John Dawson
More than likely, you have seen Johnʻs highly detailed illustrations and art around the Big Island. For example, when was the last time youʻve been to the Volcano National Parkʻs Visitor Center? Remember the display telling us about the Big Islandʻs varied terrain? Or, by chance have you seen or used a Pacific Coral Reef Postage Stamp? These examples barely scratch the surface of John Dawsonʻs work.
John D. Dawson is an internationally known wildlife artist. Since 1975, he has worked for a variety of clients, illustrating subjects that range from ants to dinosaurs and from mosses to giant redwoods.
Dawson owes is love of art sports, and nature to his parents. His mother and father supported and nurtured his interests from an early age while spending time exploring the Laguna Mountains of San Diego County in Southern California. Vacations were always spent camping and hiking in the Sierra Nevada and other places in the West.
John began drawing at the age of three, and his artwork was a constant in his life as he progressed through school. He graduated from the Art Center of Los Angeles (now the Art Center College of Art and Design in Pasadena, California), and after beginning his career in auto illustration, Dawson moved on to advertising.
In 1975, with his wife and business partner Kathleen, John made a major move from advertising to full-time freelance illustration. Two years later, another important shift took them and their work to the Wood River area of the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho. There, while traveling extensively on assignment, they immersed themselves in learning about the many facets of natural history.
After twelve years of living in the mountains of the West, tropical rain forests beckoned, and the couple moved to Hilo, on the island of Hawai’i. Seventeen years later, the Dawsons still live and work there in an environment that continues the provide inspiration and comfort. Johnʻs sketchbook is his constant companion, whether birdwatching in Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, observing sea turtles underwater, or people watching indoors. There is always the prospect of a fresh image to add to his portfolio.
Clients of Dawson & Dawson, Ltd. include: the United States Postal Service, the United Nations, the National Geographic Society, the National Park Service, the National Wildlife Federationʻs Ranger Rick magazine, the Environmental Protection Agency, Golden Guide Books, the National Audubon Society, the Orland Park Public Library, the University of Hawai’i at Hilo, Hawai’i Volcanoes National Park, and the Hawai’i Natural History Association.
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