Jon Van Zyle's Alaska Sketchbook combines more than forty of Alaska artist Jon Van Zyle's favorite full-color paintings with color sketches, pencil drawings, notes, diary entries, and personal stories
Jon Van Zyle's Alaska Sketchbook combines more than forty of Alaska artist Jon Van Zyle's favorite full-color paintings with color sketches, pencil drawings, notes, diary entries, and personal stories to offer an intimate look at a year in Alaska through an artist's eyes.
Although born in Ohio, Jona Van Zyle has always been an Alaskan at heart, and a full time resident since 1998. Her longtime love of wildlife and sled dogs has greatly influenced all the facets of her art life. With over 30 years experience working with huskies, she has written and illustrated many articles about dog history and training for such publications as Mushing Magazine. Jona's art background includes studies at Kent State University, The Cleveland Institute of Art, and a year in Arizona apprenticed to architect Paolo Soleri. Jona lives near Eagle River with her husband Jon and their kennel of happy huskies. 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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