Did you know Orson Welles wanted to be a painter?

Yes, Orson Welles, the legendary filmmaker, actor, and writer, had early aspirations of becoming a painter before finding his calling in the performing arts. I was reminded of this when listening to an interview Welles participated in with Rick Rubin.

Rick Rubin interviewed Orson Welles on January 18, 2025 for an episode of his podcast Tetragrammaton. The episode is titled "Unexpected Conversation: Orson Welles" and is available on Apple Podcasts.

His artistic journey is a fascinating chapter in his life and offers insight into his creativity and versatility. Here's more about Welles's connection to painting:

Early Aspirations and Artistic Talent

- As a child, Orson Welles demonstrated exceptional artistic talent. He was a gifted draftsman and painter, and many who knew him believed he had the potential to become a professional artist.

- After the death of his mother in 1924, Welles traveled with his father, who encouraged his creative pursuits, including painting.

The Ireland Chapter: Painting and Acting

- At the age of 16, Welles embarked on a painting tour in Ireland. He traveled to the countryside, sketching and painting landscapes and local scenes.

- While in Dublin, Welles visited the Gate Theatre and boldly claimed to be a Broadway star in order to land an acting role. His charisma and natural talent won over the directors, and he made his stage debut in 1931.

- This experience marked a turning point in Welles’s life. Though he had initially traveled to Ireland to pursue painting, his success at the Gate Theatre ignited his passion for acting and directing, setting him on the path to his illustrious career in the arts.

Artistic Sensibilities in His Filmmaking

- Welles's background in painting influenced his approach to filmmaking. His keen eye for composition, light, and shadow can be seen in the iconic cinematography of “Citizen Kane” (1941) and other works.

- He often treated film scenes like paintings, meticulously designing each frame for maximum visual impact. His use of deep focus, dramatic lighting, and layered compositions reflects his artistic sensibilities.

Continued Interest in Art

- Although Welles shifted his focus to theater and film, he maintained an interest in visual art throughout his life. He created sketches and paintings, some of which were used as storyboards for his films.

- Welles's artistic talents extended to designing sets and costumes for his theater productions, further showcasing his versatility as an artist.

Legacy of a Multidisciplinary Genius

- Orson Welles’s early passion for painting played a crucial role in shaping his creative outlook. While he ultimately chose a different path, his artistic background enriched his work in film, theater, and radio, making him one of the most innovative storytellers of the 20th century.

Orson Welles (1915–1985) was a polymath whose creative endeavors spanned film, theater, radio, and television. His innovative storytelling techniques, bold visual style, and theatrical flair revolutionized multiple art forms. Here are some of his most famous creative achievements:

1. “Citizen Kane” (1941)

- Often hailed as one of the greatest films ever made, *Citizen Kane* was Welles’s directorial debut and a groundbreaking work in cinema.

- Welles co-wrote, directed, produced, and starred in the film, playing the titular character, Charles Foster Kane, from his youth to old age.

- Its innovative use of deep focus, nonlinear storytelling, dramatic lighting, and unconventional camera angles set new standards for filmmaking.

- Though it was not a major commercial success at the time, its critical acclaim grew over the decades, solidifying Welles’s place in film history.

2. “The War of the Worlds” Radio Broadcast (1938)

- Welles became a household name with his infamous Halloween radio broadcast of “The War of the Worlds” on CBS’s “Mercury Theatre on the Air”.

- Presented as a series of news bulletins, the broadcast about a Martian invasion caused widespread panic, as many listeners believed it was real.

- The event showcased Welles’s talent for dramatic storytelling and his ability to blur the lines between fiction and reality.

3. “The Mercury Theatre” (1937–1946)

- Welles co-founded the Mercury Theatre with producer John Houseman, creating some of the most innovative stage productions of the era.

- Notable productions included:

- “Julius Caesar”(1937): A modern-dress adaptation of Shakespeare’s play, interpreted as a critique of fascism.

- “Macbeth” (1936): A groundbreaking all-Black cast production set in Haiti, often referred to as the "Voodoo Macbeth."

- “The Cradle Will Rock”(1937): A controversial, politically charged musical that defied government censorship.

4. “

” (1942)

- Welles’s second feature film is a poignant drama about a wealthy Midwestern family’s decline during the rise of industrialization.

- Despite studio interference that resulted in significant cuts, the film is considered a masterpiece for its emotional depth and visual style.

5. “Touch of Evil” (1958)

- This film noir classic, starring Welles as the corrupt police captain Hank Quinlan, is known for its dark, atmospheric tone and groundbreaking long take in the opening sequence.

- Though initially overlooked, it is now regarded as one of the greatest noirs ever made.

6. “F for Fake” (1973)

- Welles’s experimental documentary explores themes of art, forgery, and truth, blending real events with fictional elements.

- The film is celebrated for its playful editing and Welles’s philosophical reflections on creativity and deception.

7. Shakespearean Adaptations

- Welles had a lifelong passion for Shakespeare, adapting several of the Bard’s plays for stage and screen:

- “Macbeth”(1948): A moody, expressionist film adaptation.

- “Othello” (1951): A visually striking film made over several years with innovative cinematography.

- “Chimes at Midnight” (1965): A reimagining of “Henry IV” and “The Merry Wives of Windsor”, focusing on the character Falstaff. It is considered one of his finest works.

8. “The Lady from Shanghai” (1947)

- This stylish film noir, starring Welles and his then-wife Rita Hayworth, is known for its surreal visuals, including the famous "hall of mirrors" climax.

9. Radio and Television Work

- Welles continued to innovate in radio with programs like “The Mercury Summer Theatre” and “The Campbell Playhouse”

- On television, he appeared in interviews, commercials, and as a narrator, often showcasing his charismatic personality.

10. Unfinished Projects

- Welles left behind several unfinished projects, including “The Other Side of the Wind” which was finally completed and released in 2018. The film satirizes Hollywood and reflects Welles’s frustrations with the industry.

Legacy

Orson Welles’s creative endeavors left an indelible mark on the arts, blending bold experimentation with a deep understanding of storytelling. His work continues to inspire filmmakers, playwrights, and artists worldwide, cementing his status as one of the greatest creative minds of the 20th century.

In the end, Welles’s journey from aspiring painter to legendary filmmaker demonstrates how early artistic dreams can evolve into something even greater, influencing every aspect of an artist's creative output.