Demonstration Paintings Step by Step

I focused this class on learning to see the lights in nature. I have learned over the years that we really see objects that are light against dark, rather than dark against light. The objects we see first in the landscape are the ones that are recieving light when viewed against a darker background. In this demonstration I showed the students how to analyze what you see, then work up a simple value study to determine the positive and negative shapes.



Above: First I begin with a pencil study to determine lights and darks



Above: Detail of the finished watercolor study. Notice how we see the edges clearly because of the contrast between light and dark. It is the main way we see shapes in nature.

Painting Workshop Day 2 -- "Learning to See the Landscape"

I really enjoy teaching workshops, especially because of the friendships that are developed. I was joined by a really special group of students at this class with a ton of talent and experience. Some of their work is truly outstanding. I sure hope I was able to share something with them that was meaningful. If nothing else, I think we all encouraged each other to work harder. I developed a new Powerpoint demonstration for this session called "Learning to see the Landscape."

Painting the Landscape in Watercolor

September 2006 Roland Lee Watercolor Painting Workshop Participants: Barbara Hunter, Lola Krummenacher, Mary Beth Anderson, Carolyn Ostler, Tyler Nelson, Gevene Savala, Carrie Ruppe, and Lindy Bryant.

I always enjoy getting together with other artists to paint. One of the best ways to get that started is to teach a painting workshop. It's a wonderful place to share ideas, thoughts, and techniques with people who have the same addiction to the art of making pictures. Below is a photo of the demonstration painting I started in class along with the value study sketch I used to plan the painting.

Roland Lee Watercolor Workshop Details

The two-day Roland Lee watercolor workshop September 25-26 will be held at Passion for Painting Gallery located at 310 East Tabernacle Street, St. George, UT 84770. Contact Becky Whitney for registration. Telephone(435) 628 - 5890

Future workshop dates: November 9-10, 2006; January 11-12, 2007; February 8-9, 2007

Only 8 students are accepted into each workshop to allow plenty of one-on-one time with each workshop participant

Watercolor Landscape Painting Workshop

On Monday and Tuesday I will teach an all-day watercolor landscape painting workshop for advanced students. I consider it a big responsibility to try to share with others the things I have learned in the past 30 years of painting. It's not that I think I know any more than other artists. I can probably share everything I know in just a few minutes. But the act of getting together with other artists and sharing the enthusiasm and excitement of making art, now that's what it is all about.

Painting juried into "Lucky 13" Show

I received notification today that my painting, "Fisherman" was juried into the Lucky 13 National Art Competition in Mesquite Nevada. The show features only miniature paintings which must be less than 13 inches at the longest dimension including the mats and frame. I have to admit this is the smallest painting I've ever had accepted in a national juried exhibition.



"The Fisherman" original watercolor by Roland Lee

The Mission Gallery Opens in St. George, Utah

On Friday September 29 The Mission Art Gallery will hold its ribbon cutting and grand opening in St. George, Utah. The gallery, operated by Jane Juber, will feature the work of Roland Lee along with other regional artists. Unlike other galleries in the area, the Mission Gallery carries only high end original artwork. No prints or reproductions are displayed in the gallery. I will be present at the opening reception along with several of the other featured artists. Stop by and see some of my newest paintings. Reception from 6 - 9pm. 173 North Main Street, St. George, UT 84770. For information call Toll Free 866-999-1278.



Mt. Kineseva View - Zion National Park, is one of my new watercolor paintings on display at the mission gallery. This view is from the nearby ghost town of Grafton, just outside of Rockville.

Leaves Starting to Turn in Zion Canyon

Usually about this time of year we head for Vermont to take in the fall colors and do some painting. This year because of the library commission and several workshops I'm teaching I have to forego that pleasure. However, Fall in Utah is something to behold too. While at the cabin yesterday we noticed the change beginning on the oak leaves. With the cool air that worked its way in over the weekend that will probably speed up the process. I scouted out a couple of great spots to return to in Zion Canyon when the Cottonwoods turn their brilliant yellow-gold.

More sketchbook drawings of Zion National Park

Wild Turkeys at Zion National Park

Since wild turkeys were introduced to Zion National Park, they have proliferated and done very well. We frequently have them visit our cabin and wander through on their way down the draw to Lemon Springs. They are goofy looking critters with big helmet shaped bodies and an ungainly walk. Their feathers are big enough to make a headdress out of, and my grandkids love to find them. Benjamin Franklin said he thought they would have made a more appropriate national bird than the Bald Eagle.

Zions Ponderosa Ranch

We made a quick overnight trip to our cabin at Zions Ponderosa Ranch on the east boundary of Zion National Park. My excuse was to get a few things done on the cabin before winter, but really I just wanted to inhale the cool mountain air. As the sun began to melt, I went for a little hike in the draw below our cabin to check out the flora and fauna. The oaks are already starting to turn gold near the cabin, while higher up the mountain orange and red are starting to color the landscape. A little breeze rustled the leaves and made it easier for me to remain undetected as I sat still hoping to glimpse some wildlife.


After a while several deer stuck their heads out of the thicket above me and checked me out before sauntering over the ridge. Can you see a deer in the photo above? Check out the closeup below.



Returning to the cabin I stoked up a fire in the old woodstove and we had a little Dinty Moore beef stew and hot chocolate--just the ticket to warm us up for the cool night ahead. As darkness sank around us the temperatures dropped considerably and we decided to add a few blankets to our bed. Before bedding down we went outside again for a last glimpse of the night sky absolutely filled with stars. Ahhh, everything is perfect tonight.

With morning came the traditional "cabin breakfast" that our kids love so much. Fried eggs, toast, bacon, hot chocolate, and fruit. Does food really taste better in the mountains?

By noon we wandered down into Zion Park and had lunch on a little overlook. I put my digital camera to work gathering some ideas for future paintings. Then back in the studio by mid-afternoon to get back to work.