Jack Duganne Obituary

April 15, 1942 - April 12, 2020 Amidst the disorientation of the moment, we join to mourn the loss of Jack Duganne: father, husband, artist, technical innovator in serigraphy, seminal developer of fine art printing technology, coiner of the term Giclée, teacher at Santa Monica College, Otis College of Art and Design and UCLA Extension, mentor and friend to many in and outside the arts. A Master Printer, he enabled many artists to realize their vision in both analog and digital print media.As founding director of Workshop, i.e., an artist collective and printing studio on Main Street in Santa Monica for over 47 years, he enabled an entire generation of artists to develop their skills and enjoy the camaraderie of their peers. It was a uniquely long-lived incubator for creative artists at many stages of their careers. This safe haven, with its community, resources and the stimulation of creative work going on all around, propelled ambitions, creative product and had an incalculably major impact on the arts of Los Angeles and beyond.His work celebrated the light and continuum of the Santa Monica coastline, which he enjoyed traversing on one of his pinwheel decorated trikes. His annual New Year's Day celebration featuring his "Hoppin' John" of black-eyed peas & greens was an event not to be missed. The event even lived on when it moved after the Workshop was shut down in April 2018, continuing to bring together his vast network of friends, neighbors, family and fellow artists. Jack was born in Enid, OK in 1942, to a career Air Force Colonel, Jack Sr and his wife Mary (who appropriately went by the nickname Happy). Moving every three years, they lived in Japan during the Korean War, and moved to California in 1961 following Jack Sr.'s retirement from the service. Jack served in the Air Force, attended Yale studying Chinese, attended the Sorbonne in Paris studying French, and attended UCLA as a pre-med student before switching his major to the arts. He is survived by his wife, Susan, his sons John, Max and his wife Laura, his stepdaughter Samantha Mansell, his stepson Erik Whiteman and wife Claudia, his grandchildren Emma, Gavin and Audrey, his step grandchildren Austen, Styles, Braunsen, Riley, Joshua and Gisele, his brothers Robi and Dave and their wives, children, grandchildren, and much more extended family. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his two sisters Dianne and Deni, and two brothers Billy and Michael. A mass and memorial will be held later this year in Santa Monica, California. His Facebook page will provide updates. Many thanks to all his friends and family who stood by him throughout his bout with cancer. He will be missed by all who knew him, and will live in our hearts forever. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to your local Blood Bank.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Times on May 17, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Jack Duganne

12 Entries

Deborah Hansen

September 19, 2021

As a backyard neighbor to the workshop, I got to know the wonderful artists , shared interest in the variety of styles and directions those talented printmakers made art. I myself do watercolors and majored in art education in Buffalo, N.Y.
I will attend the memorial , and continue to be inspired by the talented artists I met at the workshop, especially Jack Duganne, who encouraged me to continue to develop and follow my inspiration by producing ART.

Linzi Lynn

August 24, 2021

My sincere condolences to Susan and his family. I met Jack 15 years ago when I took his Photoshop class at SMC, after which he became my mentor, printer and friend. He patiently spent hours with me on Photoshop matching the colors and textures from my original paintings to perfect the prints. He was a Master in his field but most importantly he was always selflessly kind and generous with his time and teachings. I miss him and I feel so honored to have known him and to have learned from his expertise. I will remember him fondly forever and never forget his guidance and friendship. Rest in Peace Jack.

Tommy grenas

February 22, 2021

Jack was my mentor teacher and friend. He taught me the patience and skill to become a good printer and artist. Many long days and nights at the workshop with talented folk. I miss him and would always pop into the workshop if I was in Santa Monica to see if he was around to chat. Rest In Peace jack.

Marry Murray

December 31, 2020

Jack was first and last my friend and also my teacher. His picture on this page captures his spirit and is the smile that he gave me every time I saw him. He was always encouraging and positive to me and I will miss seeing him here but he will be with me in my heart.

Doug Horrigan

September 8, 2020

So sorry to hear about his death, I had the pleasure of meeting him in 1978 at his workshop and then had a few amusing and enlightening emails from him about 'giclee' a couple of years ago.
Great artist, very nice guy.

Renee

May 18, 2020

I love Jack! He used to come into Joes Diner on Main st where I often took care of be and Susan! That man was always smiling! Such great energy. I will miss passing him on the boardwalk!!! God Bless. RIP

May 18, 2020

To the family, accept my sincere condolences, you are not alone during this time of sorrow and pain. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you endure this loss. As you remember your beloved one, the God of peace give you comfort and peace in every way. May you find strength from love and care that surrounds you and comfort in the memories that you share.
2Thessalonians 3:16

Jennifer Harper

May 17, 2020

Growing up in the Westside, much of my youth was spent at Jacks workshop. It was my safe haven and I probably popped my head in time say, hi, every weekend from when I was about 7 until the end of my teen years. Jack always had a smile on his face and Just being in his presence taught me about acceptance and love. Jack always welcomed my family and friends into his studio, his home and his heart. I will cherish the memories of Jack, his little house on 5th and his studio on Main street.

Tiffany McLeain

May 17, 2020

Really and truly one of the coolest of men I know! Jack and Susan always welcome me into their home with love (and hugs!) Ill always remember Jacks confidence in wearing miss matched shoes and alternating socks! I always wear my Allbirds for Jack!

Helen Garber

May 17, 2020

Jack was a great mentor and created the printing files for many of my important pieces including A Nightview of Los Angeles, a 360 panorama of the entire city of Los Angeles that was exhibited at the Venice Biennale of Architecture as a 5 6 x 40 print on silk. No easy task in 2006. It was an honor to learn Photoshop from him at SMCC and live behind him in Ocean Park. The area attracted many great artists like himself, who celebrated the view and light of Santa Monica Bay He was a wonderful man. My condolences to Susan and his family

Michael Smythe

May 17, 2020

only knew jack for a brief time but he had an impact on me. Hes twinkle in his eye spoke of the zest for life and creative spirit within. He lives on in his son Max. His creative nature will keep his legacy alive forever. God bless you Jack!

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results