Paintings Sold at Maynard Dixon Campout

In spite of the high temperatures and dusky skies from the Brian Head fire, the Maynard Dixon Campout turned out great. We saw some great demonstrations and painted shoulder to shoulder with some terrific plein air artists. I was happy to meet several new collectors including Don Freitas and Darci Quane who purchased two paintings, "Don't Fence Me In," and "Vermillion Cliffs"  and Lucy and Eric Esplin who purchased a plein air piece called "Up the Muddy."

Roland Lee and Lucy Esplin at the Maynard Dixon Campout

Roland Lee plein air paintings at the 2017 Maynard Dixon campout

Roland Lee with Darci Quane and Don Freitas at the Maynard Dixon Campout. They purchased "Don't Fence Me in."

Headed for the Maynard Dixon Campout

Jeff Pugh, Gary Ernest Smith, and Roland Lee at the 2016 Maynard Dixon Campout

Getting ready to head out to the Maynard Dixon Campout put on by Paul and Susan Bingham of the Thunderbird Foundation. Headquartered each summer at the Maynard Dixon's home and studio at Mt. Carmel UT, the event brings together some of the best plein air painters in America for four days of seminars, presentations, demos, and outdoor painting near East Zion. The week concludes with a casual "wet paint" show and sale of artists work. Click for more information.
Participating Artists include:

• Joshua Baird
• Susan D Bingham
• Lyn Boyer
• G. Russell Case
• Susan Gallacher
• Robert Goldman
• David Griffin
• Colleen K. Howe
• Travis Humphreys
• Peggi Kroll-Roberts
• Shanna Kunz
• Roland Lee
• Carolyn Lord
• D. LaRue Mahlke
• Charles Muench
• Barbara Mulleneaux
• Glenn Renell
• Spike Ress
• Ray Roberts
• Mike Simpson
• Mian Situ
• Bill Suys
• John Taft
• Kaia Thomas
• Lewis Williams

Great Master Class with Classy Artists

I was joined in my studio classroom for a "Master Class" with five outstanding artists yesterday and today. Such a thrill to work with such inspired artists. We truly learn a lot from each other.

Roland Lee, Margo Cook, Myron Laub, Sally Valitan, and Connie Madsen

Mark Rose, Shari Cannon, Sally Valitan, and Connie Madsen

New Paintings of Zion Narrows

I've been working on some studio paintings of the Zion Narrows from photos I took. What a beautiful place that is. My favorite is to hike up from the bottom as far as Orderville Canyon, then back out again. The colors on the canyon walls are just amazing, being intensified by the reflecting light from side to side. All that above, with some strong reflections in the water below, make for a very colorful hike. However, the older I get the harder it is to hike on slime-covered bowling balls while freezing-cold knee-deep rushing water incessantly tries to push you backwards. But the view is certainly worth it.

Zion Narrows 10 x 14 Watercolor by Roland Lee

Winners at Utah Watercolor Society Spring Exhibition

I was pleased to receive an Award of Merit at the 2017 Spring exhibition of the Utah Watercolor Society. The show is on exhibit at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center May 3 through June 29. My painting "Navajo Loop Trail" was given the award.

My daughter Jennie Lee receives my award in my absence. Award Winners: Best of Show - Sisters - Irene Rampton Award of Excellence - Old School - Colleen Reynolds  Evolution - Kathy Sutherland Award of Merit - Chilling in the Grass - Lori Burchinal She’s Tenacious - Mary Pusey Navajo Loop Trail - Roland Lee Juror’s Award -  Annie - Angela Kotter Remnant - Debra Makoff Quoth the Raven - Roxane Pfister Rte 66 Mirage - Ann Galt Past President’s Award - Gooseneck Point - Chariya Ernst Merchant Award - Autumn Meadow - Lucy Beale Partridge Night Dancing - Linda Flannery London Rainy Day - Kristi Grussendorf Mi Casa - Lynda Burrus Still Life, Still Dieting - Angela Kotter

Spring Plein Air Watercolor Workshop at Mt. Carmel

Jon Lee painting the Mt. Carmel Cliffs

Really fun time at my watercolor workshop this week. We headquartered at the Orderville Events Center with a beautiful classroom facility and did plein air painting in the Mt. Carmel/East Zion/Bryce areas. We enjoyed painting in the steps of Maynard Dixon and Milford Zornes and were able to tour the Maynard Dixon home and studio thanks to the graciousness of Paul and Susan Bingham.

Classroom at the Orderville North Events Center

Workshop participants included: Kathy McFadden, Nannette Child, Linda Miller, Barbara Prestwich, Mark Rose, Micki Hutchinson, JoAnn Hall, Summer Stratton, Nancy Thompson, Pat Christensen, Max Lee and Jon Lee

Kathy McFadden plein air painting

Hard at work

Nanette Child and Micki Hutchinson work on their paintings

Mark Rose painting outdoors

Barbara Prestwich plein air painting at workshop 

Summer Stratton shows off watercolor painting

Micki Hutchinson at work in Orderville Utah

Max Lee working on his sketchbook

Pat Christensen finds a shady spot to paint

Susan Bingham takes us on a tour of the Maynard Dixon property in Mt. Carmel Utah

Linda Miller does a sketchbook study

JoAnn Hall and Jon Lee painting en plein air

Nancy Thompson finds a shady spot to sketch

Blown Away at the Rockville Bridge Plein Air Event

The winds howled, and we had to hang on to our paintings, but we weathered three days of outdoor painting to raise funds for the Rockville Bridge restoration. Luckily I had my trusty art assault vehicle, my 1988 Toyota 4x4 with 1992 Six Pac Super Mini Camper to help block the wind and provide shelter from time to time. All 15 invited artists had a blast and we had good sales as well.

1988 Toyota Hilux with Six Pac Camper - The perfect Art Vehicle

1988 Toyota Hilux with Six Pac Camper at Smith Mesa

1988 Toyota Hilux with Six Pac Camper in front of Mount Kinesava at Zion

Roland Lee plein air painting on Grafton Road near Zion

Had to duck out of the wind behind my 1988 Toyota Hilux with Six Pac Camper 

Painting the cliffs of Zion National Park from Grafton Road. Plein air by Roland Lee

First Place at St. George Art Festival

Over 110 artists and 30,000 visitors showed up for the 38th edition of the St. George Art Festival. I was happy to win First Place in watercolor for my painting "Navajo Loop Trail - Bryce Canyon." Thanks to all who stopped by my display  and a special thanks to some wonderful new collectors who purchased six of my original paintings during

Happy collectors make a happy artist

Roland Lee and first place award at the St. George Art Festival

the festival.

Paintings Ready for St. George Art Festival

Two little 6 x 9 gems framed in gold by Roland Lee

Now in its 38th year, the St. George Art Festival gets underway this weekend April 14-15, 2017. I have exhibited my paintings at this wonderful outdoor art show since the first year, and once again, I'm ready to go for the 2017 edition. Stop by my booth C-15 where I will over 30 original paintings on display.

"A Table for Two" 6 x 9 watercolor by Roland Lee

UPCOMING EVENTS

I have a number of exhibits and art events coming up soon. I would love to have you come and see my newest paintings. Click here to see my 2017 schedule of Events

I am involved in a number of Plein Air events this year

Roland Lee Speed Painting

I've started releasing a few time lapse videos of my paintings. It's kind of fun to watch several hours compressed into 40 seconds -- great for people with short attention spans. Take a look at this one of a beautiful desert sunset. "Sand Hollow Sunset"
Click here to view video

"Sand Hollow Sunset" Watercolor painting by Roland Lee
Watch a short 40 second time-lapse video

Kellers Purchase Painting of Spain Scene

I've enjoyed working on a few paintings from our recent trip to Spain. One of my favorite places we visited was the famous "Alhambra" in Granada. I did some sketching there, of course, and also shot some reference photos which I have been able to use in creating these new studio pieces. I was pleased that my good collectors, Gary and Linda Keller, purchased my painting "Palacio del Generalife," or "Summer Palace," one of the spectacular palaces in the Alhambra complex.

"Palacio del Generalife" 10 x 14 watercolor of "The Alhambra" by Roland Lee

Gary and Linda Keller purchased this painting of the "Alhambra" in Granada Spain.

Off the walls. "Cedar Breaks Overlook" Sold

"Cedar Breaks Overlook" sold at Sears Invitational

I was pleased that my painting "Cedar Breaks Overlook" sold at the Sears Invitational Art Show. My painting "Navajo Loop Trail" also received second place award in watercolor.

Roland Lee with award-winning painting "Navajo Loop Trail - Bryce Canyon"

Just Released. New Roland Lee Instructional DVD

CLICK TO SEE FREE PREVIEW VIDEO

I'm excited to announce the release of my third instructional DVD called "Cliffs of Zion". In this new DVD I walk the viewer through the entire process from reference photo, sketches and initial value study clear through to the finished painting. Techniques such as wet-into-wet skies, scumbling for rock textures, and negative painting for foliage are all demonstrated. You can click here to see a free preview of the video along with a speed painting of the whole process.

CLICK TO SEE FREE PREVIEW VIDEO

The third day of the Arts to Zion artists studio tour continues today. Royden Card and I are enjoying the many people who have stopped by to see our artwork. The open house continues Saturday January 14 and Monday January 16.

Royden Card with his acrylic paintings at the Roland Lee Gallery

Roland Lee with new paintings of the National Parks during the Arts to Zion tour

Arts to Zion Tour Jan 12-16, 2017

Join me at my studio Jan 12-16, 2017 for the Arts to Zion Studio tour. Organized by art-guru Bobbi Wankier, the tour is a bonanza for art collectors and artists alike. I have invited Royden Card to share my studio space downtown during the tour and he will display original acrylic paintings as well as woodblock prints. I will display plein air and studio paintings of the national parks. We will be closed on Sunday. 165 North 100 East, St. George UT.

Plein Air Landscape Paintings on Exhibit

"Cliffs in the Mist" 10 x 14 collection Tom and Cheryl Sachse

Thanks to V. Parker for purchasing my plein air painting "Angel's Landing" and to Tom and Cheryl Sachse who fell in love with "Cliffs in the Mist" during my Plein Air Landscape exhibit. Stop by my gallery and take a look. Everyone who walks in the door will get a free box of winter art cards, perfect for christmas. No purchase necessary.

"Angels Landing" 6 x 9 plein air painting collection V. Parker

Roland Lee Paintings in Sojourns Magazine

Sojourns Magazine. "Where Two Streams Meet" by Roland Lee

The beautiful Sojourns magazine has used two of my paintings in the current issue themed "Seeing Connections." The paintings "Where Two Streams Meet" and "East Temple Sunrise" illustrate the essay by Lyman Hafen called "The Confluence of Landscape and Memory."