Introducing Lucas Menard

Originally from New Iberia and now based in Youngsville, Louisiana, Lucas Menard is a self-taught artist whose creative journey is defined by constant exploration and refinement. His early studies in design at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette introduced him to charcoal, igniting a renewed fascination with portraiture and setting the foundation for his artistic path. Driven by curiosity and a desire to define his own visual language, Menard has worked across a wide range of mediums and formats, from intimate oil paintings to 12-foot outdoor chalk portraits, and even artwork applied to unconventional surfaces such as shoes and skin.

Although portraiture and the human figure remain at the core of his practice, his work also reflects a deep connection to his Louisiana roots. His recent focus on native wildlife, especially the region's birds and animals, has become a celebrated aspect of his portfolio. Through expressive brushwork, attention to light, and a modern sensibility grounded in traditional technique, Lucas Menard continues to evolve his style while creating work that resonates with both personal story and regional character. Lucas is now a visual artist in residence at Basin Arts!

Who makes up your art circle?

Up until recently, my art circle has been essentially non-existent. Art was a hobby. It took a back seat to the day-to-day grind of a full-time job and the duties of raising a young family. My time being creative was spent essentially alone, and my only source of feedback and sense of community came from my wife and kids. As of October, I'm now doing the work that I love full-time and get to do that as a resident artist at Basin. The connections I've made already have been so fulfilling, and the sense of community in this space is something that I am gladly getting used to.

How do you expand your art circle?

I think having a space like Basin is the best way to expand that circle. I don't just mean that as a resident artist. I've already been exposed to and introduced to so many other creative people who are in the space for various reasons. It feels like a hub for creative people of all disciplines to just pop in and see what's going on and connect with like minded creators. There are so many opportunities and resources to connect in Acadiana that I was unaware of for so long. Just showing up and being curious can open so many doors than I thought were even out there.

What value do you see in having a creative community?

I think the biggest value in having a creative community is seeing that so many of us are so similar. You quickly realize that the things you may be struggling with or feel self-conscious about are often the same things that other creators are dealing with as well. And those may be people that you look up to or appear to have it "all figured out" from your vantage point. There is a comfort in understanding that we all have blind spots and weak points, but still have the ability to make great things. And that is difficult to fully understand without a community around you.

How does your artistic approach contribute to  your community?

Spending 15 years in a corporate setting has made me approach most things very practically. That has even spilled over into how I make art. I tend to look at what I do more as a craftsman than an artist sometimes. While that may not be the best way to be expressive and convey emotion through art, it does allow me to approach aspects of art from a methodical standpoint. I just hope that I can inspire anyone who is unsure about tackling a daunting project to start simply, be practical, and let the meaning/message shine through naturally.

Our weekly Art Circle series profiles artists throughout the community and is sponsored in part by Lafayette Visitor Enterprise Fund, managed by Lafayette Travel.