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