

Painting With John
Meditations and mischief.
Part meditative tutorial, part fireside chat, each episode finds artist John Lurie ensconced at his worktable, where he hones his intricate watercolor techniques and shares his reflections on what he’s learned about life.
Cast

John Lurie
Self
Nesrin Wolf
Self
Ann Mary Gludd James
Self
Seasons

E1Bob Ross Was Wrong
Jan 22, 2021
After contemplating how to open his show, John discusses his parents’ approach to nurturing their kids’ creativity and his lack of trust in someone until he has heard them laugh.

E2The Explosion Story
Jan 29, 2021
John crashes his seventh drone in his attempt to film a show open. Next, he shares how his cancer treatment led to a middle-of-the-night disastrous shrimp curry incident and recalls meeting Barry White.

E3Elephant
Feb 5, 2021
John recounts how the obsession he and his brother shared for John Coltrane’s “Live at Birdland” resulted in an unfortunate Sunday breakfast and chronicles his epic quest to procure a live eel in Manhattan.

E4Fame Is Bad
Feb 12, 2021
John explains the origin of the painting he made in “honor” of Gore Vidal, tells the story of the now-famous actor who used to clean his house, and ponders the toll that fame took on his friend Anthony Bourdain.

E5The Disappearance of Chicken Man
Feb 19, 2021
John contemplates uncanny disappearances on the island where he lives. Next, he tells the story of being turned away from the DMV at 17 and how his mother tried to intervene.

E6Finding Rudolph
Feb 26, 2021
John considers the complex songs of tree frogs, recounts ongoing attempts to make his cameraman Erik laugh, and reflects on the challenges and benefits of painting with watercolors. Season finale.
Season two introduces Cowboy Beckett and combines stunning images of Lurie’s paintings, original music, and irreverent point-of-view on topics such as tapping into one’s childlike artistic side, his overall ambivalence toward fame, and more.

E1What?
Feb 18, 2022
John sacrifices his handsomeness for humanity – and the introduction of Cowboy Beckett.

E2Children Kicking Hamburger All Over the Highway
Feb 25, 2022
John yells at the moon for not keeping an appointment and gives a lecture about new technology in the theater.

E3The Bugs Are Winning
Mar 4, 2022
John recounts the time Joey Ramone waved at him.

E4Your Hands Have Turned into Lightbulbs
Mar 11, 2022
John scares people on bicycles while trying to explain that life is a beautiful and wonderful thing.

E5Small Car
Mar 18, 2022
John encounters a drunk pilot and decides it is safe to fly with him, while Ann Mary shares how she makes Weapon Potatoes.

E6Old Man Dancing
Mar 25, 2022
John talks about attending the 1962 World Series with his father.
A fireside chat that seems to constantly plummet into delightful mayhem, each of the half-hour episodes finds the artist enhancing his intricate watercolor techniques while reflecting on life lessons big and small. The series combines Lurie’s irreverent point-of-view with dynamic captures of his paintings and original music, vivid retellings of his wildest memories, and even some of his luminary toast.

E1Hermits Unite
Jun 2, 2023
John laments how he, the world, and airports are absolute messes before offering a public service announcement on TV binge-watching.

E2Potato
Jun 9, 2023
Over a unique blend of music, animation, and painted scenery, John recounts an escape he led from summer camp.

E3The Sea Monster
Jun 16, 2023
John discusses getting older and Nesrin floats away to music.

E4My Friend Flea
Jun 23, 2023
John receives a visit from his friend Flea, and the two find endless time to catch up… in prison.

E5How the Music Is Made
Jun 30, 2023
John gathers a group of remarkable musicians to write, rehearse, and record music for this season of the show.

E6The Night Hunters
Jul 7, 2023
John shares his appreciation for his long-time assistant and friend Nesrin… and his epic collection of luminary toast.
Videos
Storyline
Part meditative tutorial, part fireside chat, each episode finds artist John Lurie ensconced at his worktable, where he hones his intricate watercolor techniques and shares his reflections on what he’s learned about life.
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