Dictionary of Utah Fine Artists - Review by Roland Lee

A hefty new book has just been released by Gibbs Smith called "The Dictionary of Utah Fine Artists." It is a huge compilation of literally thousands of fine artists living in, or associated with the state of Utah. There has been nothing this comprehensive published in the past. I enjoyed going through every page and reviewing the many talented fine artists including the deceased masters as well as talented up-and-coming new fine artists. Of course I am happy to be included in such a book. It was compiled by Vern G. Swanson, Donna L. Poulton, Angela Swanson Jones, and Micah J. Christensen with sponsorship  from Clayton R. Williams and the Springville Museum of Art.

Doctoionary of Utah Fine Artists includes artist Roland Lee

Painting at Maynard Dixon's Home and Edith Hamlin Studio

 I have visited the Maynard Dixon property in Mt. Carmel many times and conducted a plein air workshop there. Feeling the vibes from staying in the Maynard Dixon home and conducting my classes in the Edith Hamlin studio was a great experience. Paintings of the Dixon property will be part of the Highway 89 traveling show sponsored by the Plein Air Painters of Utah.

Roland Lee painting of Maynard Dixon Home

Roland Lee sitting in Maynard Dixon's favorite chair

Roland Lee Plein air painting at Maynard Dixon property in Mt. Carmel UT

Art on the Highway - Plein Air Painters of Utah

Highway 89 Show Includes Maynard Dixon Studio Painting by Roland Lee

 Roland Lee will participate in the special "Highway 89" show which will begin a tour in May 2023 of Utah's important museums from the top of the state to the bottom. Roland Lee's painting of Maynard Dixon Studio will be a part of the exhibit. The studio was mainly used by Dixon's wife Edith Hamlin and is still in use today as part of the Maynard Dixon Legacy Museum run by Susan Bingham and the Thunderbird Foundation. The Highway 89 Show is organized by the Plein Air Artists of Utah group.

Studio at Maynard Dixon Home at Mt Carmel, Utah by Roland Lee

Watercolor Students Visit Roland Lee Studio and Gallery

 I had a fun time with a group of young artists who visited my studio recently. All were students of Sean Rowley's watercolor class at Utah Tech University. The class was divided into two groups of eight, and I discovered that all were very eager to learn and also very talented artists. I surprised them by inviting them to pick up a brush and help me on my current painting. 

April Frost paints on my current watercolor painting

Sean Rowley's college watercolor students visit the Roland Lee Studio

Dixie Watercolor Society Workshop

 It's been a few years since I last taught at watercolor workshop to a large group. So I was due to help out the Watercolor Society. We had 21 students and I presented three demonstrations and some PowerPoint instruction as we worked together on some paintings. The class was super, and I was very pleased with the work. 

Workshop organizer Bill Sherwin assists with critique

A choice group of artists and friends

Roland Lee Workshop at the Escalante Canyons Plein Air Festival

Roland Lee will be teaching a workshop at the Escalante Canyons Plein Air Festival September 21-22, 2023. The cost is $200. I will be demonstrating in watercolors but all mediums are welcome.  Register Here

Roland Lee plein air painting in Zion

"This Immense Prodigality of Color" Lyman Hafen and Roland Lee

March 16, 2023 7pm Bumbleberry Inn Theater, Springdale Free event
Lyman Hafen and Roland Lee share the stage for this presentation.
For more than a century, writers and artists have been telling the story of Zion National Park in word and image. Join these two long-time chroniclers of Zion for an evening of history and beauty. Sponsored by Zion Canyon Mesa and Zion Forever Project.

Lyman Hafen and Roland Lee at the Bumbleberry Inn Theater

Julie Rogers Watercolor Painting Demonstration

 We were thrilled to have noted artist Julie Rogers give us a watercolor demonstration at the monthly meeting of the Dixie Watercolor Society in St. George UT. Julie recently won Best of Show at the AIS American Impressionist Society, so we were honored to have her demonstrate. The Dixie Watercolor Society now has 159 members.

Julie Rogers demonstrates for the Dixie Watercolor Society

Master Painting Class for My Kids

 It is so much fun to belong to a painting family. My sons Jim Lee and Jon Lee have been painting for some time, and have won many awards. Now they have been joined by my daughter Jana who is also becoming a respected watercolor painter. All three of them joined me for a special day-long workshop at my studio. What a thrill to see them all working so hard to develop their craft.

Roland Lee with Jon Lee, Jim Lee, and Jana Lee Cherry at a watercolor workshop in Roland Lee Studio in St. George UT.

Plein Air Salon Top 100 Roland Lee

 I was pleased to learn that out of 1249 entries, my painting "Desert Cowboy" was juried into the Plein Air Salon Top 100 for January 2023. The show was juried by master artist C.W. Mundy. The painting was done for my new book "The Way to Angel's Landing" which was written by Lyman Hafen and illustrated by Roland Lee

"Desert Cowboy" painting by Roland Lee