it turned out, he was going to teach a five-day watercolor workshop in Asheville, NC which was only a two and a half hour drive from where I lived. The workshop was three months out so I took on extra work and saved every penny to be able to afford the cost of the workshop, the gas, the lodging (which by the way was in an expensive Hilton Hotel), the materials that I would need, and the restaurants where I would eat during the week. The only way that I could justify these expenses was to look at them as an investment in my future of becoming a successful artist. Back then we did not have Zoom and YouTube. You either went to a workshop or you bought a book. Sometimes, depending on the instructor, you would be able to purchase a VHS recording of a demonstration but they were generally very poor quality. This however; would be my first live workshop. I had no idea of what to expect or what was expected of me. I couldn't wait to get there.
Zoltan was Hungarian by birth and had a very strong and almost demanding accent. For the most part he was pleasant but firm. When he said do something you did it. When he said don't do something you didn't do it. It was that cut and dry. For me that worked as I needed a straight forward and disciplined approach to my painting. On the second day of the workshop he did a morning demonstration painting of a marsh. It was a beautiful painting and a perfect example of what I hoped to learn that week. After lunch all of the students began working on their paintings and I worked on copying the painting that Zoltan had painted that morning while it was still fresh in my mind as to how he painted the piece. As Zoltan worked his way around the room looking over the shoulders of the students to see what and how they were doing he came by my table. In a very stern and relatively loud voice voice he said, "you can get into a lot of trouble copying my paintings". I explained that I thought that we were supposed to paint what he had painted to which he replied, "No! You paint your own painting; that painting is my painting!" He said it loud enough that I am sure that everyone in the room got the message. It was embarrassing but it was a lesson learned. Like most of the lessons that I've learned over the years, I learned the hard way.
I think it was in 1989 when I took another of many workshops with Zoltan. I had been practicing relentlessly for a few years and was actually catching on to many of the techniques and theories that I had learned from him. In fact, some of my work was looking pretty good; not just to me but to others as well. One day during the workshop I was asked by one of the other students if I would consider selling the piece that I had painted the day before. I was thrilled that someone liked my newer style of painting enough to part with some of their money and buy it. I don't remember the price that I asked but I saw it as a way to help pay for my workshop. The very next day I sold another painting that I had painted in the workshop to a fellow student and also sold one on the last day of the workshop. I should point out that I was not displaying the paintings. Every time I finished a piece it was placed in my portfolio for safe keeping. Someone would ask me if I still had the piece from a day or so ago at which time I would pull it out of the portfolio and show it to them. All of this was under the watchful eye of Zoltan and his agent Willa.
At the end of the workshop as I was packing my bags getting ready to go home Willa came to my table and really let me have it. She told me that it was not only "tacky" to use another artists workshop to market my paintings but it was also unethical. "You cannot use a workshop as an art show. It's a place where you are supposed to learn, not a place where you try and capitalize on someone else's name and audience." I should also mention that like Zoltan, she said this loud enough for everyone in the room to hear it. Once again I found myself very embarrassed and apologetic. It never occurred to me that I was doing something inappropriate or unethical. Another lesson learned the hard way, as usual.
Nowadays, I am the instructor and from time to time I see the same things happening in the workshops that I teach. Sometimes a student will line their workshop paintings up like and art show and wait for the other students to ask if they are for sale. Sometimes the paintings are copies of my demonstration paintings, even after I have explained the Copyright laws as they pertain to Intellectual Property Rights and works of art. I have even had a couple of instances where students would actually bring paintings to the workshop from home specifically to sell to the other students. Fortunately most of my students do not do this and treat the workshop as an opportunity to get away, meet other artists, and advance their skill. I highly respect those of you who do and anyone who has ever taken one of my workshops knows that I will do everything that I can to make your workshop a fun and very educational event. As for the artists that use my workshops as a selling opportunity; please stop.
I am writing about this to avoid putting both of us in an embarrassing situation as was done to me. I have no doubt that some people do this intentionally knowing full well that it's inappropriate and frowned upon. Others may not realize that this type of activity is unethical and will hopefully look upon this editorial as the learning experience it is intended to be. Any time an artist makes a sale is a time for celebration and excitement. I am not opposed to others selling their work; in fact, I am happy for them when they do provided it is not a copy of one of my paintings. All I ask is that they find their own venue rather than trying to capitalize on someone else's. It's just the right thing to do.
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If you do not have an artists website and would like to have one go to;
www.FASO.com
They have several very affordable plans to choose from where you can build your own custom website. They also have GREAT tech support.
If you are concerned that you may not have the technical skills to build a website; have one of your children or grandchildren help you. I'll bet they know how to do it.
***PLEASE NOTE***
If you live in the U.S and would like to order from our website store, the quoted price of the item will now include the shipping costs rather than the shipping costs being added separately.
We regret that because of exceptionally high shipping fees we will only ship to the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. If you live in Canada or Mexico and would like to place an order, please email sterling@sterlingedwards.com
and we will get back to you with shipping, pricing, and payment instructions.
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Here's what I've been up to lately
May proved to be a pretty busy month for us. I did a watercolor demonstration for the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour and had great (and very large) attendance. It was a fun evening and I enjoyed working with them on this project. The are a super group and very engaging.
Next, I taught a four-day watercolor workshop on landscapes and floral paintings at the Life Process Center in Lowell, Michigan. We had a full house and a great week.
When I returned from Michigan I taught a three-day Live Zoom Workshop from my studio on Watercolor Abstracts. We had a large attendance of REALLY good artists.
I finished the month in my studio working on videos for The Artefacto School of Art. I am currently working on a series of videos showing various ways to paint watercolor abstracts. I am hoping to have the series completed in the next three or four weeks.
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.
It's not always up to date but nevertheless; it is a long list of previous newsletters with editorials and artwork.
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)
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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.
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"Big Brush and Bold Color Watercolors"
Hosted by Cheap Joe's
Registration ends June 5th.
In this three-day LIVE ZOOM workshop Sterling will show how to paint a landscape, a floral, and a stylized watercolor using mostly large brushes, some as wide as 2". There will be techniques galore and a lot of tips.
If you're ready to loosen up and paint faster, then you will definitely benefit from this workshop.
This workshop is intended for the intermediate to advanced watercolor artist.
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"Painting a Stylized Floral with Watercolors"
June 22, 2023
In this four-hour LIVE ZOOM CLASS Sterling Edwards will explain and demonstrate his techniques and process for painting a loose and stylized watercolor floral similar to this painting. You will see tons of creative watercolor techniques and a discussion on creating a strong composition.
This class is intended for the intermediate to advanced watercolor artist.
$100.00
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Acrylic Abstract Expressionism
July 10, 12, 14
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This will be a no holds barred three-day LIVE ZOOM WORKSHOP on painting eye catching, colorful, and dynamic acrylic Abstract Expressionist Paintings in the style of this piece.
There will be a lot of techniques and ideas on how to find and create designs that will grab the viewers attention. Whether you're already an abstract artist or just getting started, you find this workshop full of exciting ideas and energy.
This workshop is suitable for ALL SKILL LEVELS.
$300
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"Stylized Watercolor Landscape"
July 25th
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Why just paint a landscape when you can learn how to create a unique piece of art that has intriguing color, movement, and design similar to this painting. There will be a lot of creative watercolor techniques explained and illustrated in this creative and dynamic one-day LIVE ZOOM CLASS.
If you're ready to take you watercolor landscapes to a higher level then you will definitely benefit from this class.
This class is intended for the intermediate to advanced watercolor artist.
$100
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"Painterly Acrylics"
August 7, 9, 11
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Expressive brushstrokes, rich colors, and dynamic design are all concepts that you will lean in the creative and exciting three-day LIVE ZOOM WORKSHOP on painting Acrylic floral and landscape subjects.
Lots and lots of techniques and design concepts will be explained and demonstrated in the workshop. Forget the details, this is all about design, brushwork, and rich colorful statements.
This workshop is suitable for ALL SKILL LEVELS.
$300
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ARTIST WORKSHOPS
2023 Workshops
- 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 May, 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, hosted by Cheap Joe's
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
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"Apricate"
30" x 22" Watercolor
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"Point On"
15" x 11" Watercolor
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"Accimus"
22" x 15" Watercolor
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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 is all about expressing yourself; unless you're a mime, then it's just awkward"
Unknown author
(Scroll to the very bottom for one more painting)
"Pueblo Living"
22" x 15" Watercolor
This is a stylized painting of Taos Pueblo that I recently painted at my watercolor workshop in Santa Fe.
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Sterling Edwards / Artist, LLC
230 Sunny Acres Drive
Lewisville, NC 27023
USA
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