Paying tribute to local art legend John Pils

ST. LOUIS – Art Community St. Louis lost one of their most beloved members on Monday when John Pils passed away at the age of 82.

His working legacy has been on display in homes and offices over the decades. Black and white pencil graphics of local landmarks and cityscapes with splashes of vibrant watercolors have become popular. Hot air balloons are often riddled with pieces.

“He saw things in a unique way down to the horizon and the skyline and the city,” reflected his son Kirk Pils. “He loves working with watercolors. To add that to what would be an illustration or picture of the city, it only made sense to him.

When he put down his pencils and drew in 2014, John Pils looked forward to going public, though prints will remain.

“Everybody knows the artwork but they don’t know the artist,” he said. “They don’t recognize the artist. I can go anywhere and be myself.”

Pils’ background is in interior design and he pursued that discipline with his artistic flair when he built his custom home two years ago.

“I was told he didn’t like 90-degree angles, so they really restricted those angles to the main level,” said Michael Golde of Golde Real Estate. “The basement, he has the wine room, designed with 360-degree cork and wine, floor to ceiling. He really liked that room.”

The Pils collection leaves a lasting impression with local flavors that appeal to any palette.

“He was constantly challenging himself to do something meaningful for what he could be proud of and that would mean something to others,” says Kirk Pils.

Pils’ prints are available at the Missouri Museum of History.

John Pils reflected in 2014. “The key to turning a lock is that it’s part of your neighborhood in it.”

A visitation will be held January 3 at the Schrader Funeral Home in Ballwin from 4pm to 8pm. The funeral will be held the next day at 11 a.m. at Pathfinder Church in Ellisville.