“From Concepts to Canvas” art talk to feature Oklahoma artist Lucas Simmons in Shawnee Hall

February 18, 2026

OBU will host “From Concept to Canvas,” an art talk featuring artist and OBU alumnus Lucas Simmons at 4 p.m. Thursday, March 5, in Mabee Lecture Theatre on the third floor of Shawnee Hall.  Simmons will discuss two large-scale paintings installed in the lecture theatre: “Into the Storm,” 2025, Oil on Linen and “Cloudbreak,” 2025, Oil on Linen.

The event, which is open to the public, will begin as a 20-minute, process-focused presentation exploring the inspiration behind Simmons’ featured works, how they were created and the photography — including Lucas’ own reference trip — that informed the final paintings.

Simmons will share several process images to provide a behind-the-scenes look at the evolution from concept to canvas. A question-and-answer period will follow, allowing audience members to ask questions and engage in open dialogue, giving students and guests the opportunity to explore details and engage directly with the artist.

With the lecture held in the same room as the large-scale paintings, attendees can experience their vast scale and impact in person before or after the event.

Describing “Into the Storm,” Simmons writes, “Into the Storm portrays a dramatic scene inspired by the devastating tornado that struck OBU’s campus in the spring of 2023. Lucas Simmons captures silhouetted bison traversing a rocky outcrop, illuminated by a low sun that barely kisses their backs, foreshadowing the imminent darkness of the approaching storm. Simmons’ evocative brushwork emphasizes the somber anticipation and gravity of the moment.”

In contrast, describing “Cloudbreak,” Simmons writes, “’Cloudbreak’ evokes calm, portraying a group of life-sized bison peacefully resting on a sunlit prairie, basking in the warmth of God’s providence. Subtle clues reveal that a storm has passed; cumulus clouds dot the blue sky, underscoring the tranquility of the present moment. Simmons includes delicate symbols of spring and renewal—coreopsis flowers, cowbirds and butterflies—creating a serene landscape of rejuvenation. This scene embodies resilience rewarded, a testament to enduring trials and emerging with renewed strength.”

The paired works reflect both the devastation and renewal experienced by the OBU community and are part of Simmons’ custom installation on the third floor of the newly reopened Shawnee Hall. His series of bison paintings reflects the university’s heritage, faith and Oklahoma roots.

Simmons is an acclaimed artist and part-time lecturer in art at OBU. During the talk, he will address the inspiration behind the Shawnee Hall installation, his creative process and the ways faith, culture and place shape his work, along with insights from his professional journey as a working artist and educator.

His visit reflects OBU’s pillars through a commitment to artistic excellence, meaningful community engagement, professional preparation and a faith-forward approach to learning.

Simmons’ paintings explore the relationships between man, nature and technology, often considering how people of faith understand their responsibility to steward the natural world. He was commissioned to paint four pieces for the Oklahoma State Capitol.

At OBU, he teaches drawing courses, figurative painting and two- and three-dimensional design, emphasizing traditional technical skills and helping students establish sustainable studio practices beyond their college experience.

Simmons earned a Bachelor of Arts in art from OBU in 2012 and a Master of Fine Arts from the University of Oklahoma. He received the Emerging Artist Award from the Paseo Arts Association in 2019.

His selected exhibitions include the 2018 solo exhibition “American Fire” at the Oklahoma Hall of Fame and the 2020 solo exhibition “Seasons Turning” at the Depot Gallery in Norman.