Born in Australia he studied in Melbourne and then in Paris.  He then arrived in London to attend the Slade School from 1905 - 1907.  While still undergoing his studies he was invited to join the academic staff and he taught drawing at the Slade from 1908 - 1918.
His close associates included J. D. Innes and Augustus John and around this period he worked with them in Dorset and Wales painting lyrical landscapes in vivid colours on small wooden panels. 
He travelled widely in Europe and during 1912 - 1914 he visited the south of France.  Derwent Lees met his wife Edith Brice known as Lyndra, through Augustus John for whom she has modelled 'The Edwardians', and 'Secrets and Desires'.
Derwent Lees died in Surrey in 1931.