For more than five decades, acclaimed artist William Mangum has been capturing the essence and beauty of North Carolina's diverse landscapes through his vibrant paintings. However, in 1995, he embarked on a unique creative journey that would combine his artistic vision with the storytelling prowess of a beloved local television personality. This collaboration resulted in a successful book that celebrated the state's natural beauty and marked a significant milestone in both their careers.
Mangum's partnership with Lee Kinard, the legendary broadcaster from WFMY News 2's Good Morning Show, grew from a genuine friendship and mutual respect for each other's craft. "I knew that if I could do a book, it would help me expand my brand," Mangum explained. "So, the idea was to come alongside three different voices, three different personalities, TV personalities, and one of those was a good friend, Lee Kinard, who had me on the show many times."
The relationship between the artist and broadcaster extended far beyond a simple professional collaboration. Kinard became a true champion of Mangum's work, regularly inviting him to appear on television and even visiting his gallery to help promote new exhibitions. "I have such fond memories of him taking a liking to my work," Mangum recalled with warmth. "He would constantly invite me to the studio to paint live, and he would even come to my gallery and help us broadcast new themes, particularly from my trips abroad."
This mutual admiration and respect culminated in their joint publication, a self-published book titled "North Carolina - Behold the Beauty." The coffee table book featured Mangum's stunning watercolor paintings paired with Kinard's eloquent prose, creating what Mangum describes as "an artistic blend of color and commentary." The book showcased the state's most breathtaking scenes, from coastal sunrises and mountain vistas to the familiar rolling landscapes of the Piedmont region.
The success of their collaborative effort exceeded expectations, with the first printing of 7,500 copies selling out quickly. "Using Lee in part of the marketing was unbelievable," Mangum noted, acknowledging how Kinard's involvement and promotional support contributed significantly to the book's commercial success. "When I did this book, it was a part of preserving our state, celebrating it and passing it down for future generations."
Beyond the commercial aspects, the partnership was rooted in a deeper shared philosophy about art and appreciation of natural beauty. Both men believed in the power of pausing to truly see and appreciate the world around them. "Every day we go by we look at it and we appreciate it, but we don't pause long enough," Mangum reflected. "So as an artist it's my duty to make you see it in a different light."
Mangum's artistic journey began with humble beginnings and remarkable determination. He taught himself to paint using a simple watercolor set purchased with his entire life savings at the time. "I took my life savings, $4.98 and I bought a little set of Grumbacher watercolors, and I began to teach myself how to paint in this medium," he remembered. From these modest origins, he developed into one of North Carolina's most respected landscape artists.
The discovery of their 1995 collaboration recently came to light when WFMY News 2's Manning Franks found an old print of the book at an estate sale, bringing renewed attention to this special partnership between two North Carolina cultural figures. The find served as a reminder of both men's lasting contributions to the state's cultural heritage.
Reflecting on his friend and collaborator, Mangum emphasized Kinard's remarkable character and generosity of spirit. "His humility was beyond measure because he always turned the light on whoever he was celebrating," Mangum said with evident admiration. "He will be long remembered for those of us that had a personal relationship or watched him on the Good Morning Show." While Kinard's broadcasting career may have ended, Mangum notes that their friendship remained strong throughout the years, a testament to the genuine connection that made their creative partnership so successful.
