Nationally recognized as both an accomplished painter and sculptor, Terry Lee credits his love of the outdoors to his father. An avid hunter and fisherman, Lee’s father would often take Terry and his brother on adventures in the back country of northern Idaho. It was on these outings that Lee learned the value of hunting, not only as a way to put food on the table, but to gain appreciation for the big game animals he paints and sculpts today.
Lee spent his youth on a working ranch just north of Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho, later opening a sporting goods store with his brother. An avid scuba diver, Lee was a certified scuba instructor and taught for 18 years. While teaching in Southern California, Lee began to explore the possibility of pursuing art full time. In 1994 he returned to Coeur d’ Alene where he divides his time between canvas and clay.
Lee’s trademark use of giant canvasses and use of bold color encapsulate his contemporary impressionistic style. He began sculpting through his friendship with master sculptor George Carlson. The two worked together for over 10 years, sculpting from live models honing his skills.
He has been commissioned to replicate the characters from the children’s book Mudgy and Millie as well as a commission from the City of Coeur d’ Alene for a series of life-sized figures to be featured on a monument trail that tells the history of the city.
Despite his hectic schedule, Lee still finds time to get away and do some fishing in Alaska or chase moose through the marsh outside Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
“I am proud to be chosen as SCI’s 2019 Artist Of The Year,” Lee says. “For years I have searched out my favorite place to see and photograph the animals I paint. One such place is Jackson Hole, WY. I have watched the young bulls grow into full adult stature. Moose flats represents one of them. I was up before daylight in order to get that just right photo as the sun came up over the Eastern mountains. He was there with two cows and I captured his moment of interest during the mating season.”
Lee’s painting Moose Flats will be up for bid during the Friday evening auction at the 2019 SCI Convention in Reno, Nevada. This 30” x 40” oil painting is a study in capturing dramatic moments with sweeping brush strokes, bold colors and an intricate play of color and light.
