Salt Lake City Watercolor painting Workshop with Roland Lee

This workshop explored the textures and colors of ancient crumbling walls in the British Isles. We studied how the light and shadow affects the way we see nature as we painted castles, cottages, and gardens of England and Ireland. Organized by Margo Cook with help from the Utah Watercolor Society we had an outstanding group of artists show up at the SUP headquarters building in Salt Lake City for the two-day class. Class participants included: Mark Rose, Coddie Madsen, Shari Cannon, Marjorie Anderson, JoAnne Hamm, Dewey Hansen, Tammy Northrup, Jen Brown, Lynne Peterson, Diana Edvalson, Glade Kirkham, Barbara, and Catherine Humphrey.

Diana Edvalson

Mark Rose

Tammy Northrup

Jen Brown

JoAnne Hamm

Margo Cook

Lynne Petersen

Becky Hartvigsen

Connie Madsen

Marjorie Anderson

Shari Cannon

Barbara

Dewey Hansen

Glade Kirkham

Roland Lee Painting Demonstration at Zion National Park

Roland Lee demonstrates how to do a watercolor painting at Zion National park

I was invited to do a watercolor painting demonstration for about 80 people during the Zion National Park Plein Air Art Invitational. I chose to paint the "Sun Dial" one of the towers of the Virgin visible from the Human History Museum. I showed how I plan a painting, then proceeded to lay down the basic washes, establishing light and middle values. The audience was both receptive and kind, as it is hard to complete a painting in just an hour. I needed to finish it later and it turned out nicely. The painting was purchased by Bob and Louisa Geiger in a silent auction held Saturday at the Zion Lodge.

Participants gather to ask questions following Roland Lee's painting demonstration during the 2013 Zion National Park Plein Air Art Invitational

An audience of about 80 people watched as Roland Lee completed a demonstration watercolor painting in Zion National Park at the Zion Plein Air Art Invitational

A Week Painting Outdoors at the Zion National Park Plein Air Invitational

Bob and Louisa Geiger celebrated their anniversary in Zion by purchasing two of my plein air paintings for their home.

I was fortunate to be invited to participate in the fifth annual Zion National Park Plein Air Art Invitational this past week. As you might guess, a week in Zion doing anything would be great, but combined with daily painting, workshops, and seminars it was a fantastic week! 24 of America's top plein air artists converged for the event which concluded yesterday and today with a wet-paint sale and auction. I was fortunate to sell 11 paintings completed during the week to some great art collectors. Since we painted on the spot, many of the art buyers were able to actually see the art created. Sponsored by the Zion National Park Foundation and Zion National Park, with help from many sponsors this was one of the premier plein air events in the nation.

Collector Kim Cook (right) joins me after purchasing one of my paintings at the wet-paint sale. Melanie Madsen-Thatcher and parents Mr. and Mrs. JR Madsen enjoy the paintings.

The Riley's were first at the Saturday public opening to snatch up one of my plein air paintings. 

Artists Learn to Paint the Zion Park Area at Plein Air Landscape Workshop

Workshop participants

The Clear Creek Guest Ranch outside the east entrance to Zion National Park was our headquarters for a great two-day plein air watercolor workshop. Cold mornings and warm afternoons combined with outstanding fall colors to make this the perfect painting experience. Some great artists joined us including: Mary Brown, Margo Cook, Dixie Stoddard, Myron Laub, Mark Rose, Sally Valiton, Vanessa McCullough, Mary Manning, and Chris Martin.

Mark Rose

Chris Martin

Sally Valiton

Margo Cook and Dixie Stoddard

Mary Brown

Myron Laub

Vanessa McCullough

Vanessa's sketchbook pencil study

Plein Air Watercolor Painting Workshop at East Zion

The main lodge at the Clear Creek Guest Ranch, east of Zion National Park

The next two days I will be in the Zion National Park area teaching a watercolor outdoor painting workshop. We will base our workshop at the Main Lodge of the Clear Creek Guest Ranch just 2 miles from the east entrance to Zion National Park. Two days of painting outdoors along with intensive indoor preparation and study will tax our energy and talent, but boy will it be fun!

Roland Lee painting during the 2012 Zion National Park Plein Air Invitational 

Following the workshop I will be in Zion National Park painting for a week as one of the 24 invited artists for the Zion National Park Invitational Plein Air competition and sale. Held the first week of November each year, the event features lots of artist demos, nightly presentations, a quick-draw and wet-paint sales. All events are free and open to the public. I will post some of my paintings during the week if I can get internet service.

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.

The Dove Cottage in Grasmere England

"The Dove Cottage" in Grasmere England 8x 12 watercolor painting

On-location pencil sketch of the Dove Cottage

All of my pencil sketchbook studies help me more completely explore and experience what I see when I travel. After sketching on location I find I can remember the scene enough to paint without reference later. Of course this gives me lots of freedom to use artistic license. This little drawing of William Wordsworth's home in Grasmere England helped me to complete the above watercolor painting in my studio after returning home. My paintings and drawings from this summer trip will be on display in my gallery throughout the month of August. A reception will be held Thursday and Friday August 8 and 9. Gallery open weekdays from 10am to 5pm.