Plein Air Watercolor Painting Workshop at East Zion

The main lodge at the Clear Creek Guest Ranch, east of Zion National Park

The next two days I will be in the Zion National Park area teaching a watercolor outdoor painting workshop. We will base our workshop at the Main Lodge of the Clear Creek Guest Ranch just 2 miles from the east entrance to Zion National Park. Two days of painting outdoors along with intensive indoor preparation and study will tax our energy and talent, but boy will it be fun!

Roland Lee painting during the 2012 Zion National Park Plein Air Invitational 

Following the workshop I will be in Zion National Park painting for a week as one of the 24 invited artists for the Zion National Park Invitational Plein Air competition and sale. Held the first week of November each year, the event features lots of artist demos, nightly presentations, a quick-draw and wet-paint sales. All events are free and open to the public. I will post some of my paintings during the week if I can get internet service.

Meeting New Collectors at Kayenta Art Festival

This stunning backdrop greets artists and collectors at the Kayenta Art Festival

The Kayenta Art Festival and Quick Draw in the past was held in February, but this year they changed the date to the fall. That made it possible for me to participate for the first time and I'm glad I did. This well-organized festival features numerous displays of art in all mediums. Food and good music is a big part of this event, but the attendees are treated to a great art show and sale as well. A fund-raising silent auction added interest while collectors browsed the booth displays. A one and a half hour quick draw was held Saturday afternoon, followed by a spirited auction. All the art pieces were of outstanding quality, and every piece was sold at the crack of the gavel. In addition I sold several other original paintings and a few prints as well.

Roland Lee in front of his display booth

A large crowd gathered for the auction of quick-draw pieces

I painted a little desert scene during the quick draw event which sold during the auction

Painting Workshop at Flaming Gorge Utah

Watercolor Painting Workshop participants at the Flaming Gorge Resort

The weather was warm and sunny as we gathered at the wonderful Flaming Gorge Resort for a two-day workshop sponsored by the Uintah Mountain Artists last week. This was my second trip to Flaming Gorge to conduct a workshop. Last year was beautiful as well, but very cold as it snowed heavily on the mountain. It was nice to experience both seasons in this magnificent place.
Participants included: Paul Nielson, Aloma Rios, Lori Burchinal, Jenice Allred, Aljean Foley, Janet Abplanalp, Deena Millicam, and Susan Dart. While there we took a sidetrip to visit Dinosaur National Monument and stop for a visit with my artist-friend Randy Fullbright who runs a gallery in Vernal.

Red Canyon Overlook at Flaming Gorge Utah

Learn to Paint English Gardens, Cottages, & Castles. Watercolor Workshop Oct 24-25

Roland will share tips and techniques for painting the cottages, castles, and gardens of the British Isles.

Adare Manor in Ireland 8 x 12 watercolor

Flaming Gorge Resort near Vernal, Utah will be the site of an exciting watercolor painting workshop with Roland Lee on October 24-25. Sponsored by the Uintah Mountain Artists association, the workshop will feature two days of learning techniques and tips for painting the charming gardens, cottages, and castles of the British Isles. Roland spent time in England, Ireland, and Scotland during the summer, and will share his research photos and sketches with us. The cost is $175 for the workshop. Lodging is available. Contact Lori Burchinal at 435-828-3668 or email uintahmountainartists@gmail.com to register.