Meet Markel Lee | Visual Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Markel Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Markel, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I was blessed with the gift of creativity. A gift that I’ve gained confidence in sharing over many years. I found out early in life that people other than my family enjoyed my works. I started receiving commission request after I won a few contest. That really encouraged me to look more into the business side of the art world. Once I felt comfortable within the culture and business side, I began to get more involved. I love art of all kind and was so happy to be accepted by other artist and collectors. I knew I was an artist, I wanted to always be an artist and I am an artist.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a visual artist that prefers acrylic as my main medium. I also tend to use other mediums such as watercolor, pastels ink and charcoal. I use different styles as well, it depends on what I feel most of the time. Other times I spark my creativity through pictures, reading and of course commission requested ideas.

Recently, I’ve experimented with collage incorporating it into my pieces. Fabrics, cut-outs and exaggerated textures are all a part of my new series. It’s called, “Lounging”. I decided to combine my passion for premium cigars with my God given talent. I’ve had a lot of fun with mixing my styles to create the pieces. The colors, expressions and the movement grasp ahold of your visual with attention to detail. Becoming part of the vibe of the cigar culture without having to smoke a cigar was my challenge. I wanted to create a visual palette into the lifestyle. I’m very excited about this project.

Looking back on my career as an artist it doesn’t feel like it’s been that long. I’ve been drawing since I can remember and I started actually painting when I was in my mid 30’s. I started professionally painting, selling and doing shows for about 15 years. It’s been a great journey of learning, adapting, and overcoming challenges. Battling my own-self mostly. Everything from creative blocks, financial issues and simply becoming a professional have been obstacles I’ve conquered. Being an artist isn’t just about what you put on the canvas anymore. It’s a lot more business involved that you as an artist have to be fluent in to grow within the industry. At first it wasn’t so fun and it still isn’t to me but it’s a part of my profession that if ignored I won’t succeed no matter how good my art.. So I had to create a process that works for me and I will continue to evolve it so my art and brand can continue growing.

I was created out of love, formed from experiences and blessed with a gift. A gift I share so that others may enjoy a new journey, a new thought or a new idea when they look at my creations. I would love for my colored visions to become a part of everyone’s world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
When I have family and friends visit, I usually cook a home cooked meal for them with spirits. Once we’re all caught up, rested and ready, it’s time to hit the streets of Dallas. Id actually have to know who is visiting to prepare a proper itinerary. Being that I’m in Dallas there are great restaurants and attractions that can be visited throughout the week. My favs to take people are of course are the southern nostalgia of Wafflehouse for breakfast and my favorite is First Watch, the Bloody Mary’s are awesome. Lunch and day parties are huge. I love Joey’s in NorthPark, Hutchin’s Barbecue, even grab a burger or some Pho. For dinner Al Biernats, Chamberlain’s, Pappadeaux’s or Bobs Steakhouse. For entertainment purposes there’s Sandaga813, The Whiskey, Top Golf, museums, and my favorite the cigar lounges. Dallas has many many historical sites and places to visit like in Deep Elum, AT&T Stadium, and the assassination location of President John F. Kennedy (the grassy knoll). Dallas is a city that offers something old, something knew, and something you’ve never heard of, tasted or ever experienced. Our week would definitely be full of things to do!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family, all of them have always had my back. They always encourage and support me to the fullest. They also love me very much which is the most important part of my success.

Website: www.finer America.com/markellee

Instagram: ArtbyMarkel

Facebook: Markel Lee