Donald Zolan grew up in Brookfield, Illinois with a family full of artists so began drawing at age three. He was already working in watercolors and winning local competitions at the age of five. It wasn't until he was thirteen that he won his first major art competition. His award for winning this competition was a scholarship to the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago. Not even three years later he won a scholarship to Chicago's American Academy of Art.
He wasn't able to pursue full-time formal training until after high school when he received a full scholarship to the American Academy of Fine Art. After he graduated from there he was selected as an apprentice with Haddon Sundbloom, a famous illustrator most known for his Coca-Cola Santa Claus. Over the next twelve years Zolan was very successful in the commercial art industry. However, he found that his passion was his fine art paintings which were shown in galleries and museums around the world. Finally, he opened his own gallery in Nantucket.
From there, his work has blossomed to what it is today. His images are licensed on a wide range of products by more than 20 national and international companies. His works have appeared on plates, dolls, figurines and other fine collectibles. His limited edition prints and original oil paintings are displayed in the finest galleries and museums.
|