Artist Statement
I have always found myself drawn to the beauty and diversity of the landscape. I find myself absorbed in a sunrise or a simple field and I see hundreds of potential paintings. I am happiest when I get the chance to capture these fleeting moments of beauty in paint. Whether working in the studio or on location, my work is inspired by the beauty that can be found in nature.
Biography
Born in South Africa, in 1966, Lee was drawing and painting the land, people and animals that surrounded her, before she even started school. Her family moved to Chile when she was 12 years old, where her love of drawing and painting continued. In 1982 the family moved to Colorado. Here, Lee encountered her first art teacher- a talented and gifted artist and teacher who encouraged Lee to pursue art.
Lee studied art at the University of Northern Colorado, and received a BFA in drawing and painting. After college she pursued a career as an architectural illustrator. In 2000 Lee returned to college to receive a teaching certificate and has been teaching art in a public high school ever since.
My high school art teacher was such a positive force in my life, I wanted to be that for other young artists.
Both careers allowed Lee to continue painting on her own, building skills and developing her own unique vision. She started to paint professionally in 2017. She currently lives on a small farm in Missouri; painting the hills, farms, rivers and springs of the Ozarks. Her work reflects her love of this land. A member of the Oil Painters of America, The American Impressionist Society, The Missouri Valley Impressionist Society and local artist’s guilds; she is influenced by great historical painters like John Constable, George Inness, Claude Monet and John Carlson. Her work has received numerous awards and honors, including best of show, and can be found in several private collections.