Sterling Edwards demonstrates during his 2012 Abstract Acrylics workshop at Sunset River Marketplace in Calabash, N.C.
On the heels of a hugely successful art workshop with Sterling Edwards, Sunset River Marketplace – the eclectic Calabash, N.C. art gallery – announces a showing of Edwards’ newest abstract pieces at the gallery. It includes two on paper under glass and several large acrylic paintings on canvas.
Originally from St. Louis, Mo., Edwards now resides in Hendersonville, N.C. where he has a commerical gallery/studio in addition to his home studio.
Victory Dance, acrylic on canvas by Hendersonville, N.C. artist Sterling Edwards.
He began painting at age 12, when his parents noticed his natural ability to draw and enrolled him in an oil painting class. The young artist quickly began experimenting with every medium available to him.
His painting background is mainly in traditional transparent watercolor. Once a student of watercolor master Zoltan Szabo, Edwards developed his own watercolor style and began conducting workshops in 1993. He is also the designer of a signature set of watercolor brushes and palette that are marketed internationally.
He has been a featured artist in Watercolor Magic magazine and was elected in 2008 as a signature member of the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour. In 2010 he was awarded a signature membership in the esteemed Transparent Watercolor Society of America. His book, “Creating Luminous Watercolor: a Four-Step Process” was published in 2010 by Northlight Books.
According to the artist, he spent years making the transition from a representational painter to an abstract artist. “My abstracts are my personal interpretations of things I have seen and places I have ventured.”
As an abstract expressionist, Edwards relies on expressive brushwork to convey a sense of energy in his paintings. When combined with multiple layers of pigment and rich value contrasts, a thought provoking painting emerges that is a unique interpretation by the artist.
The abstracts by Edwards will be available at the gallery through Sept. 30.
According to gallery owner Ginny Lassiter, “We expect to offer another Abstract Acrylics workshop in 2013. This has been one of our most popular, most sought after workshops. I advise anyone who is interested in participating to contact the gallery and get on the list.
Sunset River Marketplace is a 10,000 square-foot gallery featuring fine arts and crafts by North and South Carolina artists. The gallery feature community programs, art and pottery classes, and custom on-site framing. The gallery is located at 10283 Beach Drive SW (Hwy. 179) in Calabash, N.C. Gallery hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call 910-575-5999 or visit the website: www.sunsetrivermarketplace.com. Sunset River Marketplace also has a Facebook page and posts daily updates about new art, programs and events.