Lee Simpson

LEE SIMPSON (1923 - ): Lee Simpson is an American Postwar and Contemporary painter known for his vibrant abstract paintings inspired by the landscapes, cultures, and spiritual traditions of the American Southwest. Born in Cisco, Texas, in 1923, he studied at Columbia University and further developed his artistic practice through studies with artists Arnold Leondar, Louise Nevelson, and Elaine de Kooning. Simpson became associated with the art communities of Taos and Santa Fe, New Mexico, while maintaining strong ties to Texas. From 1962 to 1970, he owned and operated the Simpson Gallery and Studio in Amarillo, Texas, and also taught and lectured at West Texas State University and Amarillo Junior College. Working primarily in oil and serigraphy, he created colorful abstract compositions that incorporated Southwestern landscapes, Native American imagery, and symbolic forms. His works include the and series, reflecting his interest in the cultural and spiritual character of the American West. Simpson's art has been exhibited and collected by institutions and private collectors in the United States, establishing his place among artists associated with Southwestern modernism.