Lee Alban, Available Works

Lee Alban, Sold Items   Lee Alban,Biography Lee is a graduate of the Schuler School of Fine Arts, an atelier in Baltimore, Maryland founded in the traditions of the Old Masters. He produces his own medium based on the research of Jacques Maroger and Ann Schuler. Raw linseed oil is heated with litharge to create “black oil.” It is combined with mastic varnish which Lee makes by dissolving mastic crystals in turpentine. When these two ingredients are combined the result is a gel called Maroger medium. Lee also uses the black oil to produce paint by grinding it with powdered pigments, achieving a more concentrated mixture than can be found in tubes. This produces better coverage, brighter, longer lasting colors, and speeds up drying time. The Maroger medium provides a smooth consistency and is excellent for its glazing properties. For many years, Lee prepared panels by hand from fiberboard and five coats of traditional gesso. Today, there is a broad selection of panels available but he still does the hand preparation when time allows. Traditional gesso is made by using rabbit skin glue and powdered marble applied in multiple thin coats. Most of the canvases are still hand-prepared by stretching Belgian linen over wooden strips. The linen is primed with three coats of rabbit skin glue and two coats of lead white paint. This produces a superior surface for its tautness, reflective qualities, and durability. Lee is a member of the International Guild of Realism, the Harford Artists Association, a signature member of the Baltimore Watercolor Society, Allied Artists Association, Oil Painters of America, and the Charcoal Club of Baltimore and the American Artists Professional League. He currently resides with his wife, Carol, in the historic town of Havre de Grace, Maryland, located near the Susquehanna River. In his home studio he teaches oil painting techniques, drawing and watercolor. His painting styles range from trompe l’oeil to alla prima. He paints in the studio as well as on location. Subject matter includes portraiture, landscape, still life, and figurative paintings. AWARDS AND PUBLICATIONS: 2010   Still Life Award of Excellence, Oil Painters of America 19th Annual National Exhibition, Scottsdale, AZ 2010   American Legacy, American Art Collector Magazine, May, p. 96, p. 100 2010   Finalist, The Richeson 75, International Still Life Exhibition, Kimberly, WS 2010   Top 60 award, International Salon Exhibition, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX 2010   San Antonio Salon, American Art Collector Magazine, April, p. 170 2010   Finalist, The Richeson 75 International Small Works Exhibition, Kimberly, WS 2010   Paint America Top 100 National Tour 2010   Paint America Mini 50 National Tour 2009   Audubon Award, American Artists Professional League, Salmagundi Club, New York, NY 2009   Finalist, The Artist's Magazine, Still Life category 2009   Finalist, The Artist's Magazine, Floral category 2009   Finalist, The Richeson 75, International Landscape Exhibition, Architectural category 2009   Finalist, International Artist Magazine, Floral category 2009   Finalist, International Artist Magazine, Landscape category 2009   Trompe L'Oeil Masters, American Art Collector Magazine, May, pp. 158-161 2009   First Place, Fine Art Studio America, Figure category 2009   Third Place, North Light Book Cover Competition 2008   The New Reality, Museum Tour through February 2011 2008   Places of the Heart, American Art Collector, September., pp. 178-181 2008   Second Place, North Light Book Cover Competition 2008   Finalist, The Richeson 75 International Artists Choice Competition, Landscape 2008   Artist's Choice Award, International Guild of Realism, Scottsdale Fine Art Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ 2008   Editor's Choice Award, International Guild of Realism, Scottsdale Fine Art Gallery, Scottsdale, AZ 2008   Keeping It Real, American Art Collector Magazine, January, p. 110 2008   Solitude of Loss, Book Cover Illustration, publication pending 2007   Pioneer in Realism Award, "Leading Masters of Realism," Winstanley-Roark Fine Arts Gallery, Cape Cod 2006   Award of Merit, Havre de Grace Plein Air Competition, Havre de Grace, MD 2006   Finalist, The Artist's Magazine, Still Life Category 2005   Rottler Award of Excellence, York Art Association, York PA 2005   Third Place, North Light Book Cover Competition 2004   Sultan of Atlantic City, Book Cover Illustration 2004   How Did You Paint That, 100 Ways to Paint Flowers and Gardens, Book, International Artist Publisher, Artist  No. 14 2003   There is No Greater Love, Article Illustration, Salvation Army Magazine, "War Cry," pp. 12-13