Brief History

Elfred Lee began drawing at the age of four while enduring extreme hardship in a World War II prison camp in the Philippines . Colored pencils from an artist friend provided him with an internal escape from captivity and privation. A daring raid by American paratroopers in 1945 saved the Lee family from execution.

Then, in 1950, the Communist invasion of South Korea further tested his will to continue as an artist. During the Vietnam War, Elfred served in the U.S. Army as an Artist/Photographer and was shot down in a helicopter while taking movies for the Pentagon. On one of his expeditions to Turkey , terrorists burned his equipment and battled the Turkish army. He flew to Israel and took valuable art training until peace was restored and he could return and continue his work as an Archeological Illustrator.

Elfred's art education includes a Master of Fine Arts degree in the United States and vital training in Japan , England and Israel . He has traveled extensively, exhibiting and painting portraits, including heads of state, corporate executives and movie stars. His experience as an Art Director and University Art Professor has added depth to his work which has been featured worldwide in books, magazines and movies.

He has lectured and exhibited nationwide and overseas and has been invited for breakfast with the President of the United States . He and his art have also appeared on many radio and television programs including Voice of America, Nightline, 20/20, Discovery Channel and History Channel. He received the Best-in-Show Award from the President of the National Portrait Institute and has been active in the interior design of San Francisco 's BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) and in the Arts-in-Space Program. He is active in the Arts community of San Diego serving on the boards of San Diego Museum of Art Artist Guild, San Diego Portrait Society and San Diego Visual Arts Network.

BRIEF STATEMENT

In the world of art that depicts so much violence and desperation, Elfred Lee's art stands for its beauty and discipline. Because he has personally experienced the ugly side of life, he has chosen to portray the uplifting feeling of peace and joy of the abundant life. He has always had an interest in a healthy lifestyle as well as the health of our fragile planet. He loves to paint the beauty of the Earth and human life as we live in harmony with balance with Creation and the Environment.