When Robert W. Lee was a child, he said he realized he had a gift in his fingers when it came to painting and drawing.

These days, the 60-year-old is using his talent to enhance several outdoor murals around town.

His first project is to redo the mural located along Walton Way Extension across from First Baptist Church.

Mr. Lee said he receives no compensation for his work but believes there is a higher power behind his inspiration.

"It's my role to bless this city and to bless God's people for what I do. For now, I'm coming out of pocket for this, but hopefully someday I'll receive some official (financial) help," he said.

Mr. Lee's job is to touch up original works done by mural artist Andrew Sabordi, a 61-year-old West Coast-born artist who drew caricatures and posters of many famous rock musicians of the mid-1960s.

Janis Joplin, Jim Morrison and the Grateful Dead are among the artists he knew well years ago at the famous Fillmore West theater in San Francisco.

"We thought it was all fluff then, but who knew?"

In a telephone interview from Las Vegas, Mr. Sabori said Mr. Lee has his blessings when it comes to updating Augusta's murals.

"He learned from me; he knows what to do, " Mr. Sabori said.

Mr. Lee is also working on a mural at 10th and Broad streets, the Laurel and Hardy mural in Harlem and at a site in Lincolnton where former University of Georgia football star Garrison Hearst is depicted.

He also plans to update murals in Sparta and Mitchell, Ga.

When Mr. Lee is not painting, he works in the maintenance group for the Richmond County Board of Education. The 28-year board employee and forklift driver said he still has a passion for his artwork.

"I know my talents come from the Lord." he said.