Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Roland Lee Drawing Chosen for Display at Tonbridge Castle in England

Photo of Tonbridge Castle, Kent England by Roland Lee

Photo of Tonbridge Castle Gatehouse by Roland LeeWhile in England this summer I sketched the Tonbridge Castle Gatehouse in my travel sketchbook. The drawing came to the attention of Shaun Jeffery, whose extensive collection of Tonbridge memorabilia is on permanent display in the Tonbridge Castle Museum. After exchanging several emails, I agreed to allow the drawing to become part of the Castle Museum collection. If you are ever in Tonbridge, Kent, England stop by and take a look!

Sketchbook drawing of Tonbridge Castle Kent England

Monday, December 15, 2008

A visit to LDS Temple Square in Salt Lake City

Salt Lake city LDS Temple in the snowWe braved a big winter storm to travel to Salt Lake City over the weekend. Although the roads were indeed treacherous, we survived to enjoy the resulting white blanket of beauty that always follows. We attended a beautiful banquet high above the city in the Joseph Smith building, followed by a wonderful concert featuring the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and orchestra. It was a grand way to usher in the Christmas season and remember the birth of the Savior of the World.
View from the top floor of the Joseph Smith Building in Salt Lake City

Prince's Purchase Third Roland Lee Painting of Switzerland

Roland Lee with Jeff and Karianne Prince and their painting Swiss Valley
Click here to see a demonstration of the painting steps for "Swiss Valley."

Over the weekend we visited snowy Salt Lake City to hear the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and see the beautiful lights on Temple Square. We also had a nice visit with art collectors Jeff and Karianne Prince who purchased their third Roland Lee painting of Switzerland. All three paintings are beautifully displayed in the living room of their lovely home in Salt Lake city. Over the years they have become special friends.

roland Lee painting of Swiss VillageJeff and Karianne Prince with their painting of a Swiss Village.

Prince painting of Schloss Reitburg in Switzerland


Artist Roland Lee and The Prince's with their Roland Lee painting of Schloss Reitburg, a castle in Switzerland. Jeff spent two years in Switzerland serving as an LDS missionary and has a special place in his heart for the beautiful country and people of Switzerland. Click here to see sketch used to paint Schloss Reitburg

Saturday, December 06, 2008

Solace at Sinawava - finished Painting of Zion National Park

Solace at Sinawava - Watercolor painting of Zion National Park by Roland Lee
This is the finished painting I've been working on for a couple of weeks. I named it "Solace at Sinawava." The Temple of Sinawava is at the entrance to Zion Narrows.

Thursday, December 04, 2008

New Painting of Zion National Park

Artist Roland Lee with new painting of Zion National Park
I've been working on this big painting for two weeks and thought I'd show it off a little. The location is in Zion National Park near the Temple of Sinawava. This is where they filmed my watercolor class for the new documentary on the Zion Centennial. The river is low in the fall but the reflections are amazing with the yellow cottonwoods in full color. I was anxious to get back and start this painting.I should finish the painting off tomorrow.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Roland Lee Watercolor Class filmed for Zion National Park Documentary

Documentary film in production with Roland Lee watercolor painting class at Zion National Park
Sound man holds boom microphone on Sandra Feldman (left) while cameras roll on artists Vanessa McCullough and Lola Krummenacher (center) and Myron Laub (right) as they work on paintings on location by the Virgin River in Zion National Park.

Roland Lee painting on location in Zion National Park during filming of Zion Centennial documentary filmYesterday I conducted a painting workshop in Zion National Park. But this was a little different. This time we were followed around by a film crew making a video documentary about the Centennial of Zion National Park. Emmy award winning film producer Phil Tuckett, with 30 Emmy awards to his credit, is producing the film leading a crew from the advanced film production program at Dixie State College. In the photo above I stand by the demonstration painting I completed near the Temple of Sinawava.

Artist John Mangels works on painting in Zion National Park A Cameraman zooms in on artist John Mangels while John's wife enjoys the show. At first the artists were shy, but once they got into their paintings they forgot about the cameras. The filming took several hours.

Dick Rose paints in Zion National ParkDick Rose works on a small watercolor painting by the Virgin River near the Temple of Sinawava. Dick is president of the Southern Utah Watercolor Society.

Monday, November 17, 2008

English Cottage Lane Watercolor Painting

Cottage Lane, painting of EnglandThis little painting came on the tail end of the paintings for my England and Europe one man show at Mission Gallery. I shot several photos during the process and finally got time to post them. This is a little lane in England.

cottae Lane England Painting step 1After doing a quick outline sketch on the watercolor paper I begin with some very broad washes, wet-into-wet, allowing the pigments to blend freely from warm at the top to cool in the shadow areas.

Cottage Lane Step 2With the underglazes in place and dry, I begin painting the dark areas on the cottages and the distant trees.

Cottage Lane Step 3Next to the finished painting is the original photo I used as reference. Obviously I always use a lot of artistic license in my paintings. Remember my role as an artist is not to duplicate a photo, but to create a new image based on my own personal experiences.

click for more step by step process in painting "Cottage Lane"

Click for information on purchasing this painting of Cottage Lane in Kent England

Saturday, November 15, 2008

November Watercolor Painting Class

Roland Lee Watercolor Painting Class

We enjoyed another watercolor class with some great artists yesterday. We devoted our classtime to a study of how to paint water, and everyone did great. Class members included: Phil Larsen, Lottie Hurst, Lillie Jones, Karen Bettilyon, Vicki Clayton, Shari Cannon, and Gail Alger.

Friday, November 07, 2008

England-Europe Art Show Opening a Success

Artist Roland Lee with new paintings of England and Europe at his one man show in Ancestor Square

Over 100 people turned out last night for the opening of my new one-person art show of England and European paintings. the show was held in Jane Juber's new art gallery space in Ancestor Square which worked out great. We had lots of room to accommodate the crowd plus seating space for my slide presentation and talk. About 50 people were present for the discussion.

England Europe Art show featuring Roland Lee paintings

Along with the 15 original paintings, I displayed images from my travel sketchbooks and step-by-step demonstration posters. All in all it was a great evening. The show will remain on display through the month of November. Stop by if you get a chance. Mission Gallery 173 North Main Street St. George UT 84770.

England Europe Art show featuring Roland Lee paintings

England Europe Art show featuring Roland Lee paintings

The Spectrum Newspaper article on Roland Lee Art Show by Lisa Larson

Monday, November 03, 2008

Watercolor Painting of Tonbridge England

Watercolor painting of England by Roland Lee

I thought I'd post photos of some of my new paintings as we get ready for my one-man show this Thursday. Maybe just a little preview. This was a house near the Tonbridge Castle in Kent England.

Painting of house in Tonbridge EnglandThe painting started with a thumbnail value study, then a light outline drawing on the watercolor paper. the paint is applied in glazes from light to dark pigment.

Watercolor painting by Roland Lee of Kent England

Painting sequence of Tonbridge England by Roland Lee

Tonbridge England by Roland Lee

Painting of Tonbridge England - purchase information

Painting of Tonbridge - step by step painting demonstration on how to paint water reflections

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Hiking to Angels Landing in Zion National Park

Photo of Angels Landing in Zion National Park
Above: Angels Landing rises 1500 feet above the Zion Canyon floor. Below: The view from the top.
View from the top of Angels Landing in Zion National Park

I figured it was time to get out of the studio and fill the creative bucket, so I spent the day today in Zion National Park. I had in mind to get "above it all" with a hike to Angels Landing. It's not a long hike but takes about 4 hours round trip. It was 28 degrees when I parked my truck and took the canyon shuttle to the Grotto. But things warmed up considerably as I started up the switchbacks that led to Refrigerator Canyon. The leaves still haven't turned yet, but there was enough color to add drama to the scene.

Chains assist the climb to Angels Landing in Zion National ParkA series of 21 switchbacks called "Walters Wiggles" made my legs burn and my lungs ache by the time I leveled off at Scout Lookout. Here things get interesting with a Class 3 scramble assisted by well-placed chains across a narrow 3 foot wide passage with 1500-foot drop offs on BOTH sides. Not for the faint of heart, but it was all worth it as an incredible view opened up on both sides of the canyon from the small perch at the top.

Roland Lee on top of Angels Landing in Zion National Park
Giant Condors in Zion National ParkWhat a place to relax and enjoy my baloney sandwich while taking in the view and the crisp wind. I ignored the hopeful appeal for a handout from the resident chipmunks, but couldn't ignore the two huge Condors that appeared with a rush of wind and soared on their huge wings right past the peak. Finally I started down the chains and worked my way back to civilization. Now that's the way to spend a day!

Monday, October 20, 2008

You're Invited to My Art Show featuring New Paintings from England and Europe

Village in Kent, watercolor painting of England by Roland Lee
"Village in Kent" a watercolor painting by Roland Lee which will be in the upcoming one-man-show at Mission Gallery November 6, 2008

Travel sketchbook drawing of England by Roland LeeI will be presenting a One-man-show at the Mission Gallery during the month of November, and you are invited. You can download an invitation here or go to my website for complete information. I will be presenting my new paintings of England and Europe, along with my travel sketchbooks. I will also give an art talk about our travels and the new paintings at 7 p.m. on Thursday November 6, 2008. An Artists reception will be held the same evening from 6 - 9pm at the Tower Building in Historic Ancestor Square next to the Painted Pony Restaurant. For the remainder of November the Art show will move to the Mission Gallery at 173 North main, St. George, Utah. For more information call Jane Juber at the Mission Gallery 435-688-7278.

Download an invitation (pdf)

Saturday, October 18, 2008

A trip to Zion National Park, and a Visit to my Studio

Visitors to Roland Lee Art Studio

I had a nice visit at my studio this morning with three nice ladies spending the weekend at Zion National Park. Theresa, Brenda, and Linda were visiting from northern Utah, basking in the warm sun and cool canyons of Zion. While there they purchased a "Century of Sanctuary" book and one of my Zion prints at the ZNHA bookstore. They also enjoyed the Zion Centennial art show at the St. George Art Museum where they saw my original painting of Zion's West Temple. It's always fun to meet those who appreciate my work.

Thursday, October 16, 2008

New Watercolor Painting of Historic Bloomington Schoolhouse

Roland Lee watercolor painting of old historic Bloomington school house

Historic Bloomington School House
22 x 30 Watercolor by Roland Lee


All that remains of this old school house in Bloomington, Utah is the foundation. But using a few old photos and interviewing some descendents of early teachers, I was able to re-construct this wonderful brick building. The structure was used as both a church and schoolhouse, as well as a community center between 1879 and 1929. I wanted to put life back into the building by adding the figures in the painting. At the doorway is the school teacher greeting a young girl (notice the flower behind her back for the teacher.) Two brothers walk down the lane on their way to another school day. Jeff and Connie Morby, early residents of the modern community of Bloomington, own the land where the foundation sits, and also purchased this painting.

See step by step watercolor painting lesson on this painting

Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Roland Lee Featured in Documentary Film on Zion National Park Centennial



Above: Motion Picture producer Phil Tuckett and crew record Lyman Hafen and Deborah Reeder discussing the paintings in the Zion Centennial Art Exhibit at the St. George Art Museum.

Renowned film maker, Phil Tuckett, and an advanced film production class from Dixie State College are producing a new documentary film spotlighting the Centennial of Zion National Park. They interviewed Lyman Hafen and Deborah Reeder at the St. George Art Museum talking about the contemporary Zion paintings currently on display with "A Century of Sanctuary, the Art of Zion National Park." Then Tuckett conducted an on-camera interview with me upstairs in the historic art exhibit, talking about my own experiences painting Zion over the past 30 years. I was uncomfortable about being on camera, but never have trouble talking about Zion National Park. They will film more footage on location in Zion National Park as I conduct a workshop there in November.

Tuesday, October 14, 2008

Last weekend rain, this weekend snow!

Roland Lee photo of snow on red rose

Over the weekend we travelled up north to visit my kids and be present for the blessing of Jon and Jolynn's new baby Dallin. It was fun to get the families together for good times and good food. Unfortunately the weather turned very cold and we awoke Sunday morning to a dusting of snow everywhere. I took a little walk and used my macro lens to shoot a few close-ups of the snow and ice on flowers and pine needles.

Roland Lee photo of ice on pine needles

Below: My two sons, and grandson Dallin James Lee before the baby blessing. My oldest son Jim, on the right, and second son Jonathan, middle holding little Dallin. I'm the old guy on the left.

Roland Lee, Jim Lee, Jon Lee, and baby Dallin James Lee

Monday, October 06, 2008

A Rainy Weekend at our Cabin with the Grandkids

Roland Lee macro photo of rain drop at Zion

With rain falling, and the forecast of more for the weekend, we headed up the slippery roads to our cabin at Zion National Park. We accompanied my daughter Jennie, her husband Jason, and grandkids Emma, Ellie, and Joshua who would not be denied their three-day vacation by the threat of foul weather. The slick muddy roads gave their mini van a little trouble, but we made it to the cabin in time to get the wood stove fired up and make our cosy beds. The unusually crisp air and the sounds of gentle rain dripping from the pine needles made for perfect sleeping as we snuggled into our beds.

Roland Lee cabin at Ponderosa Ranch on the east rim of Zion National Park

After a wet night, the dawn broke to a thin fog which veiled the pine trees around the cabins. It wasn't long however, til the haze broke up allowing the morning rays of sunlight to sparkle like diamonds on the wet leaves. Jennie cooked up a delicious cabin breakfast of deli bacon, fried eggs, toast and hot chocolate which got the day started in fine form.

The Maestri family at Roland Lee cabin at Zion Naitonal ParkJason set up his hammock, I strung up my sky chair, Nellie found a comfortable lounge chair, and the grandkids busied themselves in fun craft projects as we lazied our way through the day.

Jennie, Jason, Emma, Ellie, and Josh on the big swing





The oak leaves are starting to turn, but we're still several weeks away from the real show of color in Zion.

Friday, October 03, 2008

October Watercolor Painting Class

Artist Roland Lee Watercolor Painting Workshop in Utah
The watercolor painting class was small, but the work was powerful. I was very impressed with this group of artists. We were able to concentrate heavily on critical elements of learning to see and understand the landscape. We especially delved into the watercolor techniques of Negative Painting to paint trees, shrubs, and grasses. I was impressed with their value study drawings and finished paintings. Class members included Shari Cannon, Vicki Clayton, Gail Alger and Patsy Dayley.

Roland Lee Watercolor Painting ClassShari Cannon

Roland Lee Watercolor Painting ClassVicki Clayton

Roland Lee Watercolor Painting ClassPatsy Dayley

Roland Lee Watercolor Painting ClassGail Alger