Sterling Edwards

Sterling Edwards is a contemporary watercolorist born in Kansas City, Missouri, in 1951. At the age of twelve he was enrolled in oil painting classes after his parents noticed that he had a natural ability to draw. Once introduced into the world of art, Sterling began experimenting with every medium at his disposal. In 1985, he began studying transparent watercolors and was immediately captivated by the freshness and luminosity of the medium. Influenced by watercolor master Zoltan Szabo, Sterling spent several years developing his own unique style of painting with watercolors. Most of Sterling's paintings reflect his love of the outdoors and the natural beauty that surrounds us. Primarily using large flat brushes, Sterling focuses on the design of the subject and the patterns of light and dark as the foundation for his painting. Then he begins the process of conveying his thoughts and interpretations with stylized shapes, bold lights and darks, and dramatic color rhythms. The result is an expressive painting that is often a balance of abstract and representational design that captures the mood and dynamics of the scene as interpreted by Sterling. In 1993 Sterling began teaching his style of painting at watercolor workshops throughout North Carolina, where he now resides. As his reputation as an accomplished watercolor artist and teacher rapidly grew, he was requested to conduct workshops in neighboring states. Today, Sterling's workshops are attended by hundreds of people annually throughout the United States and Canada. He was a featured artist in the fall 2001 issue of Watercolor Magic Magazine in an article titled "Ones to Watch," and has been featured in numerous newspaper articles. In 2007, he was elected as a signature member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour. Also in 2007 Sterling designed and introduced a signature set of watercolor brushes and a watercolor palette that are marketed internationally. Sterling's award winning watercolor paintings are in private and corporate collections worldwide and he is represented by several galleries in the U.S and Canada. He works from his home studio in Hendersonville, North Carolina. Quotations / Artist Statements: "As a visual artist, I am constantly stimulated by the never ending variety of shapes and colors that surround us. It's not enough just to replicate what I see but rather to interpret. Combining form with color relationships and bold values, I feel compelled to express my thoughts and emotions with strong, and often stylized, shapes. What I feel about the subject draws me to the brush. I have painted the monumental to the insignificant, each with equal passion. It all begins with an idea and a burning passion to create and express. That is the true artist. Everything else is merely technique." - Sterling Edwards