New painting of Zion National Park

The subject of this painting is a relatively insignificant cliff formation in Zion. I'm not even sure this particular spot has a name. But anyplace in Zion becomes a star when the lighting is right. My favorite time in Zion National Park is the end of the day when the cliffs catch on fire and even a rockface becomes a star for a few minutes. "5 minutes of Fame," watercolor by Roland Lee, 19" x 29." Purchase Information

Watercolor Painting of Lake Powell Panorama

While attending a painting workshop with David Drummond at Lake Powell we experienced an incredible three day rainstorm that wreaked havoc on the lake. However when it finally passed, the air was clear and you could see forever. I painted the panorama above from photos I shot near Wahweap. I was standing on a high ridge overlooking the bay as the sun shot its last rays across the water. The distant cliffs turned many colors as the light danced across them, and the shadows told the story in various hues of purple and blue. The still water glowed pink from the reflections of the warm rocks above. Purchase Information

Sagebrush Serenade - Painting of Kayenta Sage and Sand

I sent off five new paintings to the framer today - all landscapes. I will exhibit a couple of the big ones next week at the Mission Gallery show. The others will be back in time for my one-man show at the St. George Art Museum. "Sagebrush Serenade" (above) is a huge painting of old man sage in the red sands at Kayenta, Utah.Purchase Information



I begin the painting with a pencil sketch on Arches watercolor paper, then lay in loose washes of color. I will build up the values with glazes or washes of color, refining the detail as I go.



At this stage I continue the washes, being careful to keep the glazes thin and transparent.



At this point I have tightened up the shapes of the mountains and defined the shadows. Notice how the shadows become bluer and lighter in value on the distant cliffs. That is an effect of aerial perspective.

Lake Powell Painting of Moki Canyon

Last fall I had the good fortune to study with noted watercolorist David Drummond at Lake Powell. In "Meandering in Moki Canyon" (above) I borrowed a fun technique he uses for reflections in smooth water. Purchase Information



Using a photo I shot at Lake Powell, I developed a thumbnail value study then altered the scene to create more interest.

Replacing my trusty digital camera

I haven't posted any pictures for awhile because my digital camera was demolished by my little grandson Max. But I was able to pick up a replacement on e-Bay so I'm back in business. My trusty little Konica-Minolta Dimage x-50 has travelled with me all over the world. The new camera is exactly like the old one, only in a perfect resurrected state. It feels the same, but the screen is clean and clear, it has no dents and bruises, and works perfectly--it's a miracle! So now I'll start posting pics again of my latest paintings.



Now what grandpa could resist a face like this? "Sure Max, you can play with my camera. Aw, he can't hurt it. Oops!"

My Newest Collector

My newest collector, Carrie Ruppe from Vernal Utah battled a winter storm to come down to St. George and purchase a painting, "George Washington's Headquarters at Valley Forge." She is also a very good artist and has had her eye on this piece for a couple of weeks. She had purchased another painting on my web site, but it had previously sold but was not marked as sold on the web site. Naturally she was very disappointed, and I was red in the face over the mistake. However, she found another that she is equally happy with and is pleased to have a painting that was juried into the 2006 Arts for the Parks Top 100.

Library Murals Unveiled Today

After a two-week delay, the murals I painted for the Washington County Library were finally hung and opened for public view today. I am pleased with them and hope the community enjoys them as well. A dedication will take place on February 19 at 10:00am at the Library.

Roland Lee January Watercolor Workshop

I've just enjoyed two days conducting a watercolor workshop for some very talented artists. Since this was an upper level class for experienced artists I had a chance to share some of the "really good stuff." All the students proved equal to the task and we had some great paintings at the critique today.

Here is a photo of the happy crew filled with watercolor knowledge and ready to go! Thanks to gallery owner, Becky Whitney for taking the photo. 1st row: Shari Cannon, Karen Bettilyon. 2nd row: Carrie Ruppe, Joy Mitchell, Gian Ferrari, Roma Knudsen, Luzon Glines. Back row: Roland Lee, Glen Bessonette.



We will be holding two more workshops at Passion for Painting in St. George, Utah this spring. Click here for more information on other workshops.

Mesquite Artists group Presentation
On January 5 I presented a Powerpoint demonstration " From Sketches to Paintings" to the Virgin Valley Artists Organization. A good group of active artists was present at the event organzed by Diana Coondradt. Their meeting facility is wonderful and includes a large permanent gallery space. It's one of the nicest community artist spaces I've seen.

National Finals Rodeo

I'm not a cowboy by any stretch of the imagination, but I do like to watch rodeo -- especially the PRCA National Finals. We travelled to Las Vegas Nevada to see a couple of nights of the ten-night NFR Rodeo with two of my cowboy mentors, Lyman and Kelton Hafen. It's been a tradition for us since the rodeo moved from Oklahoma City to Las Vegas in 1985. Lyman and his dad got me started riding horses in the 80's. I got my first quarter horse, Ben, from them and I was fortunate to help with the spring and fall cattle drives on their Nevada Ranch at Clover Valley. That's where I first met a young kid named Cody Wright, who has competed in the finals the past four years and won first place in saddlebronc last night. Here's a picture of the four of us at the NFR.



Left to right: Kelton Hafen, Cody Wright, Roland Lee, Lyman Hafen

I also enjoy spending some time at "Cowboy Christmas" a huge trade show at the LV convention center. It's a great place to see lots of wonderful western art and sculpture.

Best of Show Cash Award

Nellie and I travelled to Mesquite Nevada for an awards reception for the "Lucky 13" International Small Works Competition. I was notified that I had received "Best of Show" with a cash award, which is always nice. It is a very unique art show in that all paintings must be smaller than 13 inches in any one direction including the frame. My painting, "Fisherman" is a tiny 5 in. by 5 in. transparent watercolor of a fly fisherman. It is not only one of the smallest paintings I've ever done, but certainly the smallest I've ever had accepted into a juried competition.


Roland Lee receives Best of Show award at Lucky 13 International Small Works Competition