Demonstration Watercolor Paintings

This painting started as demonstration of a 3-minute wet-into-wet sky. We did four or five different skies then added the landscape elements afterwards.

"English Cottage" was used to demonstrate "negative painting" techniques for foliage, but at the same time I showed the students how to handle characteristics of structures.

I taught the artists how to begin each painting with a pencil "Thumbnail Sketch" value study which provides a road map to follow. If it works in the thumbnail it will work in the painting.

A rough thumbnail value study helped me determine how to depict the shapes through the use of light against dark edges.

If it works in the value study it will work in the painting too! The eye sees shapes because of edge contrast.

I completed several watercolor demonstration paintings at my recent watercolor workshop in Milford Michigan. Each was started to demonstrate a specific concept or watercolor technique. I used both powerpoint and painting demonstrations to get my point across, then had the student artists do their own paintings based on what they learned. It was a great workshop with some excellent artists.

Michigan Watercolor Workshop a Success

Thanks to Dorothy Koliba and Janice Sparks for putting together a great watercolor workshop in Milford Michigan last week. About 20 wonderful artists joined me as I conducted five days of instruction and painting in this intriguing area of beautifully restored victorian houses and pastoral lakes. The enthusiasm was as high as the expertise of this fine group as we explored the keys to painting believable landscapes in watercolor.

The best day to be in Zion National Park

Here's a heads-up for all you Zion art enthusiasts. Mark your calendars now.

A group of enthusiasts watch as Roland Lee paints in the Quick Draw event of the 2011 Plein Air Invitational at Zion National Park. 

If you can spend only one day in Zion National Park this year, make it Saturday, November 10, when 25 of the nation’s best landscape artists will begin painting at 1:00 p.m. on the lawn in front of the Zion Lodge and will each create a masterpiece by 2:30.  It’s perhaps the most intriguing part of the annual week-long “In the Footsteps of Thomas Moran” Plein Air Art Event in Zion.  Early November is a magical time in the park.  There are relatively few people in the canyon, the colors are magnificent, and the opportunity to see great artists at work is priceless. Schedule of events.

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.