Edwards, Stephen, NWS

Stephen Edwards is a lifelong native Hoosier who has dedicated their career to mastering the art of watercolor painting. While skilled in many mediums, his primary focus has been on pushing the boundaries of watercolor, striving to elevate its expressive potential. Stephen delights in painting a variety of subjects that showcase the magic of values and the power of color to evoke mood and emotion. Each piece begins with an abstract design foundation, which adds a unique appeal to both representational and abstract collectors. Stephen values composition highly in the design of his paintings and is never afraid to adapt an idea to heighten emotional impact.

Stephen’s commitment to his craft is reflected in his membership in several esteemed art organizations. On a national level, he is a member of the American Watercolor Society and a Signature Member of the National Watercolor Society. Regionally, He also holds signature memberships with the Indiana Hoosier Salon, Pennsylvania Watercolor Society, Watercolor Society of Indiana (as well as it's Co- Founder), Illinois Watercolor Society, Philadelphia Watercolor Society, and the Bloomington Watercolor Society. Stephen is also the current President of the Indiana Artist Club, a past President of the Brown County Artist Association and Hamilton County Artists Association. Internationally, he was honored to be elected to the Mondial Art Academia of France, where they received the Silver Medal of Honor for Aqua Media at the 2020 International Exhibit, earning the title of Knight Academician.

Stephen is thrilled to have received numerous awards in national and regional exhibits, including recent recognition by the National Watercolor Society, the American Watercolor Society, Hoosier Salon, Indiana Artists Club, and Philadelphia Watercolor Society. Their work is included in private and corporate collections across the United States and around the world. Stephen is always delighted to connect with others who share an appreciation for art.

One of Stephen’s favorite experiences was creating a painting inspired by an early morning in Jefferson County, Indiana where the interplay of color, shadows, and sunlight captured a fleeting emotional moment. These are the connections that drive his passion for painting. That emotional connection can be seen in his paintings.

Artist’s Statement: “My inspiration to paint starts with the selection of the subject. The main consideration when picking any subject is whether there is an emotional connection with me. Then, am I able to convey that emotion to the viewer? I think about each painting not so much as what I have done, but what it delivers to the viewer. Art should have that kind of impact for its observers. Emotion is what makes the difference between exciting or bland. A painting's sole shareable element is this.

I am honored to share my journey with you. Your support and appreciation mean a great deal to me. I invite you to reach out with any questions about my art or to view my recent work to the gallery. I look forward to connecting and celebrating the beauty and emotion of watercolors together.