As a youth, Jon remembers his artistic mother encouraging him and his twin brother to express their creativity. It worked. Both Jon and his twin brother are professional artists: Jon in Alaska and his brother in Hawaii. His love of the outdoors lured Jon to Alaska and the entire 49th State has become his inspiration. Jon Van Zyle chronicles his diverse life in his autobiographic Alaska's Artist Jon Van Zyle: My Colorful Life of Art and Adventure, sharing the adventures of his earliest paintings to his recent work. As a painter and musher, Jon Van Zyle has immersed himself into Alaska's rugged outdoors and community. Twice he ran the famed Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race and since 1979, he has been the race's official artist. In 2004 he was inducted into the Iditarod Hall of Fame. Mushing, wildlife, fishing and the mystique of Alaska are favorite subjects of his and are featured in many of his works. Jon and his wife Jona raise and train sled dogs at the home in Eagle River, Alaska. Their dogs are not only models for Van Zyle's artistry: they are also working dogs that partner with him and Jona on their adventures in Alaska's rugged wilderness. In Alaska's Artist Jon Van Zyle: My Colorful Life of Art and Adventure, the spirit of Alaska and the spirit of one of its most acclaimed artist become one. The adventure continues.
Art is Jon’s life and Alaska, all Alaska, has been his inspiration. Artist Jon Van Zyle has seen more of Alaska in a much more unique way than most can ever hope to experience. Jon has twice completed the 1049 miles of the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race between Anchorage and Nome. From these adventures he has created the yearly Iditarod poster series commemorating the race and his involvement. In 1979 he was made the official Iditarod artist, a title he still holds today. In 2004 he was inducted into the Iditarod Hall of Fame. Jon's art career has spanned over 3 decades. Prolific artist, he produces numerous paintings a year for one man exhibitions in the United States as well as Europe. Illustrating at least two children's books a year since 1993 for prestigious publishers has earned him a reputation with a younger audience as well as many awards for his children's art. His limited edition prints and posters sell out regularly with well over 300 editions in the last 30-plus years.
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