Artist Skip Lee color coordinates with his award-winning painting “Aspen Grove” at the Sacramento Fine Arts Center.

CARMICHAEL, CA (MPG) - As creative as Sacramento Fine Art Center’s recent Northern California Arts Inc show were shoes worn by a prize-winning painter.

Taking a Special Award rosette, a Skip Lee landscape called ‘Aspen Grove’ was a celebration in blues and golds. As was the artist’s attire.

“If I’m dressed like my painting,” considered artist Lee (87), “that’s just a fluke. But my SpongeBob shoes – well, they step out on special occasions like this.”

On reception night, his lace-ups were as complimented as the exhibits. “I got the shoe-painting idea when my wife and I were in Belgium," he explained. "We saw a store with footwear covered in colorful designs. I thought what fun to try that myself.”

Lee found his size 12 bluchers in a Carmichael thrift shop for $3.

“They were originally hand-made in France, and probably cost hundreds of dollars," he said. “I followed the same process as for working on a canvas: first, a primer coat; then regular art acrylics. For my design, I went for something bizarre. I had socks with Sponge Bob faces. His expressions are so stupid and delightful, so I tried to capture those.”

If cartoon shoes with pink laces are unexpected octogenarian accessories, the Carmichael resident professes to a life-long connection with the bizarre.

“In literary appreciation, I’m less Shakespeare - more Spike Jones and the City Slickers,” he laughed.

Beginning painting while a science student at American River College, Lee later graduated from California College of Arts and Crafts in Oakland. During a 50-year career selling newsprint paper, painting was a passionate side-hustle.

Now retired, the Carmichael resident paints wherever and whenever he can. His recent award-winning portrait of High Sierra aspen trees bore a $900 price tag. 

And the shoes?  “No, I’ll sell my paintings, but I’m not selling my shoes,” said the artist. “My SpongeBobs are part of my character.”

Sacramento Fine Arts Center is located at 5330 B Gibbons Drive, Carmichael.