John Furches, Printmaker

John creates etchings and aqua-tints from his hand drawn zinc plates out of his Elkin, North Carolina studio.  Best known for his ability to depict the relationships of color and nature in rural landscapes and nostalgic still lives, John’s work explores the natural world around us and reflects a balance of light, color, and texture.

John Furches

John Furches, Printmaker in Elkin, NC, is best known for his ability to depict the relationships of color and nature in rural landscapes and nostalgic still lives.  With a balance of light, color, and texture the element of emotion is also an integral tool for John’s realistic style.

John’s work is represented in numerous private and corporate collections including his working studio and gallery in Elkin. His limited edition prints, etchings and posters are marketed by the gallery itself. John hales 52 limited edition prints in print, of which 42 are sold out and now available only in the secondary market. John has completed over 500 etchings.

Whenever possible, John likes to work from life because you form a visual and physical bond with the subject. However, it is not always possible or even practical to work on location, especially when dealing with landscapes. In that case, he normally takes photographs, makes sketches, and colors notes. Then goes back to the studio where he can control all the elements.

John grew up in Bethania, a small Moravian settlement on the outskirts of Winston-Salem, NC. He went to Mt. Tabor High School; and in his Senior year, John was bused to North Forsyth where he met his future wife, Shirley. John and Shirley continued their studies at Western Carolina University. He majored in Biology and minored in Art.

John and his wife currently reside in Elkin, North Carolina. They have 2 daughters Brie and Caroline. Brie graduated from University of North Carolina at Charlotte with a degree in Dance and a Masters in Costume Design from North Carolina School of the Arts in Winston-Salem, NC. She currently lives and works in New York City at Horizon’s Theatre. Caroline graduated from the Corcoran College of Art + Design in Washington, DC in Graphic Design, lives in San Francisco, California, and is a User Interface Designer for Apple, Inc.