Clark Provins

Early Career

Idaho-born oil painter, watercolorist, and scenic artist Clark Provins painted at MGM for decades. He became one of the studio’s leading scenic artists and worked on productions including The Wizard of Oz (1939), The Student Prince (1954), and Oklahoma! (1955).

MGM Scenic Artist

In 1968, MGM recreated a full-scale interior replica of the Sistine Chapel in just three months for The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968). Clark Provins led the execution of the chapel’s interior architectural elements. The project demonstrated the scale and technical precision required of Hollywood scenic artists.

By the late 1970s, only a handful of scenic artists still possessed the skills needed to execute full-scale architectural backdrops after the decline of the studio system. Warner Bros. called on Provins and fellow MGM-trained scenic artist Bob Oberbeck to lead these backdrop projects.

Later Career and Legacy

Later in life, Clark Provins continued painting for film and television while mentoring younger scenic artists at Warner Bros. and J.C. Backings. His son Michael became one of Warner Bros.’ leading portrait artists after painting in the scenic studios alongside his father. Provins’ work also remains on view in the historic diorama halls at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.