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.

"Making Great Paintings from Photos" subject of next Roland Lee Watercolor Class Oct 3,4

Learn how to take your everyday photos and turn them into great paintings.

Oct 3-4 “Making Great Paintings from Photos” – Do you wonder what to do with those zillions of digital images from your travels? We will learn how to use them as a springboard to make wonderful paintings. Using “artistic license” we will learn the methods for making awesome paintings from not-so-awesome photos and infuse them with our own imagination. Bring your photos and ideas or use Roland’s photos. We will paint in the studio. Class fee $175

About the workshops:
Classes are held at A Passion for Painting. Time is 9am to 4pm each day with a 1-hour lunch break (on your own.) Art class fee is $175 due at reservation. 10 student limit.

To register contact: Becky Whitney
A Passion for Painting
310 E. Tabernacle, St. George, UT 84770
(435) 628-5890
www.passionforpaintinggallery.com

For materials list go to:
www.rolandlee.com/workshops
rolandleegallery@gmail.com

Fall Watercolor Classes Starting

Join us as we paint quaint English cottages

Irish and English cottages and castles will be the subject of our next class

Roland Lee's Fall watercolor classes are starting up soon. Register now:

Sept 5-6 “English Cottages - Painting the British Isles” – Roland has just returned from a painting research trip to Europe and the British Isles. He filled a travel sketchbook with on-location drawings and is working on a new series of watercolor paintings from them. We will use his photographs as reference as we learn to paint the charm and beauty of English Castles, manor houses, thatched cottages, and quaint villages. We will paint in the studio. Class fee $175

Oct 3-4 “Making Great Paintings from Photos” – Do you wonder what to do with those zillions of digital images from your travels? We will learn how to use them as a springboard to make wonderful paintings. Using “artistic license” we will learn the methods for making awesome paintings from not-so-awesome photos and infuse them with our own imagination. Bring your photos and ideas or use Roland’s photos. We will paint in the studio. Class fee $175

About the workshops:
Classes are held at A Passion for Painting. Time is 9am to 4pm each day with a 1-hour lunch break (on your own.) Art class fee is $175 due at reservation. 10 student limit.

To register contact: Becky Whitney
A Passion for Painting
310 E. Tabernacle, St. George, UT 84770
(435) 628-5890
www.passionforpaintinggallery.com

For materials list go to:
www.rolandlee.com/workshops
rolandleegallery@gmail.com

Successful show opening in St. George

Thanks to all those who joined me for the opening reception of my new art show. Special thanks to all those who purchased a painting or new print. As we expected my new print of Adare Manor was the popular item, especially for those who travelled with us to Ireland. I also gave a talk and powerpoint demonstration of the trip and how I work up my sketches into finished paintings. We will do a one-night show in Salt Lake City next week bringing many of the originals to display and sell. The date and location will be announced soon.

Yep. I made all these paintings! 

20 new paintings from our tour of the British Isles and Europe

Gallery visitors on opening night

Three famous art collectors: Sandy, Gail, and Barbara

You are invited tonight

Roland Lee sketching in Rothenburg Germany. Come see my travel sketchbook and new paintings from Europe and the British Isles.

Tonight is the night. Please join us tonight Aug 9 from 6pm to 9pm at the Roland Lee Gallery for the opening reception of my show "Paintings of the British Isles and Europe." We have over 20 new original paintings on display plus some brand new giclee prints. At 7pm I will give a talk and powerpoint about sketching and painting on location. Come if you can. 165 North 100 East St. George. See you tonight!

You're Invited! Opening Reception for Europe and British Isles Exhibit

Adare Manor Ireland original watercolor 21 x 29 - Prints available

My gallery is hung with 22 new paintings, and you're invited to stop by and see them. Lots of brand new originals and giclee prints too. We'll have a reception both Thursday Aug 8 and Friday Aug 9 from 6 to 9 pm. I will give a little talk at 7pm about how I use my travel sketchbook to work up my finished studio paintings. Please come join us.
Click here for a preview
Roland Lee Studio and Gallery
165 North 100 East #2, First East Office Plaza
St. George, UT 84770
Also open weekdays from 10am to 5pm
435-673-1988

Show Opens. Adare Manor Carriage House Painting

Just a reminder, my art show from the British Isles is now open. You can stop by my gallery weekdays from 10am to 5pm. You are invited to my reception Thursday and Friday evening from 6 to 9pm. I will give a little talk both nights about how I sketch and paint on my travels.

"Adare Manor Carriage House" 5 x 8 watercolor $500 Matted and Framed

Sketchbook drawing of Adare Manor Carriage house done on location in Ireland

I generally am not planning paintings when I use my sketchbook. I am usually just cementing the scene and image in my memory banks. The interesting thing about this method is that you use all your senses, and the image is recalled with greater clarity. After sketching on location I can almost paint the scene without reference.

Warwick Castle Bridge, from sketchbook to painting

I found this little arched bridge near the old mill behind the Warwick Castle. It was a wonderful little pastoral scene with flowers, water lilies, and nice reflections in the dark water. I knew when I did my sketchbook drawing that I would have to also paint this peaceful English scene. My show of paintings and drawings from the British Isles will be on display in my gallery all month. Stop by if you get a chance.

I did this little sketchbook drawing on location at Warwick Castle, knowing I would do a painting later.

"Warwick Castle Mill Bridge" 5 x 8 watercolor $500 matted and framed 

Warwick Castle Mill Bridge painting in process in the studio. My reference material is nearby along with my two Eldajon palettes and Daniel Smith paints.