About Juan

Juan Peña wanted a rural lifestyle which drew him to the Sierra foothills, where he and his wife, Kay, live today. He maintains an art studio in an old school building in Colfax, California.

 Juan Peña attended Pacific Union College in Angwin, California, majoring in fine art, commercial art, and printing. It was there that he studied under renowned artist Vernon Nye. After serving a tour of duty in the US Army, Juan went on to study portraiture, in oils and pastels with Thomas Leighton in his studio in San Francisco. He also studied watercolor and design with Jade Fon Woo. In those years, the 1960’s, Peña began on-location pencil drawings and watercolor paintings. 

Since then Juan has been painting on location (plein air).
 “I paint from life, on location, for the most part, or sometimes from my imagination and seldom from photographs.” Peña explains.

 

He is artist number 96 in the book ‘"100 Ways to Paint a Landscape” the first publication, by International Artist. 

In 2007, several of Juan’s pencil drawings and ink drawings were published in the book “Strokes of Genius”. His watercolor sketch was published in “Strokes of Genius” 2019. 

His watercolors also appear in several issues of “Splash” (An annual book that showcases the best in contemporary watercolors).

Juan has written, illustrated and published his own book titled "The Miracle Three" in which he describes his method of using just three colors for his on-location watercolor paintings. More about his book on the tab "Books" on this website.

Juan is an experienced Plein Air painter who has participated in the following Invitational Plein Air events.

 Aspen Plein Air Invitational - three consecutive years - Selected by the artists one year for the best body of work

Telluride Plein Air Invitational - two consecutive years

 Hearst Castle Invitational - Selected as “Best of Show” by the public

Sedona Plein Air Festival 2022

Currently Juan teaches on-location painting classes from his Colfax Studio. He is a popular artist who often is invited to display his work at international shows, galleries, and museums. He has also judged art painting competitions. His paintings are included in many private and corporate collections. He often demonstrates for art groups and organizations.