Land of Contrasts: Artists Diary of Dixie National Forest. Step by step painting of Pine Valley Reservoir

I am Getting ready for "Land of Contrasts: Dixie National Forest" to be exhibited at the Eccles Art Museum November 16, 2012 through January 22, 2013. I turned to one of my favorite local spots in the Dixie Forest -- Pine Valley Reservoir for this new painting. Based on my plein air studies, I thought you'd enjoy seeing the three main steps in the production of this piece. Using Arches 140 lb paper mounted on "Incredible Art Board" I begin by laying down most of the basic glazes with very little detail. In the next image I begin adding darks as I delineate some of the major features. In the final painting I have added foreground details and refined the edges.

Plein Air Painting at Pine Valley

I have been invited to participate in a special art exhibit at the Eccles Museum this fall featuring paintings of the Dixie National Forest in Southern Utah. A number of other artists have also been invited, along with Arlene Braithwaite who is the featured artist. In preparation for that event my buddy Myron Laub and I enjoyed a morning painting at Pine Valley. We chose a cool and shady spot along the Santa Clara creek where the meandering waters tumbled over rocks and logs.

My little plein air watercolor

My friend Myron Laub came up with a nice plein air watercolor

Southern Utah Watercolor Society Enjoys Plein Air Painting at Pine Valley

Our local painting group, the Southern Utah Watercolor Society decided to head up to the mountains to bask in the cool air recently. Our destination, Pine Valley Mountain turned out to be just the spot. With 105 degree weather down in St. George the cool air and higher elevation of this quaint pioneer town was just the ticket. Some chose to work along the river, and near Pine Valley Reservoir, but most were drawn to the weathered barns and charming pioneer homes. After a morning painting we gathered near the old pioneer chapel and spread our paintings along the fence. We were surprised to find one of our favorite watercolorists, Spike Ress, had dropped in unexpectedly and shared in the critique. Everyone enjoyed a tour of Spike's "custom" van which has been converted into a near-perfect rolling art studio. What a great day painting outdoors!

Now Open! New Roland Lee Studio and Gallery Location in St. George

I am now officially open at my new art studio location at 165 North 100 East #2 in historic downtown St. George UT. While I still exhibit my originals at the Mission Gallery in St. George, I now have a downtown working studio with two gallery display rooms open to the public. In addition to original paintings I also have limited edition giclee prints and art cards available for purchase. Hours are by appointment so give me a call at 435-673-1988 if you are in the area and I'll give you a personal tour.

Above: One of the gallery rooms. Below: The main entrance gallery room.

Fundamentals of Drawing - SLC Workshop

I appreciate so much the opportunity to gather with fellow friends and artists for a workshop. It seems strange that I would be invited by this fine group of people to instruct them, when they could all be instructing ME! But we had a great time for two days at the home of Jan Zwick as I taught them my techniques for understanding light and shadow in the landscape. I showed them how I concentrate on the areas of highest contrast first and work out from there. This enables me to do very fast pencil sketchbook drawings on location. Thanks again to Margo for her able organization and to all my good friends who put their trust in me. Attending this workshop were: Virginia Pearce, Joan Reynolds, Antje Evans, Heidi Vriens, Margaret Pugsley, Debbie Hogan, and Margo Cook.

Gathering for a photo in Jan's lovely back yard just before it started to rain.

Painting Snow - Watercolor Workshop in Salt Lake

I met together with many good friends and artists from the Salt Lake City area for this special watercolor painting workshop. The location was at the Sons of Utah Pioneers facility overlooking the city. It's one of my favorite places to teach because the facilities are so great. Thanks again to Margo Cook who organized the workshop and always does such a great job. Participants included: Mark Rose, Joanne Hamms, Catherine Humphrey, Betty Lou Stewart, Rebecca Madsen, Marjorie Anderson, Mary Ann Nelson, Christena Gates, and Colleen Thompson.

Betty Lou Stewart purchased two of my class demonstration watercolors.

New Visions Art Show

It was fun to join with about 20 other artists for the annual "New Visions" Art Show. Sponsored by Jane Juber and the Authentique Gallery the show enables artists and collectors to meet together. A special part of the event is the second-day quick-draw event. Each artist completes a demonstration painting from start to finish while collectors enjoy walking around and watching their favorite artist work. At the end of the event the demonstration paintings are sold by silent auction. Thanks to all the collectors who came, and especially those who purchased my paintings. See you at the next show.

Painting Southern Utah's Red Rocks

painting Southern Utah's red rocks was the subject of my latest watercolor workshop in St. George, Utah. 12 very good artists signed up for the two-day class which concentrated on using the unique characteristics of watercolor to define the shape and form of the red cliffs.

This demonstration showed how to establish texture and variety in the rock surface by using "scumbling." As initial glazes are painted, the artist lays a loaded round brush on its side and lightly brushes the butt end near the ferule across the paper surface. The courseness of the paper creates the textural effects which are perfect for weathered rock surfaces.

In the next class demonstration we explore a few more techniques to define the mass and form. As the light side of the rock turns to the core shadow side both the value and temperature of the color changes. The shadow is darkest at the turn and becomes lighter and warmer as reflected light bounces onto the core shadow side. The Darkest values and coolest colors happen in the cast shadows which pick up light from the blue sky.

Drawing Workshop for Arizona High Schools

About 40 students from two high schools gathered for the workshop

I was invited to teach a drawing workshop to students at Centennial Park Arizona last week. My friends, LuAnn Williams, art teacher at El Capitan High School and Daniel Zitting, art teacher at Centennial Park High School combined their art students for the special workshop. About 40 talented and enthusiastic students showed up with their sketch pads and pencils and were eager to go to work. We started with a powerpoint at the school, where I talked to them about some drawing fundamentals. Then we boarded a school bus for a field trip to Maxwell Park at the foot of some spectacular red cliffs. A rain storm let loose as we were unloading, but it didn't deter the students who sought shelter in an alcove and started sketching anyway. The rain veiled the cliffs but added drama to the afternoon.
A heavy rainstorm veiled the beautiful cliffs at Maxwell Park
Tucked safely in an alcove the students went to work on their drawings
Daniel Zitting (left) and LuAnn Williams (right with student) are both fine artists as well as great teachers

St. George Art Festival First Place Award

My new 20-foot long tent served us well this year

"Sinawava Silence" received two First Place awards at this years show
We enjoyed two days of sunny St. George weather Easter weekend at the St. George Art Festival. Over 110 artists participated and I was fortunate to receive both First Place in Watercolor and First Place in the Two-dimensional art categories. This was the first time I exhibited the award-winning painting "Sinawava Silence," a pastoral river scene in Zion National Park. We also sold several other originals, lots of prints, and all the art cards we had with us. So it was a successful event all around. What is the most fun, is seeing previous collectors and many friends from past shows, plus all my delightful kids and grandkids were there to help me. Literally thousands of people flock to the show annually which is held in the St. George Town Square.
My three granddaughters sketching at my booth

My friend, Randy Paul, and I pose in front of my award winning painting