Honoring Ohio’s Legacy: A New Artistic Journey Begins
Happy Birthday, Ohio!
Twenty-two years ago, I captured the essence of Adena Mansion in watercolor and ink, portraying this historic landmark that witnessed the birth of our state—I called that painting, Returning Home. Today, on Ohio’s 222nd Statehood Day, I’m thrilled to announce a new artistic endeavor that will culminate with Chillicothe’s 230th anniversary celebration in April 2026, 23 years after I painted Returning Home. But this is just the beginning.
Returning Home - Pen & Ink with Watercolor Wash, featuring Adena, the home of Thomas Worthington (The Father of Ohio Statehood), Chillicothe, Ohio — ©Michael Warth
Looking Back to Look Forward
In 2003, I put brush to paper to bring forth the stone walls and red roofs of Adena, the home of Thomas Worthington, Ohio’s Father of Statehood. The painting featured the mansion in its historical setting, complete with a horse-drawn carriage approaching its entrance—a glimpse into the era when Ohio took its first steps toward statehood. Little did I know then, this piece would spark an idea in me two decades later that would have me planning new work for the rest of my life.
That watercolor with ink piece has held a special place in my portfolio, reminding us of our rich heritage and the pivotal role Chillicothe played in Ohio’s formation. As Ohio’s first capital, Chillicothe’s streets and buildings bear witness to the decisions and dreams that shaped our state. I made limited edition prints of the painting. My parents ended up with the original watercolor painting on their walls for several years. After they passed, I put the painting into my personal collection where it lives today.
A New Perspective for a Historic Milestone
For Chillicothe’s 230th anniversary in 2026, I’m embarking on a new artistic journey—creating an oil painting that will present another perspective of our historic city. This piece will not only commemorate the anniversary but will also serve as a bridge between our past and present, inviting viewers to reflect on how far we’ve come while honoring the foundations laid by those who came before us.
Introducing The Ohio Legacy Project
This new painting I’m currently planning, will be the first official piece in Ohio Legacy: A Painter’s Journey Through History, a new project dedicated to exploring and preserving the rich tapestry of Ohio’s past. Through meticulously researched and thoughtfully crafted oil paintings, The Ohio Legacy Project aims to:
Illuminate significant events, locales, and figures that have shaped Ohio’s history, offering viewers a visual connection to the state’s heritage.
Intertwine narratives, including my own ancestral stories dating back to the 1790s, to provide an intimate perspective on historical moments without overtly making it obvious. Think of this like how artists of the past added a self-portrait of themself in a group, or told a story of their personal history within the painting.
Engage the community by sharing the creative process, fostering discussions, and inspiring a deeper appreciation for Ohio’s diverse cultural legacy.
This project aspires to create a lasting visual archive that honors the past while enriching the present understanding of Ohio’s historical journey. I plan to paint 1-3 paintings a year specifically for this project. The series of paintings will continue until I can no longer hold a brush.
Join Me on This Creative Journey
What makes this project unique is that I want to share the process with you. Over the coming years, I’ll be documenting my progress—from initial sketches and historical research to the final brushstrokes. Through regular updates, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and perhaps a few historical anecdotes, you’ll be able to witness the paintings come to life.
I expect to complete the first painting this fall so that it will have time to dry before I apply a coat of conservation varnish on it sometime around February 2026. At this time, the 1st painting of the project, based on a composition featuring Adena, is considered complete.
I believe art has the power to connect us to our history in ways that words alone cannot. By sharing this creative journey, I hope to spark conversations about Ohio’s heritage and the enduring legacy of its people and places.
Looking Ahead
The completed oil painting featuring Adena will be unveiled in April 2026, coinciding with Chillicothe’s 230th anniversary celebrations. But the journey to that unveiling begins today, on Ohio Statehood Day—a fitting moment to embark on a project that honors our state’s origins.
To be clear, this is just the beginning. As The Ohio Legacy Project unfolds, I will explore other significant moments in Ohio’s history, from frontier settlements and industrial achievements to lesser-known personal stories that deserve to be told. Some will focus on historical figures and events, while others may be based on my own family’s deep-rooted history in Ohio, stretching back to the 1790s.
Stay tuned for updates as this new artistic chapter unfolds. I invite you to follow along and, perhaps, rediscover pieces of our shared history along the way.
What aspects of Ohio’s history would you like to see represented in this new painting or future painting in the series? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
Footnote:
"Bringing Ohio’s history to life on canvas is no small task. Each painting in The Ohio Legacy Project requires extensive research, historical accuracy, and careful material selection to ensure the final piece does justice to the story it tells. To say this will be a challenge almost feels like an understatement. I know I will need help, and I’m sure there will be many people along the way supporting this project in every way possible. From traveling to historic sites and uncovering forgotten details to sourcing the finest materials to create a lasting work of art, every step of the journey presents its own challenges. But that’s part of what makes this project so exciting—reconstructing the past through paint and sharing the process along the way. Over time, I hope to make studies and limited edition prints available, offering others a chance to own a piece of Ohio’s history while supporting the continuation of the project. If you would like to help, please feel free to reach out."
