The name of the painter is everything.

Dr. Roger Dunbier (1934-1998)

John Plummer Ludlum’s art career spanned over 70 years as recognized American talent. Beginning with his first exhibit in Chicago, in 1926, the “Ludlum Touch” has been in demand by collectors.

He was born in Hempstead, NY and at sixteen, left for Chicago where he was apprenticed to the nationally known R. R. Donnelley and Sons, Lithographers. These were the days of crayon on lithographic stone. He also became interested in fine art and at seventeen began studying at The Art Institute of Chicago as well.

At twenty Mr. Ludlum returned to the east coast where he actively pursued these interests. He studied at the Art Students League, NYC where he was offered a teaching position, and The National Academy of Design, NYC. He also studied stage design as a hobby, and did the designs for two productions, one of which was the Provincetown Follies, Red Sails in the Sunset.

In New York, Ludlum had a studio/gallery of his own on 46^th near Broadway. Many dancers, singers and actors frequented his studio and some became his models. Among

them, the dean of Modern Dance, Ruth St. Dennis, many ballerinas and well known “Trio National,” from Mexico.

Later, moving his studio to Greenwich Village, he pursued his career and became the first President of the Greenwich Village Artists. Franz Klein, a member, made the logo for the club.

Ludlum has always been a pioneer. His were the first serigraphs in fine art in New York City and were exhibited for six months at the Museum of Science and Industry, Rockefeller Center, 1943.

Ludlum decided to follow the sun and early in 1945 moved to California where he studied with Nicholi Fechen and established a secluded studio in the hills, on the estate of the late Dr. Isaac Jones overlooking the city, and across the road from the estate of famous movie director, Cecil B. De Mille.

In 1945 Ludlum also pioneered the use of fluorescent color in fine art, using this entirely new method of application which enabled him to extend the palette, from the lightest artists colors, on into light itself. He called his method “Living Light” (copyright J P Ludlum).

In 1954 Ludlum met and married Shirley Grote, herself a painter and sculptor, and bought her an English Manorhouse in the Hollywood hills, where, for ten years they lived happily, entertaining and pursuing their careers as portrait painters.

Ludlum liked to paint beauty. A true positive thinker, he brought out the best in those around him, as well as the scenes and portraits he painted.

Preferring a “low profile” whenever possible, this tall, gentle man shunned the limelight in favor of the quiet enjoyment of his work, still, he was drawn into the public eye because of his artistic skills and innovative techniques.

Ludlum was always testing, changing, trying new ways to do things. Known as “The MASTER OF LIGHT” since 1945, he was equally at home in the use of pastel, oil, watercolor, acrylic and florescent colors, his versatility included portraits, landscapes, floral, figure studies, abstracts and religious works.

Because of the worsening smog in Hollywood, John and Shirley moved to Orange County in 1966 and opened their own gallery, showing only Ludlum work for twenty years before retiring, but continuing to paint in their home studio.

Believing that religion is the strongest organizing force for good, many of Ludlum’s greatest works are based on themes of great religions of the world. He won four first awards in the subject in International Competition in Los Angeles. His “Nativity” was purchased by the Ohio Tourist Center (1973) for $2.5 million USD.

The Ludlum “Nativity” stands six foot high and nine foot wide, including its hand carved, free standing frame. Ludlum used a Byzantine style, oil and fluorescent colors, with gold and silver metallic powders to create this masterpiece, giving the breath-taking effect of jewel tones in light. The panel took three and one half years to complete.

As special guests of the U.S. Army, the Ludlums flew to Fort Gordon, Georgia (1973) for the National Premiere exhibition of the “Nativity.” Flanked by armed soldiers, the great painting was unveiled at center stage before over 900 invited guests.

The Augusta Symphony Orchestra was also featured on the program and their string section played, behind the curtain as the great painting was shown.

The United States Air Force honored the Ludlums and their party at a formal one artist, one painting exhibition and reception of the “Nativity” at their facility at Mantz, Germany. A procession of five vehicles and armed airmen accompanied the painting, the Ludlums, and their party, from the plane to the base.

“Gevaert,” the famous European film manufacturers, chose the “John Plumer Ludlum Treasures in Fine Art for Collectors” series for use in their international advertising.

Ludlum was commissioned by the United States Space Program to create a series of eight foot florescent panels of the early space rockets and facilities. These were exhibited in the Armory, NYC (circa 1955).

His work was exhibited with the Dead Sea scrolls at the dedication of the “ Tower of Hope,” Garden Grove California, (1964). The program showing this event is permanently displayed in a case at the Hebrew University, at Tel Aviv.

As a leading American artist, and “positive thinker,” Ludlum appeared on National television (Hour of Power, 1977), and he and his artist wife, Shirley, were the subjects of a one half hour TV interview on “Riverpark” “Its Great to be Alive,’ series. (1977)

The national Woman’s magazine, “Virtue” devoted a ten page article to John and Shirley and their art including a three page center-foldout of the Ludlum “Nativity.” (1979)

Among Satisfied Clients and Exhibitors are:

Merrill Lynch, Pierce Fenner & Smith, Los Angeles

Rutan & Tucker, Attorneys, Orange County

New York Graphic Society

Stokely Foods Products family, Los Angeles

R.C.A. Victor

Max Factor, Hollywood

Ford Motor Company

Walter Foster Art Books

Los Angeles County Museum

Los Angeles County Airport

Pabst, Schlitz, Blatz

Metropolitan Museum, NYC

Museum of Science and Industry, NYC

Garden Grove Community Church, GG CA

Mrs. Bonita Granville Wrather

Douglas Aircraft

Paramount Studios

Carnation

Camel

Chesterfield

Canada Dry

Cryson Greeting Cards

Sunkist

Roy Rogers and

Black light paintings purchased and exhibited by United States Government Space Program and exhibited at the Armory, NYC

Other exhibitions:

Westchester Galleries, Tarrytown, NY (1935)

Rockefeller Center (photography – 1943)

Artists Guild of America, Inc. Carmel, California (1955)

Smeraldi Gallery, Los Angeles (1959)

Marvin Newman Gallery, Los Angeles, California (1961)



John Plummer Ludlum, American (1906-1993) oil on canvas "Back Home" 16 x 20 inches, with certificate of authenticity from the Ludlum Art Center, signed by Shirley Ludlum and booklet and photograph of painting.    sold

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tribute by Shirley Ludlum

TO JOHN PLUMMER LUDLUM
My Beloved Husband



John had a great and wonderful heart, big in every sense. It was damaged by an illness in his teens and he was not expected to live a long life. Sunday, September 12, 1993, he would have been 87.

He never told me of the good deeds he did before we met, but, over the years many of his friends came up to me to say he had paid their rent, or fed them and their family for months until they could get on their feet.

John never took offense, never criticized, never acted discouraged, or pessimistic. He was always gentle, undemanding and happy. He always took things in stride which would have felled many people. I always told him he was part angel and was always in awe of John and his remarkable attitude.

John never complained about anything. I feel sure that his positive attitude towards life, and his calm acceptance of all circumstances, contributed greatly to his long and produective life. John never took a pain pill. He told me that if there was discomfort he put himself in a frame of mind so he didn't feel it.

John was a great artist. I was so proud of his beautiful paintings, but, even more proud of him as a man. He left me a great legacy of love and beauty, an example and a direction. In our 39 years together, 24 hours a day, we never had a word between us except love and gentleness. Our taste and judgement were uncannily alike, and our greatest priority was the happiness of one another.

John was a true gentleman, always, and in every sense of the word, at home, when we were alone, perhaps even more than around others. He was so loving. I always felt so humble and blessed to have him for my very own, on this plane and we believe forever.

John and I have strong faith and I wanted his service to be as cheerful as we could manage. Only our closest relatives and friends were called. We were not able to reach everyone as the time was short to avoid the Labor Day week-end, but many came and the banks of lovely flowers added such beauty. Our Reverend Coffin gave such a fine and uplifting tribute it made a beautiful service.

The many friends who came forward and told wonderful little insights on their personal experiences with John surprised and touched us all. It was like seeing different facets of color that come when the light hits a beautiful diamond.

Sometimes I feel John's strong, happy presence. It gives me strength.

God chooses our time, in his wisdom. He is sustaining me and I am doing very well, mostly. John and I thank you for being our friends.


Shirley Ludlum