Two Paintings Sold at Sears Invitational Art Show

Tonight was the opening banquet and reception for the 28th annual Robert and Peggy Sears Invitational Art Show on the campus of Dixie State University. The show features works by about 135 artists in all mediums and genres. My good friend Royden Card was the featured artist and speaker. His words were inspiring and uplifting to all of us. Following the banquet George Handrahan was named as the featured artist for next year and won the Best of Show purchase award. Painting purchases were made by draw as the Eccles Gallery on campus was flooded with buyers. I was pleased to have both of my paintings snapped up in the first few minutes by Janet Sparks. she purchased "On the Farm"and "Yorkshire Dales Morn." The show remains on exhibit through March 29, 2015.

Collector Jan Sparks (middle) with friend Alice Allred (left) pose with Roland Lee at the Sears Invitational Art Show. Janice purchased two of Roland's paintings at the show.

First Place DWS Spring Show Ponte Vecchio Painting

Roland Lee watercolor painting of the Ponte Vecchio Bridge in Florence

I attended the reception for the 2015 Spring Exhibit and competition of the Dixie Watercolor Society tonight. Participation was great this year, and the competition was keen. I was grateful to receive First Place award in the signature artist category for my painting Porch at Ponte Vecchio. Watercolorist Jana Parkin was the juror.

Roland Lee won First Place award at the DWS Spring Art Show

New Roland Lee Painting of Zion National Park

I've been working on a series of new watercolor paintings of Zion National Park. Most are at the framer right now but I'll post a few over the next week or so. To see more new paintings visit my website and check out my business facebook page.

"Rio Virgin" 10 x 14 watercolor painting by Roland Lee of Zion National Park

Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch...

We're enjoying a quiet weekend tending Clear Creek Family Ranch for my son Jon while he and his family travel to a mission homecoming. The weather is amazing, the scenery is tops, and the animals are really hungry! Gathered a couple dozen eggs and introduced ourselves to the new pig Felipe (snort). Hope you are having a great Saturday too.

Felipe and I hit it off right away. He was hungry, and I had food. He's a new addition to Clear Creek Family Ranch.

Had to fill up the big water trough. About 100 deer get their water here during the night too.

Domestic turkeys watching the chickens have a buffet of scraps. Literally thousands of wild turkeys roam the Clear Creek Family Ranch as well.

Farmer Roland out standing in his field. Just before repairing a busted fence with duct tape at Clear Creek Family Ranch. Too much fun.

Chicks and ducks and geese better scurry. We had tons of feathered friends waiting for the feed buckets this morning. It's nice to feel needed.

Wonderful Workshop with Great Artists

We just concluded the second day of my February workshop. Our subject was painting Utah scenes in Winter and we enjoyed exploring the wonders of painting snow in watercolor. It was a real treat to be with such excellent artists and share ideas together. Participants included Sally Valiton, Ridgecrest CA; Mark Rose, American Falls ID; Karen Bettilyon, Salt Lake City, UT; Karen Dorsey, Heber City UT; Connie Madsen, Salt Lake City UT; Shari Cannon, Eagle Mtn Ut, Pamela Jones, Big Pines CA, and Margo Cook, Salt Lake City UT.

A thumbnail value study and  class demonstration painting "Evergreen on the Rocks."

Studying the character of snow banks in the desert landscape.