Mural - Iditarod Trail - 2001
"Art is his life and Alaska, all of 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 Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race between Anchorage and Nome. For over 25 years, he has created the yearly Iditarod poster and print series commemoration the race and his involvement. In 1979 he was made official Iditarod artist, a title he still holds today.
His acrylic paintings go beyond the race though, and encompass so much of the Alaska beauty Jon's reputation as a storyteller through his art is further enhanced by his art prints, posters and stone lithographs. Dog teams, landscapes, wildlife, Alaskan faces from native to newcomer, portray an intimacy with the land and its people. Public acceptance of his shared feeling through his art has been his greatest reward.
Jon's art career has spanned over three decades. A prolific artist, he produces many paintings a year for one-man exhibitions in the U.S. as well as Europe. His limited edition prints and posters sell out regularly with over 200 editions produced in the last 25 plus years. Illustrating children's books for prestigious publishers has earned him a reputation with a younger audience as well as many awards. Numerous books on his art have been published, including Jon Van Zyle's Alaskan Sketchbook and Jon Van Zyle's Iditarod Memories.
Jon and his wife, Jona, also an artist, travel extensively, gathering material and experiences for the continuous production of works of art. The Van Zyles live near Eagle River where they raise and train Siberian Huskies. Both inspirational and functional, the dogs play a large part in their lives together."
www.jonvanzyle.com