About

ABOUT

I believe that anybody can learn to paint. Even though many people dream of making art, too many let fear hold them back. I enjoy encouraging students who have heard time and again that their painting dreams are foolish or inappropriate. If you want to learn to paint, you can! Painting is a skill that can be learned and practiced. With a positive attitude, and a willingness to take chances, play, and make a few mistakes a student can begin to achieve painting success. In my classes I have cultivated a fun, welcoming environment in which students can learn painting skills without negativity or the threat of judgment. I love to see people imagining, interpreting, appreciating, and creating art. I also enjoy the ‘detective’ work of figuring out how one might approach a painting, breaking the work into small steps, and then sharing with students ways to paint that picture.

I have produced hundreds of watercolors since 2002. My watercolor mentor was Harding Mudge Bush, and I have also studied with Robert J. O’Brien, Ginger Hughes, and Byron Carr. My passion is for scenes that capture the outdoors or the traditions of New England. I strive to express in my painting how I feel about each subject, capturing color and light, in an effort to create a powerful impression.  In the past I have worked as a psychologist, in a fabric store, and as a librarian. I’ve sold my own watercolors, handmade quilts, fiber jewelry, and hand-woven, hand-sewn clothing.

CLASSES

My studio, at Lee Muir-Haman Watercolors and Tumblers Bottom, is located at 64 Meadow Road, Townsend, MA, in a beautiful, bright, rural, retreat-like space where there is ample room for future watercolor classes or workshops surrounded by nature.

I am not currently teaching watercolor classes, although I have most recently taught a regular weekly online zoom class for students who already have some watercolor experience. In-person watercolor classes are also currently on hold.

During the summer of 2023, however, several all-day outdoor painting workshops will be offered in the central Massachusetts/south-central New Hampshire area. Sessions will take place on Saturdays, from 9:00 to 4:00, rain or shine, specifically on June 17, July 22, and August 26. If you join us, you would provide your own art materials and lunch, and hopefully bring a potluck dish to share with others. Each workshop would include a detailed tip sheet, four full hours of painting time, a chance to ask questions, and a show-&-tell at the end of the day. 

In classes, I teach about ‘the big picture,’ by employing step-by-step techniques, sound principles, good decision making and problem solving. My focus is not on merely telling students what techniques and colors to paint with, but more on how to design, plan, and create an effective painting. I also emphasize the importance of attitude and mindset in making art.

Previously, I have offered occasional one-time classes on topics that include an introduction to watercolor painting, watercolor techniques, color mixing, painting skies, shadows, reflections, drawing with the grid method, “Where do I begin?”, picture framing for beginners, and more.

Although not an option at this time, I have also been available in the past for private lessons, and have occasionally taught classes around the local area.

REGULAR STORE/STUDIO HOURS

There are currently no regular hours. However, feel free to contact me by email (leemuir@comcast.net), or by filling out the contact page on this website.