Lewis and Clark Festival 2024

Hi there, my name is Tim Lee. Welcome to Legacy Studio. Not technically, I’m actually in Billings, Montana. I’m shooting a documentary right now for Power for Abundant Recovery. They hired me several months ago to come out and shoot this. My good friend Jason Laird introduced me to Mark McManus, who’s the person in charge here, and we’ve been incredible working together, creating something truly amazing, a feature film documentary that I’ll be very excited to share with you.

Very soon we’ll be wrapping on it in a little bit. Then you’re going, Tim, I thought you were the caricature guy. That’s a good guess, I am actually. I am the caricature guy. I’m also known as the kingpin of caricatures, as we jokingly call me these days. I have two upcoming events that you need to know about, one good, one not so good. First is the Lewis and Clark Festival. I’m gonna be selling caricatures on Saturday, June 22nd from 9 a to 4 p Come on out.

Come see me, caricatures will be roughly 20, $25 to start and go up from there. Finalizing pricing as we speak. And then of course, come on out, have fun, bring the kids. It’s all prices per person and I’ll look forward to drawing you over there. It’s always beautiful out there. There’s some incredible stuff that they do. They’re both on Friday and on Saturday, so make sure to check them out for all the events they’re doing out there. But I’ll specifically be out there on Saturday from nine to four.

And then, of course, usually we talk about some other events that I would usually be going to, but I have some bad news and that’s that I will not be going to the Augusta Rodeo. We had every intention of being out there. We had planned to be out there for three days, had some things lined up, but they fell through the cracks, lack of communication. And unfortunately, I will not be going there this year. I deeply apologize if you were looking forward to getting caricatures from me out there. Get a hold of me.

I’ll work something out and we’ll make sure you get a caricature anyway one way or another, okay? Thank you so very much for all your incredible support of my business, whether you’re buying video work, whether you’re buying caricatures. Just thank you for letting me be a creative and use my talents in a way that honors God and lets me bless you guys the way that I was built to. That means a lot to me. And it’s because you guys spend time and you support local, you support creatives like me to help get your stuff done. And that means the world to guys like me.

So thank you so very much and I’ll look forward to seeing you. You can see more details about pricing on my website, legacystudioproductions .net or you can go to timleycaricatures .com. That’ll take you directly to the caricature site of my website and just take a look at my event calendar for more details on the Lewis and Clark foundations. I get foundation and I get festival mixed up in my head because I’m ADHD and dyslexic and they both kind of go boop like that. So.

go look at my website and find details on the Lewis and Clark Festival. They’re all up there and I’ll see you there from 9 a to 4 p I will be taking cash and credit card, preferably credit card because it’s just easier with cell phones these days. And thank you so very much. I’ll see you there. I’ll get you drawn up. I’m going to go because I’m talking way too much.

Here are some more details on the Lewis & Clark Festival!

The eagerly anticipated Lewis & Clark Festival is back. This year, they celebrate their 34th festival with an TONS of activities!

On Friday, June 21, from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., join us at the amphitheater overlooking the majestic Missouri River for a special event. Moki Hipol, a member of the Montana Mountain Man Society and renowned storyteller, will bring to life two legendary Mountain Men, George Drouillard and Jean Baptiste. The event will feature performances by the Vocal Patriots, a welcome address from Commissioner Susan Wolff, and a presentation of the colors. Admission is FREE.

The festivities continue on Saturday, June 22, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Highlights include encampment presentations such as a bull boat exhibit, living history with George Caitlyn, and Plains Indian tipi demonstrations by Moki Hipol. Meet Butler, Lewis’s faithful dog, for a photo opportunity, explore exhibits by the Missouri Breaks Interpretive Center, and enjoy caricatures by Tim Lee. Montana artisans will showcase their crafts, and delicious treats from Bumble Bee Kettle Corn, Firehouse Steamers, Little Annie’s Ice Cream, and Taqueria Ibarra Tacos will be available throughout the day.

Inside our theater, don’t miss presentations like Blackfeet Elder Leon Rattler’s oral history of the Corps of Discovery, Caitlyn Clark’s insights into Meriwether Lewis in Greenville, Ohio, and local artist Ron Ukrainetz’s discussion on artists of Lewis’s era. Explore displays from John Fisher, LCIC/Honor Guard Period Weapons, American Prairie Conservation, Bob Marshall Wilderness, and Montana Reptile Rescue in the lobby.

Additional Saturday events include a Swivel Gun Demonstration at 9:30 a.m., an Atlatl Demonstration at 10 a.m. with Jimmy Ray, a beaver skinning demo at 11 a.m., and performances by the Salish Kootenai Indian Dancers in full regalia at 12 p.m. and 3 p.m.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., elementary kids and the young at heart can take part in the Lewis & Clark Adventure Challenge. This family-friendly activity includes educational stations, a 1.5 mile walk, an adventure map, and the opportunity to craft a beaded bear claw or Jefferson Peace Medal necklace.

Save the dates and join us for the 34th Annual Lewis & Clark Festival on June 21 (7 p.m. – 8 p.m.) and June 22 (9 a.m. – 4 p.m.). For more information, visit www.lewisandclarkfoundation.org/news-events.

Is the Blue Yeti Still a Worthy Mic in 2024?

Tim Lee explores the Yeti microphone from Blue and shares his thoughts on its features and performance. He tests out the different polar patterns and discusses their suitability for various recording scenarios. Tim contemplates whether the Yeti microphone is still a viable option in today’s market and considers its advantages over other microphones.

Keywords

Yeti microphone, Blue, USB compatible, polar patterns, recording scenarios, viable option, advantages

Takeaways

The Yeti microphone from Blue is a popular USB-compatible microphone with various polar patterns. It is suitable for quick content creation and offers good sound quality. The different polar patterns allow for versatile recording options, including interviews and podcasting. The Yeti microphone is a solidly built and durable option for content creators. It is worth considering as a viable microphone choice, especially for those looking for a simple setup.

Sound Bites “The ugliest microphone that I’ve seen in a very long time.” “I’m tempted to buy it off of him and might tell him tomorrow to just sell it to me.” “I’m getting fan noise.”

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setup

00:48 The Yeti Microphone and Its Polar Patterns

08:15 Exploring the Different Polar Patterns

10:02 Considering the Viability of the Yeti Microphone

12:14 Final Thoughts and Conclusion

Wedding Caricatures in Alberton MT

Tim Lee shares his journey to Alberton, Montana for a wedding gig and his experience at the event. He talks about his shoulder injury and the need to rest it. Tim also mentions his excitement about shooting a documentary in Billings, Montana. He describes the beautiful scenery along the way and highlights some interesting places in Lincoln, Montana. Tim expresses his nervousness and anticipation before the wedding gig and reflects on the importance of having fun and enjoying the experience. He concludes by expressing his gratitude for the amazing wedding and the opportunity to be a part of it.

Takeaways:

Resting and taking care of injuries is important for overall health and well-being.

Enjoying the journey and having fun is crucial in any job or event.

Being a part of a wedding is a special and memorable experience.

Expressing gratitude and appreciation for opportunities and experiences is important.

Sound Bites

“You have to mentally tell yourself to loosen up and stop working so hard, and stop thinking so hard, and just enjoy the experience.”

Overcoming Rejection as a Caricature Artist

We’ve all been there. You pour your heart into a caricature, capturing someone’s essence with a touch of humor, and it doesn’t land the way you hoped. Maybe it’s a competition you didn’t win, a commission that went to another artist, or even an unimpressed friend.

But here’s the thing: rejection is a fact of life for any artist. The key is not to let it discourage you, but to use it as fuel to grow.

For me, every rejection has been a lesson. It’s pushed me to refine my skills, experiment with different styles, and find new ways to capture that perfect caricature likeness. It’s also shown me the importance of having a creative community, even if it’s mostly online. Sharing your work with other artists, bouncing ideas around, and getting constructive criticism can be a game-changer.

Want to see more of my work/life and learn some tips for creating great caricatures? Head over to my website at http://aj8.5b6.mytemp.website/caricature and check out my YouTube channels, Youtube.com/legacystudio and youtube.com/LegacyArtStudio . I share new caricatures, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the life of a Montana caricature artist all the time.

Don’t let rejection hold you back. Let it turn you into a better artist. And who knows, maybe you’ll see some of Montana’s beauty reflected in my next caricature!

Montana Caricatures

I love drawing caricatures for events and since quitting my day job and offering my services for events, I am incredibly thankful to say we are doing very well!

Montana has so many rural locations, and so few caricature artists marketing themselves. Because of that, I was given the name “The Kingpin of Caricature” by one of my clients. I love that because it does express the atmosphere my clientele are feeling. There are so few artists, who are so difficult to find, that it puts me at the top of the list and gives me the monopoly. As a business in Montana that is very exciting as long as I can properly live up to that name and support my family.

What makes all this “work” for me is my willingness to travel pretty much anywhere across Montana to do a gig, and thankfully for most Montanans, they know that a good quality product is worth paying travel costs for. This makes for some exciting experiences that keep me inspired to draw some really fun caricatures.

So far this year alone I have done gigs in Great Falls, Billings, Alberton, and Kalispell, and each one has ended in a raving success for my clients and for myself. It has been a win-win every time. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity.

Caricatures at Grand Reopening – Nature Baby Outfitter – Kalispell MT

Quinns Caught Me…

As you can assume by the title of this blog, my plein air escapade at a certain point had been found out, not only that, it was making its way through the ranks of staff at Quinns hotsprings. I could tell, and I warned my lovely bride that conversations were being had about us as I looked at the pool staff as they whispered between each other, their body language sending out waves that either had me excited at what I thought would happen next, or the negative result I assumed from the start would come to pass. The quick ending of my painting journey beside the pool.

The angle many of the pool attendants suggested I should photograph from.

Thankfully my assumption was correct and a young lady who was incredibly kind introduced herself to us as Quinn’s social media manager. She politely asked if she could grab some pictures of me painting for their Instagram. I was flattered and at the same time elated that my assumption of what was going on had a tinge of truth to it. So yes, I’d been caught, but in the best of ways…

In saying that since writing the first two parts of this story, a while year has passed, and my bride and I are packing our bags yet again to return back to Quinn’s. We are thrilled to return to our favorite place in the mountains yet again, and… I can’t wait to sit by the pool side, my cowboy hat on, and plein air bix open capturing one of my favorite places yet again. Let’s see if I get caught again.

My Watch and it’s Real Meaning

If you have ever caught me wearing this watch, I would like to tell you it’s real meaning. Of course anyone who sees this will assume I agree with certain organizations. Let me say clearly I respect and love all human kind, but this is not a symbol of my agreement with their beliefs or life choices.

This beautiful little piece serves two roles for me, first on the spiritual side. While I do not force my faith and relationship with the one and only God of the Bible, I hope it clearly shows to the world in my daily actions, and when I look at this watch I am reminded of a rainbow placed in the sky as a reminder that God would keep a very important promise that saves our world every day. Let me explain further, I promise my second reason will be far shorter and simpler than this.

Genesis 9:8 Then God said to Noah and to his sons with him, 9. “Behold, I establish my covenant with you, 10. And with every living creature that is with you, the birds, the livestock, and every beast of the earth with you, as many as came out of the ark; it is for every beast of the earth. 11. I establish my covenant with you, that never again shall all flesh be cut off by the waters of the flood, and never again shall there be a flood to destroy the earth”. 12. And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for all future generations: 13. I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and he earth.

According to popular belief, the Genesis flood happened in 1300 – 1000 BC. I personally like the research done by Answers in Genesis that more directly locks down to 1656 AM (Anno Mundi – “Year of the World” from the Hebrew calendar)

If we look at records from history.com and multiple other resources, we find the use of the rainbow as a symbol for the gay rights movement really came into being in 1978 from artist, designer, Vietnam War veteran, and drag performer Gilbert Baker. He was commissioned to create the flag by another individual named Harvey Milk for San Francisco’s annual pride parade.

So looking at numbers from both events, the Biblical Flood from historical documents, and the creation of the flag in 1978… The question must be asked, who came up with the idea first… and doing a little conversion of the Anno Mundi calendar in 2023. (Which converted is actually 5783 AM) we find that 4,127 years have gone by since God’s covenant, and the rainbow being used. Pretty strong argument in favor of the Genesis flood.

With that knowledge, on a spiritual level. I wear this watch to remind me of the many covenants and promises God has made for each of us individually, and more selfishly, I claim it back from its theft from Christians for its original purpose. I also argue that if you look at the more recent uses of the gay rights colors, several more colors have been taken over the following years and added to the original concept. I would assume given long enough “all colors” would be used if they had their choice to continue the explanation of “diversity”.

Now while I have scared away or offended maybe 50% of the readers of this blog. Let me tell you my second reason, which is far more simplistic and pleasant.

This watch is a tool that I love looking at very much, simply because the gemstones around the watch’s bezel represent a perfect “color wheel” which artists like myself use daily to find harmonizing colors or finding colors that will push other colors towards grey/desaturating colors. In the end instead of having a bulky paper “color wheel” that for the life of me I cant find a good place to clip it, I wear this watch and peek at it when I need a basic reminder. I would HIGHLY suggest getting one for yourself for the same purpose, and “Pagani Design” watches does an absolutely fabulous job of making a premium quality watch. My wife actually purchased this one for me and I thrive in the gift every day and wear it with pride.

That’s my story! These are the real reasons I wear this watch. But in the end I want to remind the world that reads this… Christians have been given a commandment that we actually take great joy in, which makes my comments above that seem offensive suddenly simplify.

John 13:34 A new commandment I have to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you are also to love one another.

So while I reject the 1978 use of the rainbow, simply because it was already in use. (Imagine taking McDonald’s iconic M, and trying to use it as a symbol for veganism) to each and every person of all races (One race folks) , creeds, nationalities, colors, or personal life choices, I do love, and respect you as a human and respect you for your daily battle that each of us face equally. Simply trying to live life, finding joy in the daily little things, and trying to find out our ultimate purpose for being on this planet when we didn’t exactly get to decide weather we wanted to be born or not.

Alabama Business Trip

I know the last few posts I’ve made make my wife and I seem like we are the real traveler set. This is truly not the case and a very interesting scenario for me because as soon as I arrived back from Quinns I attended a quick conference and now off on a business trip to Alabama.

First of this strip starts with a beautiful morning drive to Bozeman Montana where we will be flying out. The morning views… just gorgeous.

Montana has always captured my heart, even when I don’t have my camera close I cant help but snap shots with my phone. You never know what will turn into the next painting or what sort of reference will save the day in one of your other pieces. I told my friend who drove us “One day I will learn to paint like that. But I guess you will never out-paint God,” That got a small chuckle from him. Extra point scored for the chuckle.

I am clueless what makes me so fasinated and willing to be in air ports. They are noisy, sometimes hot. Long boring waits, but reality for me means another adventure. Before I left the house today I left a note for my wife on our chalk board. “Any trip without you feels empty, like it is missing something incredibly important. So, I will race back as quick as I can, so I can take you on our next trip. While I am gone I pray God gives you joy and excitement for life, and when I return, I hope he multiplies it X2.” My best adventures have always had her by my side. So while I enjoy these moments. They dont hold as much meaning without her close.

It didn’t take me long to find a beautiful view, so time to dig out the one option many folks dread. I grabbed my watercolors, and just winged it. Slowly just adding color on top of color as I have always done. Truth be told many people have called watercolor a very unforgiving medium. Which is actually true. But, I think that is mainly because it is confused for how it should be used, and if approched in a spicific way, allows you room to “sneak up to the results”.

Back before I got into this whole “painting” thing I used to only draw caricatures which saved me in most cases from drawing what I feared the most… For some their worst fear is Public speaking, mine however, backgrounds. Doesn’t it just send chills down your back?

Now that I’m doing this painting thing suddenly backgrounds have become the center of my attention, and yes without a shadow of a doubt it is a whole different animal. Beautiful and intense in so many ways. As we moved to our gate I continued with this little watercolor chicken scratch and on a scale from 1 – 10 this piece rates a “meh” from me. But it did reopen my eyes to an art form I have not touched in probably a year or two. It really is a beautiful art form.

Admittedly the Dallas Texas airport only rated 1 lone star for me. Messy, challenging internet connectivity, it just felt rough. Not to mention the windows to see out were better off used as mirrors to see in.

At first I wanted to blame it on moisture, maybe humidity? But no they were literally brown and murky. And it quickly made the day catch up with me and I felt a pug sitting across the way expressed the emotions of many of the people around me quite clearly.

From this moment forward the work began. As I finish this blog post the following day has past, we are in our second hotel, and my feet have blisters on their blisters from the important work we are doing. But as I like to say, that is a story, for another time. God bless!

Panorama on a block of wood

Well this little painting is still in progress as of the writing of this blog post. So as much as possible I will try to keep it brief for you. Once again my “target” as I like to call my subjects, was Quinns hot springs, and the image I used for reference was a panorama I captured with my phone as I sat in the main pool. Now let me be clear, I am a snob. If it isn’t shot on my Fuji XT-2 it’s not worth painting. Well, I guess I am flexing a bit more recently on that. But I was befuddled with what canvas I was going to attempt this panorama on. A few weeks before I had spent around $200 on about 31 canvases in Michael’s latest 70% off sale. But of course none of them were an odd size that would fit the likes of this panorama.

It didn’t take long though for me to source a press wood board that secured my wife’s new vanity during delivery for our bathroom and instead of it going to the dump I figured I would take a shot in the dark, with the goal of keeping things as painterly as possible.

So far the size has fit incredibly well. As if it was meant for this purpose. And all though the paint has slowly seeped into the wood making it feel incredibly matte, as I continue to layer on more paint the color pops more and more to the luster you would expect.

I admit this piece will be a difficult one to sell, and I forsee my wife may call dibs before I get that chance. But as always if any of my art calls to you, please feel free to drop me an email and lets talk about getting it into your home to brighten a room, renew a fond memory, or make the gift no AI could ever do.

Legacystudioproductions@gmail.com is how you can reach me, and I look forward to talking with you!

Tim Lee is a jack-of-all-trades

Tim’s Art/Tech/Travel Blog