LEE BAUGHMAN

Lee's professional artist career began as he owned his own business for twenty year, named "Lines by Lee", through which he offered hand painted pin striping on cars and trucks.

After retiring as a pinstriper, Lee began teaching watercolor classes for Clark College's Community Ed. and Mature Learning programs for the last 32 years. His classes have included watercolor basics and watercolor 2, as well as Watercolor - Independent studies classes.

He is a past president of the Southwest Washington Watercolor Society, through which he was recently given a lifetime membership. He also worked with Gallery 21, an artist co-op, there he served as president. Additionally, he has co-led over fifty-five Art-Adventures with Susan Cowan to locations in America, Mexico and European destinations. He has also led numerous workshops.

Artist's Statement - "One day can change your life!"

"In my late forties, toward the end of a twenty year career doing hand painted pin striping on cars and trucks, I was early for an appointment at a body shop. I was driving by the Columbia Art Center and saw an A frame sign saying "Art Show Today". With twenty minutes to kill, I swung in for a stop which changed my life! Walking among the paintings by the Southwest Washington Watercolor Society, I was intrigued by their creativity, luminosity, and how powerful they were. As I left to keep my appointment (now a little bit late) I could not escape the hold those pieces of art had on my imagination. I also had no clue concerning the amazing adventure I had just stepped into". 

Watermedia Painter

As a water media painter, Lee Baughman explores the limitless possibilities of watercolor, charcoal and acrylic painting. His interest in exploring the creative process is reflected in his art. Clues to the artist's personality and interest can be seen scattered throughout his work as he seeks to be open to the world around him. "I paint the things I enjoy having in my life and the things which I want to put out into the world", he says.
Throughout his career as a painter, Lee has been fascinated by the different random effects that can be achieved in water media. "I love being surprised by the things that happen when  paint mixes, creating various textures on the paper. It is almost like having a partner in the painting process", Baughman says.