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LEWISVILLE — Internationally-recognized artist Sterling Edwards has received the highest award of his 40-year career with the acceptance of his watercolor painting into the Royal Collection Trust of King Charles III, one of the most prestigious art collections in the world.

Edwards’ painting will be housed permanently at Windsor Castle, marking a crowning achievement in the North Carolina-based artist’s distinguished journey.

The honor was awarded through an international competition hosted by the Canadian Society of Painters in Watercolour (CSPWC) to celebrate its 100th anniversary. The competition was open exclusively to signature members of the society, artists selected by a panel of peers for demonstrating skill and mastery in the medium.

Edwards, a signature member of the CSPWC since 2007, submitted a painting that stood out among global entries, earning one of only 25 placements in the Royal Collection.

“This is truly the greatest honor of my life and career,” Edwards is quoted as saying in a press release. “To have my work housed in Windsor Castle as part of the Royal Collection Trust is beyond anything I ever imagined when I first picked up a paintbrush.”

Known for his bold and interpretive watercolor paintings, Edwards blends abstract expressionism with traditional elements to create luminous and emotionally-charged compositions. His approach emphasizes strong design, vibrant color, and intuitive brushwork.

A full-time professional artist since 1993, Edwards transitioned to the art world after two decades of service in law enforcement and firefighting. Over the past 40 years, his paintings have been featured in numerous exhibitions and publications worldwide. He is also the author of “Creating Luminous Watercolor Landscapes: A Four-Step Process” and the designer of a signature line of watercolor brushes and a palette.

In addition to his studio work, Edwards is an instructor, leading workshops across North America and internationally. His contributions to the watercolor community continue to inspire a new generation of artists.

The Royal Collection Trust, which includes works by some of history’s greatest artists, represents one of the world’s largest and most important art collections. Edwards’ inclusion places him among a lineage of artists recognized for their lasting impact on the arts.