Bursting with vibrant hues of green and red, John Dawson’s paintings are intricate and studied celebrations of the natural world that is unique to Hawai’i island. Born and raised in San Diego, California, John graduated from the Art Center School in Los Angeles, California. John served in the Army Reserves while beginning his art career. Detroit, Michigan and automobile art kept him occupied for a year after college when he returned to San Diego and entered the world of advertising. John’s gift of illustration offered him full-time employment for sixteen years while completing free-lance illustration jobs on the side.
Today one can find Dawson’s artwork included within the maps provided to visitors to Hawaiʻi Volcanoes National Park as well as the stunning educational display inside the Kilauea Visitor Center. One of Dawson’s proudest accomplishments is the Nature in America stamp series which includes a lush depiction of The Hawaiian Rainforest created for the United States Postal Service. Dawson’s resume includes many major assignments for the National Geographic Society, National Wildlife Federation, Audubon Society, United Nations and the ‘Imiloa Astronomy Center. With decades of experience, Dawson’s work continues to captivate audiences. John and his wife Kathleen have lived in Hilo for over twenty two years.
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