"In the Footsteps of Thomas Moran" Plein Air Paint-Out in Zion Park - First 3 Days

What a marvelous week we are having in Zion National Park. We joined about 22 other artists for the 2nd Invitational Plein air art event celebrating Tomas Moran's visit to Zion Canyon. Sales from the show and quick draw will benefit the Zion National Park Foundation. The gorgeous Majestic View Lodge provided our wonderful accommodations for the week.

Things kicked off Monday with a quick breakfast for the artists at the Mean Bean in Springdale (the fresh apricot scones are to die for). After an introduction and directions from show organizer Anne Weiler-Brown the artists headed out in different directions to find the ideal painting spots. Lucky for us the Canyon Cottonwoods and Red Maples all turned on cue this week providing a myriad of colorful vistas to choose from. For me it's like a kid in a candy store. To have a full week in Zion, with no restrictions, and paint kit in hand -- I'm one happy boy!

Monday I got started with a quick small study of the West Temple from Pine Creek, then moved on up to Heaps Canyon where the yellow Cottonwoods added a fresh glow to the red cliffs. I did a sketchbook value study to determine my composition then launched into the painting. I used my Anderson easel, and folding chair to make things very comfortable.




Tuesday we drove up to East Zion for a day painting in one of my favorite spots near Checkerboard Mesa. The fall colors were perfect and the weather was toasty. I did a few studies in both my sketchbook and in watercolor of some of the gnarly old Junipers.



At lunch I met Nellie at the Clear Creek Guest Ranch just outside the East entrance, where my son Jon is the manager. We had a nice visit with my grandkids who are in heaven living at that wonderful place.



This morning I got moving early before the sun came up and climbed the hill behind our hotel where I set up my easel awaiting the sunrise. Experience had told me that the first rays of sun would light up West Temple and the Three Marys in a spectacular display of reds. I started my sketch while it was just getting light and laid in the basic washes on the cliffs, sky and foreground. By the time the sun peaked over Johnson Mountain I was poised and ready to slap on the yellows and oranges. I only had about 20 minutes before the shadow crawled all the way down the face, so I worked as fast as I could. The air warmed considerably as the sun bathed the entire valley but I continued to work on the painting until I felt good about it.




Still full of enthusiasm I headed up Canyon where I sketched some sacred Datura flowers, and did a small study of the East face Zion from just outside the entrance to the Park. After lunch I found a pastoral, but vibrant spot at a little waterfall on Pine Creek and used my tiny portable paint set to do a nice study. The warm air, cool babbling creek, and bright yellow leaves all around just seemed too perfect. Indeed I felt very lucky.

This afternoon we got together with a few of the collectors who are providing purchase awards. Hal and Julie Anderson selected my painting "Angel's Walk" from the studio show in the Museum as their purchase. Hal also serves on the board of directors of Zion Natural History Association.

Receiving "Signature Status" highlights 90th Annual National Watercolor Society Exhibit

Roland Lee and his painting of Lake Powell which was accepted into the 90the annual NWS show in Long Beach CA


The National Watercolor Society's new gallery was a beautiful venue for the 90th annual show. I was pleased to have my painting given a prominent location in the exhibit.


Roland Lee receives signature membership from John Salminen and NWS president Mike Bailey at the 90th annual NWS exhibit

Nellie and I traveled to Long Beach California over the weekend to attend the opening reception and banquet for the 90th annual National Watercolor Society. I was pleased to have my painting of Lake Powell accepted in the exhibition, but was especially honored by being inducted into the NWS as a signature member. Noted watercolorist John Salminen presented the award along with NWS president Mike Bailey at a special luncheon October 31 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in San Pedro. Following the presentation we attended the show opening and ribbon-cutting of the new National Watercolor Society Gallery in San Pedro. The NWS is one of the oldest and most respected art societies and it is indeed an honor to be accepted as a signature member.


I enjoyed meeting some of the other artists I respect and admire including Frank Eber.

Painting foliage and water subject of October workshop

For two days we poured over painting water (no pun intended)as well as dipped into the technique of negative painting, or "back painting" fall foliage in watercolor during my latest workshop. 20 wonderful artists enrolled for the workshop coming from Arizona, Utah, Idaho, and Colorado. They all proved up to the task as we had a great time together. Thanks to Warren and Carol Larson from the Hurricane Valley Art Alliance (HVAA) for organizing and sponsoring the workshop

1st L-R Gail Alger, Mark Gunn Rose, Jan Hansen, Gayla Folkman, Roland Lee & Mike Smith
2nd Lola Krummenacher, Carol Larson, Shirlee Last, Sharon Cannon, Judy Stringham, Johanna Monroe & Karel Armstrong
3rd Jim Lanier, Shirley Faux, John Armstrong, Kathy Morlan, Maja Gray, Pete Sauer, Sherri Havelka & John Mangels

Artist in Residence at Mesa Verde National Park

I was just notified of my acceptance as Artist in Residence at Mesa Verde National Monument during Fall of 2011. Frank Cope, the director of the program, invited me to participate and I am very excited to be able to spend a couple of weeks exploring the rich cultural and geologic history of that part of the country. My residency will be from October 3 to October 15, 2011.

Watercolor Workshop at Brighton

Now this is what I call a workshop! I was invited by a fine group of Salt Lake area artists to present a special watercolor class at one of the members homes in the Brighton resort area. The lovely big log lodge owned by Bill and Heidi Vriens was not only our classroom but our lodging while we were there. Set on the mountainside near Brighton and Solitude ski resorts, the setting was breathtaking, surrounded by beautiful aspens, pines, and Spruces providing an unbelievable backdrop for our time together. Our workshop delved into the techniques of portraying water and a field trip to the nearby Silver Lake as the sun went down proved to be a perfect way to study the reflections. Workshop participants included Margo Cook, Virginia Pearce, Heidi Vriens, Laurel Finlinson, Antje Evans, Christena Gates, Joan Reynolds, Dixie Stoddard, Jan Zwick, and Debbie Hogan.

Clyde Aspevig guest artist at Maynard Dixon Country Plein Air Invitational

Gallery owner Paul Bingham introduces noted landscape artist Clyde Aspevig at the Maynard Dixon Country Plein Air event at Mt. Carmel Utah

We enjoyed spending a little time with some great artists at the Maynard Dixon Plein Air Invitational last weekend. The event, sponsored by the Thunderbird foundation and Paul and Susan Bingham's Art Gallery, annually hosts some of the most recognized outdoor landscape painters in the west. This year noted landscapist Clyde Aspevig was guest artists and presented a painting demo and lecture that was enlightening and entertaining. He spoke of "land snorkeling" a term he coined to describe looking at nature up close and painting the intimate beauty of the landscape rather than just the big panorama. What a treat to join with other artists and art collectors to watch him work up a small landscape.

Anyone familiar with Maynard Dixon's paintings will recognize this famous thunderbird symbol silhouetted against a typical Dixon cloud-filled sky.


Artist Craig Fetzer (left) chats with fellow artists Spike Ress and Sue Cotter in front of the "wet painting" wall at the Maynard Dixon Country Plein Air art show

Remembering the Pioneers

Saturday was a significant day for my wife and I as we celebrated our 39th wedding anniversary. We've had a lot of fun together over the years, and we're still finding new ways to "pull together." In honor of our own pioneer ancestors we pulled a handcart in the Days of 47 Pioneer parade in Salt Lake City. Thousands of Mormon pioneers successfully used this method to walk across America in the 1800's but unfortunately some also lost their lives in the process. We only had to walk a few miles on pavement tugging a semi-empty cart loaded with Aquafina bottles, but the oppressive heat convinced us that those stalwart pioneers had to be a rugged lot. It is well to be reminded once in a while of just how good we have it. I don't know if we'll be in front of a handcart on our 40th anniversary next year, but I do know we'll still be pulling together--and enjoying it.

Plein Air Painting in Snow Canyon

The Visual Artists Association had their monthly meeting outdoors this week, as we gathered in Snow Canyon for a paint out. We picked a shady spot to dodge the late afternoon sun and spent a pleasant hour or so working on sketches and paintings.

I chose this little cliff for my painting and started with a quick 10 minute value study in my sketchbook. I then jumped right into my little painting using my Cotman watercolor travel kit to quickly capture the gesture and feeling of the late afternoon light on the red cliffs of Snow Canyon. I am using a 5 x 8 sheet of Arches watercolor paper mounted on "Incredible Art Board" from Dick Blick. The collapsible sable brush is from Daniel Smith.

About 15 fellow artists showed up for the paint out in Snow Canyon. Most of the artists were using watercolor although some used other mediums as well.


Our fearless leader Craig Fetzer shared some great art stories with us as we painted together.

First-time Art Show of Original Roland Lee Landscape Paintings at Zion National Park Museum June 2 - July 1

Roland Lee, Leslie Courtright (curator of the Zion Museum) and Technical assistant Justin Hall stand by Roland's newest painting, "Canyon Snowfall" at the Zion National Park Museum

Roland Lee art prints, cards, and books have been sold at Zion National Park for many years, but for the first time my original paintings are now available at Zion. Today we hung an exhibit called "Zion Canyonscapes" featuring mostly new original landscape paintings of Zion's canyons and peaks. The show is jointly sponsored by Zion National Park and the Zion Natural History Association. All paintings are for sale and a portion of the sales will benefit the Zion National Park Foundation to help finance conservation and interpretive projects within Zion National Park.

"Zion Canyonscapes" will remain on exhibit in the art gallery area of the Human History Museum (the old visitors center)through July 1, 2010. The show is free but regular park entrance fees apply. You can drive directly to the museum and park there, or take the free shuttle from the main visitors center. Museum Hours are 10am to 7pm daily.

The show features 12 new paintings of Zion National Park including "Angels Above, Heaven Below" a huge painting from Angel's landing Trail (center.)

Nellie Lee looks over the exhibit which includes a step by step demonstration and display of Roland's plein air painting kit and sketchbook

Salt Lake City Artist Group Comes to St. George Painting Workshop

Instead of traveling to Salt Lake City to present a watercolor workshop, I had a special group of artists come from Salt Lake to St. George this week. We enjoyed to two days together hashing through the principles of art and learning to see in nature. What as outstanding bunch of artists with really good questions! These wonderful artists get together once a week to paint and it shows in their work. Their eagerness to learn was only matched by their ability to pick up new concepts quickly. We spent most of the time in the studio at A Passion for Painting, but we slipped away for some close-up observation and sketching up in the Red Hills Desert Reserve. Artists included: Virginia Pearce, Heidi Vriens, Laurel Finlinson, Antje Evans, Christena Gates, Joan Reynolds, Dixie Stoddard, Jan Zwick, and Margo Cook.

New Visions Art Show Held at Santa Clara Town Hall

We enjoyed two days at the Santa Clara Town Hall for the third annual New Visions Art Show. All the artists were present for a terrific indoor show and sale, plus an outdoor "quick draw" event on Saturday. Each artist had all day to paint and at the conclusion a silent auction was held for the completed and framed pieces. The bidding was fast and furious as the show wound down to the final seconds.

Larry and Rebecca Isakson won the bid for my painting of a desert scene, as well as several other paintings.

You've heard of a "Quick Draw" -- Come see a "Slow Draw" on Saturday

Roland Lee art exibit at the 2009 New Visions Art Exhibit held at the Santa Clara Town Hall

Plan to stop by the "New Visions" art show at the Santa Clara Town Hall this Friday and Saturday May 14 - 15. I will be joining a number of other artists represented by Jane Juber's Mission Gallery and Authentique Gallery with new paintings and my new suite of LDS Historical giclee prints. The show runs Friday from 1 - 7pm and Saturday 10am - 4pm.

A highlight of the show will be a Saturday "Quick Draw" where all the artist will paint on the spot during the day followed by a silent auction of the framed paintings at 3:30pm. Since we're being given 5 hours to do the paintings, I'm calling it a "Slow Draw." It might be a great chance to pick up a nice original at a great price, and get to see it painted before your eyes!

A portion of all sales will benefit the Sant Clara mural project. The event is at the Santa Clara Town Hall, 2603 Santa Clara Drive, Santa Clara. Call Kathleen V. Nielson at 229-8310 or Jane Juber at 313-5008 for more information.
Roland Lee painting completed during the 2009 New Visions art show

Plein Air Workshop in Zion and Grafton Ghost Town

Mark Rose finds a shady spot with a great view

The Hurricane Valley Art Alliance invited me to teach a two-day watercolor painting workshop in Zion National Park and Grafton Ghost Town last week. Our group was small, which made us very mobile. We spent the first morning indoors where I used powerpoint to help us learn what to look for when we got outdoors. That afternoon was spent in the wonderful ghost town of Grafton which is near Rockville. The old school house has been in many movies including "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid." While we were sketching tourists would look over our shoulders in amazement. The next day we travelled to Zion National Park where we enjoyed painting along the Virgin River near the Zion Lodge. It was a perfect day.

Brienne Brown sets up her easel overlooking the Grafton Ghost town with Mount Kinesava looming behing her.


Mark Rose, Barbara Withelder, and Carol Larson relax by the Virgin River.

More miles and more Desert Blossoms

My evening hikes are getting longer and longer and the view is getting better and better. Here are a couple of photos from the T-Bone Mesa trail above St. George.

A workshop with master watercolorist Osral Allred

There are jillions of artists who paint in watercolor, but there are only a handful who can really be called "watercolorists." Osral Allred, from Spring City Utah is one of them. The Southern Utah Watercolor Society brought him down for a two-day workshop this week and we enjoyed his wisdom, humor, and skill. Os is one of the first watercolorists who influenced me and I still think he is one of the best painters in the medium. His sense of design and use of white space are key elements in his work which often features old tractors and train cars. He was taught by another master, Gael Lindstrom, and in turn taught for many years in the art department of Snow College.

Desert Blossoms

I've been walking in the desert each evening before sundown, soaking in the peace and serenity of the land. The frequent rains have made the desert blossom. Every inch of sand is covered with tiny yellow flowers and the cactus blooms are starting their show. What a joy to live in this beautiful land!

Hike in Snow Canyon

The sun finally came out with a vengeance, so I decided to hit the trails. On Saturday I did a little exploring in Snow Canyon, and soon discovered half the planet had the same idea. The parking areas were full, but once out on the trails it wasn't too bad. I ambled up the Whiterock, Butterfly, and Hidden Pinion Trails stopping to photograph the wildflowers and do a little sketching. I came back with a sunburned neck, sand in my shoes, and a happy smile.

This long snake greeted my arrival to Snow Canyon. He didn't seem too concerned about me, and since he didn't have a rattle, I wasn't worried about him either.


A Yellow carpet of wildflowers covered the sand beneath the red cliffs.

Left: A quick study of "the Knuckles" on the West side of Snow Canyon. Below: Carrie, this sketch is for you. When you draw yuccas, pay attention to the light areas against the dark leaves. This is what gives them the characteristic look. Don't make them look like pin cushions.

Art Presentation at Desert Hills High School

It seems like I'm making the rounds of the high schools lately. Today art teacher Mary Kerksiek invited me to stop by Desert Hills High School during lunch and talk about my artwork to a specially selected group of students. Chosen based on academic skills and leadership, these students participate in varied activities that broaden their education and expand their thinking. They are studying about "Rock Star Artists of the Red Rocks" in preparation to their hitting the rocks with sketchbook journals of their own next month. I showed a short powerpoint about my techniques of sketching in the field, and how I get my inspiration from the landscape. I passed around a couple of my sketchbooks and fielded questions about my career as an artist. I was very impressed by the program, the leaders, the students, and the school facilities at the new Desert Hills High School.

The Southern Utah Landscape Paintings of Jimmie Jones

A new exhibit opened tonight at the St. George Art Museum, featuring the stunning paintings of Jimmie Jones, as well as paintings by Margaret LaFranc and a unique installation called "Upside Down." Deborah Reeder and her staff at the museum put together another outstanding exhibit. As a landscape painter, I am always drawn to good landscapes, but Jim Jones is in a league by himself. Painting from his hand-built studio, high on a rocky ridge near Zion National Park, Jones has spent a lifetime putting his own stamp on images of the southern Utah terrain. This show contains many new pieces created especially for Southern Utah University's new art museum, along with numerous paintings from private collections. Filling the upstairs exhibit space, these landscapes literally take your breath away. Bigger-than-life images of the Grand Canyon and Zion National Park literally suck you in as sunlight and shadow dance magically across the canvases. Jimmie passed away in late 2009 leaving a legacy of over 400 paintings of Zion National Park and 150 of the Grand Canyon.

I had a chance to visit artist Jimmie Jones' home recently located high above the town of Rockville. The view from his multiple balconies is unbelievable. At his death, he willed the home to Southern Utah University in support of their new art museum.

Olympus High School Benefit Art Show

It was a mixture of fine art and athletics this week as I was a guest at Olympus High School in Salt Lake City. We set up a one-man show of my originals and giclees in their fabulous "Art Space" gallery room and invited parents, boosters, and community members to stop by. A large percentage of the sales were donated back to the school and we were blessed that a number of collectors made purchases. The event was organized by my nephew Mike Smith, who is the head football coach at Olympus. While there I was invited by art teacher Jeremy Peterson to guest-teach a couple of the classes. It was fun seeing some outstanding artwork as students in the Olympus High AP Art class presented some of their portfolio pieces. I presented a powerpoint demonstration on the importance of sketching from life and the process I use in working my drawings into finished paintings back at the studio.

Mr. Peterson also invited me to do a painting demonstration for students and guests in the watercolor class, and we worked together on creating some wonderful wet-into-wet watercolor skies. It was a pleasure to meet many of the teachers, administration, and students at Olympus High School and to visit with a new generation of artists who will surely be making an impact on the Utah art scene in the near future.