Maria Apelo Cruz has been painting for the interior design, film and television industries in Los Angeles for over 35 years.  A masters graduate of the New York Academy of Art, Maria is highly trained in figurative and old master painting  and sculpture techniques, her ability to create and paint in any style has been a tremendous asset to designers who have collaborated with her on commissions for public spaces, hotels and private homes worldwide. 

Maria and husband Mike Jovanovic are the creative force behind MJ Atelier, a company at the forefront of innovative custom handmade wall covering, reverse painted glass and furniture available through the design trade.  Their proprietary and patented hand sculpted wall covering features  plaster details  on a rollable substrate  - making their custom bas relief plaster product available to clients worldwide.  All projects are site specific, “We don’t fill orders”, says Maria, “we study projects, listen to the designer’s intentions and then we create….every project is approached as an opportunity to explore and create something site-specific and unique”.  

Aside from significant material and technical contributions to the decorative arts Maria and Mike are also committed to  training a new generation of artists  in authentic atelier tradition.  At their studio located in Los Angeles California you will find  a new group of artisans working alongside Maria, Mike  and other artists with over 30 years of experience in the decorative arts. “Our true passion is to keep traditional decorative art techniques alive and to contribute new ones” says Maria, “the collaborative process with designers is key - we flourish because designers are continually finding new ways to incorporate our skills and techniques in their projects”.  








 

 

More about.....

Thank you to Ruth and Hutton Wilkinson for a very special lunch and tour of the Tony Duquette estate and their home - we were completely inspired and overwhelmed by the amazing interiors and garden!!  An afternoon so special we will never forget!

12/01/2018

Thank to Alberto Salaberri for using our "Havana" and "Brutalist" wall coverings at CASACOR MIAMI 2018

05/29/2017

Doing one of our favorite things - SAILING!  
Filming in our studio

12/01/2016

In Memory of our dear friend Mr. William P. Dailey

ABOUT

Maria Apelo Cruz has been painting for the interior design, film and television industries in Los Angeles for over 35 years.  A masters graduate of the New York Academy of Art, Maria is highly trained in figurative and old master painting  and sculpture techniques, her ability to create and paint in any style has been a tremendous asset to designers who have collaborated with her on commissions for public spaces, hotels and private homes worldwide. 

Maria and husband Mike Jovanovic are the creative force behind MJ Atelier, a company at the forefront of innovative custom handmade wall covering, reverse painted glass and furniture available through the design trade.  Their proprietary and patented hand sculpted wall covering features  plaster details  on a rollable substrate  - making their custom bas relief plaster product available to clients worldwide.  All projects are site specific, “We don’t fill orders”, says Maria, “we study projects, listen to the designer’s intentions and then we create….every project is approached as an opportunity to explore and create something site-specific and unique”.  

Aside from significant material and technical contributions to the decorative arts Maria and Mike are also committed to  training a new generation of artists  in authentic atelier tradition.  At their studio located in Los Angeles California you will find  a new group of artisans working alongside Maria, Mike  and other artists with over 30 years of experience in the decorative arts. “Our true passion is to keep traditional decorative art techniques alive and to contribute new ones” says Maria, “the collaborative process with designers is key - we flourish because designers are continually finding new ways to incorporate our skills and techniques in their projects”.