I just purchased a new plastic palette and the water beads up on it making it difficult to use. Any way to fix this?
Yes, this can be corrected. As with many plastic palettes, this watercolor palette is produced in a mold that leaves the surface shiny and slick. This results in wet paint and water pooling on the surface until the palette is broken in. Over time, microscopic abrasions from your brushes will allow the paint and water to lay flat and spread out. Here are two solutions that you can use to speed up the process.
- Scrub the inside surfaces thoroughly with a wet Magic Eraser and then wash the palette to remove any residue. Repeat if necessary.
- Lay the open palette flat and wipe down with a rag or paper towel that is soaked with white vinegar. Leave it for an hour or so and then wash it off thoroughly. The vinegar is somewhat acidic and will etch the surface of the plastic. If necessary, do this two or three times.
Does Sterling allow students or others to copy his paintings?
Sterling realizes that copying a painting is an effective way to learn specific techniques and principles but strongly emphasizes the importance of respecting international copyright laws as they apply to intellectual property. A copied piece of art, if you have permission to do so, should be considered a learning tool and should never be sold or entered into a competition. Doing so is highly unethical as well as illegal, and can result in civil and criminal prosecution. Any time you copy a piece of art, it is highly recommended that you receive permission from the artist before doing so. This is an all-encompassing law that also includes copying photographs or producing reproductions of artwork.
I'm interested in purchasing a painting from Sterling's online store. How are the paintings shipped?
Paintings are shipped unframed in a heavy duty, large mailing tube to assure that they arrive undamaged. Paintings shipped to a U.S. address will receive free shipping and insurance. International shipping is available.
I have been told that Sterling offers a discount on his watercolor paintings to his students. Is this correct and how much is the discount?
Yes, Sterling does offer a substantial discount on his watercolor paintings exclusively to current and former students. If you see a painting on the website you are interested in purchasing, contact [email protected] and request the student price and ordering instructions. Be sure to include the title of the piece and the workshop you attended. Sterling’s Whiskey Paintings, paintings on canvas, and pieces that are currently in Art Galleries do not qualify for this discount.
Does Sterling offer watercolor workshops for all skill levels? I'm relatively new at watercolors.
Yes, a typical workshop has participants of all skill levels.
I've heard that Sterling uses special brushes that he designed. Is it necessary to purchase his brushes in order to paint in his style?
No, it is not necessary. The techniques that Sterling teaches are universal. While he does have a set of bristle brushes he designed and uses for special effects, it is not necessary to use his specific brushes. However; he usually has a limited inventory of his brushes for sale at workshops for purchase.
What colors does Sterling use on his palette?
Sterling uses Holbein watercolors—a professional grade paint made in Japan. Below is a list of his colors as they are laid out in his palette from left to right, available in 15 ml tube sets in the online store:
- Cadmium Yellow Lemon
- Permanent Yellow Deep
- Quinacridone Gold
- Burnt Sienna
- Brilliant Orange
- Umber
- Quinacridone Scarlet
- Bright Rose
- Permanent Violet
- Payne’s Gray
- Prussian Blue
- Cobalt Blue
- Ultramarine Deep
- Hookers Green
As of November 8, 2020, Sterling added Prussian Blue and Hookers Green to his select fourteen color set of Holbein watercolors. He removed Green Gray and Royal Blue because they did not have the intensity of color needed for his Zoom classes and videos.
These are some of Sterling's favorite Holbein color mixes and comparable mixes using Maimeriblu Watercolors when possible:
Cadmium Yellow Lemon..... similar to Maimeriblu Permanent Yellow Lemon
Permanent Yellow Deep.....similar to Maimeriblu Indian yellow
Golden Lake.....mix Umber with Quinacridone Gold
Russet.....mix Burnt Sienna with Permanent Violet.....similar to mixing Maimeriblu Orange Lake with Perm. Violet Bluish
Brilliant Orange.....similar to Maimeriblu Orange Lake
Quinacridone Scarlet.....similar to Maimeriblu Permanent Red Deep
Permanent Violet.....similar to Maimeriblu Permanent Violet Bluish
Payne’s Gray.....similar to Maimeriblu Payne’s Gray
Spring Green.....mix Hookers Green with Cadmium Yellow Lemon.....similar to mixing Maimeriblu Permanent Yellow Lemon with Primary Blue Cyan
Earthy Green.....mix Hookers Green with Burnt Sienna.....similar to mixing Maimeriblu Orange Lake with Permanent Green Deep
Primary Red Magenta.....mix Quinacridone Scarlet with Bright Rose
Deep Plum.....mix Payne's Gray with Quinacridone Scarlet
Fiery Orange.....mix Quinacridone Scarlet with Quinacridone Gold
Sea Green.....mix Cobalt Blue with Hookers Green
Warm Gray.....mix Ultramarine Deep with Burnt Sienna (let the Burnt Sienna dominate)
Cool Gray.....mix Burnt Sienna with Ultramarine Deep (let the Ultramarine Deep dominate)
Bright Rose.....somewhat similar to Maimeriblu Primary Red Magenta
Deep Golden Yellow.....mix Permanent Yellow Deep with Burnt Sienna.....similar to mixing Maimeriblu Permanent Yellow Lemon with Brown Still de Grain
Citron.....mix Brilliant Orange with Hookers Green.....Similar to mixing Maimeriblu Orange Lake with Permanent Green Deep
Brown Stil de Grain.....mix Umber with Burnt Sienna and Quinacridone Gold.....very similar to Maimeriblu Brown Stil de Grain
Black....Heavily mix Brilliant Orange with Payne's Gray
More custom color mixes will be listed as they are discovered.
What brand of acrylic paint does Sterling use?
Sterling prefers Cheap Joe's acrylics and Cheap Joe's canvas. They have a nice assortment of colors at a very reasonable prices and the canvases are mounted on quality heavy duty stretcher bars.
Are Sterling's products available for purchase at his workshops?
Yes, Sterling usually has a limited supply of his brushes, paint sets, and DVD’s at workshops. To ensure you are adequately prepared, please plan on bringing everything you think you might need to a workshop. Sterling does not sell paper at workshops, so be sure and bring plenty of paper with you. Sterling recommends you bring at least 3 or 4 pieces for each day of the workshop.
Do workshop participants have to paint the same subject and style as Sterling?
Not at all. Each day Sterling will do a complete painting in the morning before lunch. After lunch, participants can work on their own painting which can be any subject or style. Students are encouraged to paint whatever size they are comfortable painting. It’s advisable to bring a good selection of reference photographs to the workshop such as a mix of landscapes, floral, water scenes, architectural scenes, etc. Sterling is available in the afternoons to assist students with their paintings.
What can I expect to see demonstrated at one of Sterling’s workshops?
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.
Does Sterling allow photos to be taken during his demonstrations?
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.
Are Sterling's demonstration paintings available for sale at workshops?
Yes, Sterling always has original artwork for sale at his workshops including his demonstration paintings. His original paintings are offered at a special wholesale price for students. He also offers the same wholesale price to anyone who has taken one of his workshops.
What brand of watercolor paper does Sterling use and why?
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 he uses and teaches. It is a very forgiving paper with a nice finish.
We are interested in having Sterling conduct a watercolor workshop in our area. What is the process for booking a workshop?
Sterling will gladly send information about hosting a workshop to the person in charge of booking workshops and educational events for your group. If you are interested in organizing a workshop, email [email protected] or use the contact form to request more information.
Does Sterling provide critiques to workshop participants?
Yes, Sterling is always glad to do individual critiques of participants' paintings at his workshops.
Does Sterling offer online critiques of students' paintings?
No, online critiques are not available at this time.
Does Sterling offer private lessons?
No, private lessons are not available at this time. His busy workshop schedule prohibits time for private instruction.
