The Lewis and Clark expedition has inspired thousands of artists since the Corps of Discovery first returned from their journey in 1806. In addition, the members of the Corps themselves met many native artisans along the trail, and they saw art traditions that continue to be passed down from generation to generation among the Indian people. Join us for this first in a series of programs on art and artists, those inspired by the expedition and those whose artistic legacy has been passed down from the native people met during the expedition. For this program, we'll go into the studio of painter Gary Lucy and find out what it means to be a "painter." See how he applies important artistic principles in the creation of his finished works. Ask him questions about what it means to be a painter. Why does he choose the subjects he does? What style of painting does he employ? How does he determine setting, color, composition and all other aspects of his paintings? How does the idea in his head become a finished canvas?
Contents of the Broadcast:
1. Opening to 3:27--Introduction, welcome, information on today's location, orientation to today's topic
2. 3:27 to 26:45-- In this segment of the program we focus on how an artist begins his or her work by asking "Where do the ideas come from?" Mr. Lucy discusses the importance of historical research, his use of a sketch book, importance of observation of actual settings, and his use of models. We see images from his sketch books and compare them to some of his final paintings, and we also see a model of a boat used in one of his paintings and compare it to the final work. Questions from students that he answers in this segment include: 1) Why did you decide to do historical research?; 2) When making a new painting, where do your ideas come from?; 3) What interested you in doing pictures of the Lewis and Clark expedition; 4) How does the sketch book help you?; 5) Do you keep graphic drawings in your sketch book like Lewis and Clark did?; 6) How difficult is it to paint a scene from the 1800s without actually being there?; 7) How did you know what the keelboats would look like?; and 8) Do you make models before you draw them?
3. 26:45 to 38:54--We next move to the process of creating the picture. Mr. Lucy discusses his use of the computer as a tool to help him compose his painting as well as other important tools, such as the imagination and sketchbook. Mr. Lucy shares a work in progress with us and shows how he scans sketchbook drawings into the computer and uses the computer to help determine the final composition for a painting. Questions from students that he answers in this segment include: 1) How old were you when you started painting?; 2) What tools do you use to get started and organized?; 3) How do you use the computer to create your pictures?; and 4) How do you decide what to put in your pictures and what to take out?
4. 38:54 to 1:01:10-Next we move to the painting area of Mr. Lucy's studio, and he shares the process he uses to put oil on canvas. He shares a current work in progress, discusses the importance of drawing and painting as a skill, what it means to be a "commercial artist," how he determines color, and how he uses brushes and other tools to paint with. Questions from students that he answers in this segment include: 1) Who or what encouraged you to become an artist?; 2) Do you ever get tired of drawing?; 3) What helps you concentrate or feel happy when you paint?; 4) What type of medium do you use when painting?; 5) Do you feel like a perfectionist when you try to get the colors of the painting just right? How do you choose your colors based on the time period?; 6) How many different brushes do you usually use on a painting?; 7) How long does it take you to create a picture?; and 8) Do you have a favorite picture you have done?
5. 1:01:10 to End--In our final segment, we summarize topics addressed in today's program and Mr. Lucy answers the student question "How do you feel about your success as an artist?" We offer topics of upcoming webcasts, thanks, and goodbye.
