Painting With John (2021)
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.
📺 Seasons & Episodes
Season 16 episodes
1. Bob Ross Was Wrong
⏱ 21 minAfter 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.
2. The Explosion Story
⏱ 21 minJohn 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.
3. Elephant
⏱ 21 minJohn 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.
4. Fame Is Bad
⏱ 21 minJohn 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.
5. The Disappearance of Chicken Man
⏱ 21 minJohn 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.
6. Finding Rudolph
⏱ 21 minJohn 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 26 episodes
1. What?
⏱ 21 minJohn sacrifices his handsomeness for humanity – and the introduction of Cowboy Beckett.
2. Children Kicking Hamburger All Over the Highway
⏱ 21 minJohn yells at the moon for not keeping an appointment and gives a lecture about new technology in the theater.
3. The Bugs Are Winning
⏱ 21 minJohn recounts the time Joey Ramone waved at him.
4. Your Hands Have Turned into Lightbulbs
⏱ 21 minJohn scares people on bicycles while trying to explain that life is a beautiful and wonderful thing.
5. Small Car
⏱ 21 minJohn encounters a drunk pilot and decides it is safe to fly with him, while Ann Mary shares how she makes Weapon Potatoes.
6. Old Man Dancing
⏱ 21 minJohn talks about attending the 1962 World Series with his father.
Season 36 episodes
1. Hermits Unite
⏱ 24 minJohn laments how he, the world, and airports are absolute messes before offering a public service announcement on TV binge-watching.
2. Potato
⏱ 21 minOver a unique blend of music, animation, and painted scenery, John recounts an escape he led from summer camp.
3. The Sea Monster
⏱ 23 minJohn discusses getting older and Nesrin floats away to music.
4. My Friend Flea
⏱ 30 minJohn receives a visit from his friend Flea, and the two find endless time to catch up… in prison.
5. How the Music Is Made
⏱ —John gathers a group of remarkable musicians to write, rehearse, and record music for this season of the show.
6. The Night Hunters
⏱ —John shares his appreciation for his long-time assistant and friend Nesrin… and his epic collection of luminary toast.
