John Pugh's art studio is nestled in the
upper peaks of the Santa Cruz mountains just south
of San Francisco and west of San Jose. Here, amidst
sheep and llama pastures, meadows and stands of
redwoods, aspen and laurel, the pastoral paintings
of Franz Marc or the music of Claude Debussy might
easily be invoked. Wildflowers are in bloom almost
all year round and banana slugs dot the landscape.
The studio
itself has become a haven for apprentices and
master painters alike. Pot lucks and informal
roundtable discussions have helped create an
important center for artists.
Guest artist Bill Martin 3rd from right in back.John Pugh at far right.
Next to John are apprentices Jeff Bryant and Susan Cook, 2nd and 3rd from right in front. Associate Mark Molchan 2nd from left on top.
Guardian of the studio loft, Klondike the cat,
ever vigilant, ever watchful, making sure order
is maintained during a life drawing group (right).
Here apprentice Manuel Cruz
(left) works on a small alcove illusion. John
often works on panels or canvas for more portable
and less site-specific paintings.
Midway through the production of the 'Secret Garden' series of residential panels
Apprentices implementing the perspective process.
Projects range from collector size paintings
to larger interior and exterior murals up
to several stories high that require studio
scaffolding (as shown here), or even larger
on-site productions.
Preparation of panels used in the mural at Palm Dessert
Patrons and clients are encouraged
to come by, discuss ideas, see projects in progress,
or chat with John and the staff. And be sure
to pet Klondike, if he's not hunting for gophers
in the meadow out back.
John Pugh gratefully acknowledges the indispensible
contributions of these associates and apprentices:
Apprentice Misja Barnow
Rachel Baer
Erik Bakke
Misja Barnow
Brandon Bredo
Russ Brown
Jeff Bryant
Christie Close
M. C. Ehrrmann
Susan Cook
Manuel Cruz
Susan Gray
Andy Gibb
Shen Goldman
Greg Hughes
Alexis Ingle
Lois Liebherr
Robin Mendez
Mark Molchan
Ian Nyquest
Darcy Parker
Rich Patterson
Lisa Pfeiffer
Marcy Phillips
Antje Schiffer
Jennifer Sicha
Michelle Smith
Mary Jane Winkler
To all the others that I have not mentioned, you know who
you are and I could not have had my successes without you.
