Q. Are Sterling’s watercolor workshops for all skill levels? I am relatively new at watercolors. 

A.  Yes, a typical workshop has participants of all skill levels.  

Q.  I have heard that Sterling uses special brushes that he designed. Is it necessary to purchase his brushes in order to paint in his style?  

A.  No, it is not necessary at all. The techniques that Sterling teaches are universal. He does have a set of bristle brushes that he designed and uses for special effects but it is not necessary that you have his specific brushes.  

Q.  Is Sterling’s selection of colors transparent and if so what colors does he use?  

A.  Sterling uses Maimeriblu watercolors which are a professional grade paint made in Italy. All of the colors on his palette are transparent except for Payne’s Gray which is semi-opaque. Currently he uses the following Maimeriblu colors, which are placed on his palette as listed below, from left to right.

  • Permanent Yellow Lemon
  • Indian Yellow
  • Golden Lake
  • Orange Lake
  • Avignon Orange
  • Brown Stil de Grain
  • Permanent Red Deep
  • Primary Red Magenta
  • Permanent Violet Bluish
  • Payne’s Gray
  • Primary Blue Cyan
  • Green Blue
  • Permanent Green Deep  
  • Cupric Green Deep
All paints are available at a special price in the store.

Q.  If there is something that I need will it be available for purchase at the workshop? 

A.  Sterling usually has a supply of his brushes and DVD’s at workshops depending on availability. You should always plan on bringing everything that you think you might need to a workshop. 

Q.  Do workshop participants have to paint the same subject and style as Sterling in workshops? 

A.  Not at all. Each day Sterling will do a complete painting in the morning before lunch. After lunch workshop participants can work on their own painting which can be any subject or style. It’s advisable to bring a good selection of reference photographs to the workshop. Sterling is available in the afternoons to assist as you paint.     

Q. What can I expect to see demonstrated at one of Sterling’s workshops?  

A.  In a typical five day workshop Sterling will paint a wide variety of subjects. Each day he will do a complete and different painting in the mornings followed by an afternoon of participant painting. The subject of the morning demonstration changes from day to day. He may paint a landscape one day, a floral the next day, and an abstract the next and so on. Quite often he will do a quick demonstration of a specific subject or technique late in the afternoon. A multitude of watercolor techniques are shown and explained during the week.   

Q.  Does Sterling allow us to photograph his demonstrations? 

A.  Yes, reviewing photographs of workshop demonstrations is an excellent way to refresh your memory of specific techniques when you return home. Sterling DOES NOT, however, allow video taping or any other form of filming at workshops.

Q.  Does Sterling sell his demonstration paintings at his workshops? 

A.  Yes, Sterling always has artwork for sale at his workshops including his demonstration paintings. His original paintings are offered at a special price to workshop participants.  

Q. What brand of watercolor paper does Sterling use and why? 

A.  Sterling prefers Fabriano Artistico cold pressed watercolor paper and usually paints on 300 lb paper. He has found Fabriano to be an excellent quality paper that works well with the watercolor techniques that he uses and teaches. It is a very forgiving paper that has a nice finish.  

Q. We are interested in having Sterling conduct a watercolor workshop in our area. What is the process for booking a workshop? 

A.  Sterling will gladly send information about hosting a workshop to the person in charge of booking workshops or educational events in your group. They can contact Sterling by email at sterling@sterlingedwards.com or write to Sterling requesting information at the address on the Contact Page. 

Q. Does Sterling ever do critiques at his workshops?   

A. Yes, Sterling is always glad to do individual critiques of participants' paintings.    

Q. Does Sterling ever teach private lessons?    

A. Yes, Sterling has recently begun offering private lessons in his studio on a limited basis. Email Sterling at sterling@sterlingedwards.com for more information.