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Painting Lewis and Clark's Eastern Legacy
A wonderful opportunity has come my way. I am honored to be working with the national Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation (LCTHF) to use my art to tell a crucial part of the Corps of Discovery story. This is what is known as the Lewis and Clark Eastern Legacy. My series of 20 original drawings and paintings will tell the story, in 1803 – 1804, of Lewis & Clark traveling down the Ohio River and up the Mississippi River, to the mouth of the Missouri River - a distance of about 1400 miles. This was the first leg of their monumental journey West across the continent. A few artists have created exceptional paintings depicting parts of this eastern journey. As far as I know, I am the first artist to tell the whole, compelling story of the Eastern Legacy. This art and history project involves lots of research and travel, and will probably take 3 to 4 years to complete. Fortunately, I have excellent interest and support from my wife Jean, along with LCTHF officers, members, educators and historians. This is a real adventure! |
Steve Ludeman, watercolor artist
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Beginning, prints available
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Our Story Begins …..
It was a dark and stormy night. President Jefferson and Captain Lewis huddled near a roaring fire in the President’s office in The White House, intensely engaged in planning and preparations for the upcoming expedition across the Continent. The new White House was one of three historic, iconic buildings that figure prominently in the epic story of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. The other two buildings are The American Philosophical Society in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Monticello, Jefferson’s home in Virginia. To prepare for the Expedition, Captain Lewis spent nearly a year at the Philosophical Society. There, from America’s best scientists and scholars, he learned the basics of medicine, navigation, biology, botany, ethnology, mineralogy, agriculture, and principles of the Enlightenment. President Jefferson developed and refined many of his concepts and ideas about western exploration at his Monticello home. His interest in exploring the west between the Mississippi River and the Pacific Ocean went back over 50 years. These three pencil drawings are my representation of our beloved historic American buildings. |
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At the U. S. Armory at Harper’s Ferry, VA, a cargo of expedition supplies and equipment was loaded into an Army freight wagon. Driven by a teamster, the wagon then made its way 300 miles to Pittsburgh, PA. For part of that journey, the transport followed a well-established route known as Braddock’s Trace, a military road built during the French & Indian War.
This painting shows the freight wagon with Army escort in late evening on Braddock’s Trace. Upon arrival in Pittsburgh, the cargo was stored then loaded onto the new barge when it was completed in late August, 1803. |
On Braddock's Trace, prints available
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The painting is titled “Final Inspection." My art depicts Captain Meriwether Lewis beginning the final inspection of his new barge on August 30, 1803, just before it is launched from the Pennsylvania boatyard. The gentleman to Captain Lewis’ left is the boatyard owner. The dog in this painting is Seaman, Captain Lewis’ Newfoundland dog. Faithful Seaman accompanied the Corps of Discovery from Pennsylvania to the West Coast and back.
Final Inspection, prints available
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After many delays, Captain Lewis and his crew are finally leaving the boatyard and heading toward the Ohio River. Well-wishers are waving goodbye and good luck.
This painting is titled “Finally, We Are on Our Way!” |
Finally, We Are on Our Way!, prints available
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This next painting called Approaching Brunot's Island, depicts the Lewis & Clark barge, and accompanying canoe, approaching Brunot’s Island on the Ohio River. This is shortly after the vessels and crews left the Pennsylvania boatyard. Captain Lewis stopped briefly on the Island to visit a family friend.
Approaching Brunot's Island, prints available
When Captain Lewis and his crew landed on Brunot’s Island, the residents asked him to demonstrate his new experimental Girardoni air rifle. He fired at a target 7 times, with good accuracy. Then Mr. Blaise Cenas asked to see Lewis’ rifle. While holding the rifle, Mr. Cenas accidently discharged it. In this painting, I picture the exact moment of the misfire.
Misfire!, prints available
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Forty yards away, the rifle ball grazed a woman’s temple, knocking off her hat. She fell immediately and was unconscious. All were concerned she was seriously injured or dead; but fortunately, the wound was only superficial. Captain Lewis administered first aid and she revived quickly. He resolved not to let anyone else hold his air rifle again!
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Close Call, prints available
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This is my painting of General George Rogers Clark’s homesite cabin. General Clark, William Clark’s older brother, was a hero of the Revolutionary War.
The cabin was located near the Falls of the Ohio River. In the fall of 1803, Lewis & Clark spent two weeks at the cabin, preparing for and recruiting men for the expedition. Here, Clark’s slave York and the “Seven Young Men from Kentucky” joined the Corps of Discovery.
The cabin was located near the Falls of the Ohio River. In the fall of 1803, Lewis & Clark spent two weeks at the cabin, preparing for and recruiting men for the expedition. Here, Clark’s slave York and the “Seven Young Men from Kentucky” joined the Corps of Discovery.
General Clark's Homesite Cabin, prints available
At this point in their journey, to accompany their barge, the Expedition had acquired two pirogue vessels: one white and one red. This painting depicts the three vessels under sail, ascending the Mississippi River.
I did this painting on a beautiful September day, at a scenic overlook next to Fort Kaskaskia, Illinois. On November 28, 1803, Lewis & Clark arrived at the Fort with about 24 men. Here they recruited twelve more soldiers from the Fort.
I did this painting on a beautiful September day, at a scenic overlook next to Fort Kaskaskia, Illinois. On November 28, 1803, Lewis & Clark arrived at the Fort with about 24 men. Here they recruited twelve more soldiers from the Fort.
Up the Mississippi, prints available
The Corps of Discovery built Camp River DuBois in mid-December 1803. It was located on Wood River, across from the mouth of the Missouri River. The Corps built the cabins and fortification, which served as their home base for 5 months during the winter of 1803-1804.
Camp River DuBois, prints available
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Originals in this series are not for sale; contact me about purchasing limited edition prints and Fine Art Reproductions.
Check this page to follow my Lewis and Clark History project. to top of page |