Biography

Lee spent his younger years on the East coast near Boston. He was drawn to art at an early age.  In high school, his interest turned to mechanical things and he enjoyed taking drafting classes.  He subsequently entered the USAF for what was expected to be a four-year hitch.  He stayed 30.  During those years he painted occasionally, earned a bachelors and masters degree as well as a direct commission.    Upon retirement, he conducted medical audits nationwide and developed his artistic skills while not on the road.  About ten years ago he decided to focus on developing his artistic skills by enrolling in as many courses as his schedule would allow.  He has developed a comfort undertaking complex subjects and attempting to replicate images with attention to detail, textures, edges, perspective and a multitude of items which are required to achieve a high degree of realism.  His favorite subjects are often mechanical in nature where tight control and accurate details are critical for accuracy.  He primarily works in oils but is known to also produce watercolor and pen and ink images.  He works form his home studio and on location in plein air.

 

As Lee continues down this path, he fully understands there is always room for self improvement.   Hopefully, you will take the opportunity to view his work and enjoy it as much as he enjoys creating it.  His creations are on display at Turquoise Door Gallery in Telluride, CO.

 

Blog Post

Vernelle Studio, Marjorie Vernelle, watercolor and pastel artist, writes about Lee's background and artistic work.  https://www.vernellestudio.com/post/lee-murphy-fine-art-and-man-made-things

 

Organizations

Creative Arts Center of Chatham, Massachusetts, New Member (Jan. 2022)

Pikes Peak Watercolor Society,  Former Member

Colorado Springs Art Guild,  Former Member

 

Education

Lee has studied under the following local, national and international artists:

Tim Deibler, Marc Hanson, Tom Owen, Chuck Mardosz, Sparky Lebold, Lisa Hewett, Dan Schultz, Martha Mann, Teri Brown, and Linda Baker

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Workshops:

May 2019, Sicily, Italy: 10 day Plein Air Class led by Chuck Mardosz and Sparky LaBold​

August 2018, Coastal Maine: 5 day Plein Air Class led by Marc Hanson

Chuck Mardosz & Sparky Lebold oil painting in Portugal 

Tom Owen watercolor workshop in Colorado Springs, CO

Linda Baker watercolor workshop in Colorado Springs, CO

 

Achievements

2021 - Participated in Victor Celebrates the Arts event in Victor, Colorado

2021 - Was one of three artists chosen by Newmont Mining Corporation (the world's largest gold mining producer), to paint a mining structure which will soon be razed.  This image will be displayed at the Cripple Creek Heritage House Visitor's Center.

2020 - Gallery 113, where Lee is represented, is the recipient of the Gazette "Best of The Springs" Bronze award for the second year in a row for art galleries.

2019 - Victor Celebrates the Arts, Victor, CO, Selectee, Weston Albert Award for "Goldfield"

Gallery 113 (the gallery representing Lee) is the 2019 Bronze recipient for Best Commercial Gallery in the Gazette Telegraph's "Best of the Springs 2019."

2018 - Colorado Springs Art Guild Juried Members Show  Library 21C - First Place Award for Quiet Harbor

2018 - Sunny Vista 15th Annual Art Show, Colorado Springs, Honorable Mention and Peoples Choice Award

Gold Hill Mesa Art Sale, Colorado Springs, Selectee

Gallery 113, Colorado Springs, Featured Artist of the Month

2017 - Victor, CO Celebrates the Arts,  Selectee

Sunny Vista 14th Annual Art Show, Colorado Springs, second place in oil painting category

2016 - Corporate Sale to Senior Management at Frontier Airlines for their Corporate Headquarters

Gold Hill Mesa Art Sale, Selectee

Featured Work on display at the Colorado State Capitol Building

Plein Air Magazine Competition, Selectee

Cottonwood Arts Center Sale, Colorado Springs, selectee

2015 - Corporate sale to Senior Management of Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Services CAMTS for their Headquarters

2013 - International Watermedia Competition, Colorado Springs, Selectee

2008 - Illustrations published in the book The Spirit of Tea, by Frank Hadley Murphy

 

Quote

“I Cannot tell you how much your artwork meant to me and the board.  It made our 25th (organizational anniversary) a very special event that we will not forget.“  

The words of Ms. Eileen Frazer, CEO of CAMTS at the unveiling of a commissioned piece aboard the HMS Queen Mary in November 2015

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