Biography

Walter Thomas Lee was born in Drexel Hill Pennsylvania in May 1957 to Walter and Patricia Lee. As a toddler, peering over his father’s shoulder watching him sketch army tanks and armoured personnel-carriers, Walter’s love of art was set. His mother was an accomplished watercolor artist and provided additional artistic direction.

Shards of Blueprints blown on the streets… Amazed that here on paper appear a set of lines that would become or had already become wrought iron fencing.
Walter watched his mother use her talent to help support her family, producing watercolors for sale at regional art festivals. At one of these festivals his family met Chuck Phillips and his wife Mary. Chuck was a World War II veteran, paralyzed from the waist down during the Battle of the Bulge. In that injury, Chuck found his calling, and in his wake introduced Walter to oils.

Walter sought the practical. Though always drawing, he loved architectural design, mechanical drafting, photography, and saw these as a real world careers. He often said, “I love the idea of being an artist but I need to make enough money to support a family.” His talent was channeled into Interior Design graduating Drexel University in 1984. Walter married his wife Helene that same year. After indulging his return to education, twice, Helene encouraged him to attend a local art school, Darlington.

At Darlington Walter blossomed under the tutelage of his mentor Karl Kuerner. Karl generously passes on his insights peppered with advice he received from Andrew Wyeth such as, “paint what you love.” Walter paints from the heart. Focusing on unique compositional perspectives, reinforced by color, and those things he loves, which transcend subject matter and medium.