The West Plains Council on the Arts will host a “Starting with Watercolor” workshop by area artist Lee Copen from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. in the Walnut Room at the West Plains Civic Center, 110 St. Louis St.
The workshop is designed for people new to watercolor painting. Students will learn about the materials as well as fundamental techniques and processes, said organizers. Participants will get to paint a small landscape painting. All materials are provided for this workshop, but students may bring their own paints and supplies if they have any.
“Lee Copen is an accomplished watercolor artist and oil painter,” said organizers. “Lee is an excellent teacher and able to help the beginner artist learn the medium.”
Copen lives and paints on a small farm in Mtn. View. Whether painting on location or in the studio, her light-filled paintings reflect her love of nature and the landscape, say organizers of the event.
“I have always been drawn to the diversity and beauty that landscape has to offer,” says Copen. “I love to capture a fleeting moment of beauty and share what I see with others.”
Having studied art at the University of Northern Colorado, Copen graduated with a degree in fine art and an emphasis in graphic design. She worked as a sign painter, art director and graphic artist; eventually starting her own freelance business in architectural illustration, which she did for 15 years.
In 2002, she became certified in K-12 art education and has taught art at Liberty High School for the past 21 years.
She says she is equally comfortable painting in watercolor or oils, feeling different subjects call for different media and styles. She loves painting both on location and in the studio, each presenting its own unique challenges.
Her award-winning watercolor and paintings can be purchased online and at select galleries. Go to leecopen.com to view available artwork and sign up to receive her newsletter.
The cost for the workshop is $75, and preregistration is required as space is limited. Email info@westplainsarts.org or call Paula at 417-293-2325 for more information or to sign up.
