Early Childhood Painted by Donald Zolan

Just Ducky

Donald James Zolan who is my favorite artist also is an award-winning collectibles artist whose tender and heartfelt paintings of early childhood graced collectible plates, prints, figurines, children's books, and licensed products for 30 years, died of cancer on July 20, 2009. He was 71.

Quiet Time

As a child prodigy, Zolan began drawing and painting at the age of three winning his first scholarship in oils to the Art Institute of Chicago at 12. Upon graduation, he won a full scholarship to the American Academy of Fine Art in Chicago. He apprenticed under Haddon Sundblom, the well-known illustrator of the Coca Cola Santa Claus, and later attended the Arts Students League in New York City.

Daddy is Home

Born in Brookfield  in 1937 to middle class parents, Zolan embodied the values of the Heartland of honesty, humility, and straightforwardness. What he captured in his art work was the honest,
open expression of his heart. A compassionate and kind man, an insightful and positive man, and a dedicated artist his entire life, there was no distance between what he portrayed and how he lived his
life.

Just we Two

 Zolan leaves behind an enormous legacy of artwork with over 200 oil paintings in the collection that will continue to be licensed nationally and internationally by his wife, Jennifer Zolan. The company will
continue to expand its licensing programs and its presence internationally. Zolan's sudden death did not allow him an opportunity to fulfill all of his dreams but Jennifer Zolan will continue his work and his legacy, with plans to establish a children's museum and programs to help young, needy and aspiring artists reach their artistic dreams.

Summer Child