Ian van Zyl

Ian was born in Kimberley, South Africa and was raised on the family farms in the district. He started drawing and painting at an early age, inspired by the immense open spaces and wild animals that were part of his daily life.  After completing his school education at Grey College with Art as a subject he furthered his studies at the Johannesburg School of Art and is now an accomplished and sought after fine artist. Ian embarks on an extended field trip into the bush every year often spending long periods alone into the remote parts of South Africa, Botswana and Namibia.  It is here that he finds his greatest inspiration - these experiences and his love of wildlife and specifically the Kalahari is reflected in the sensitivity of his wildlife art and landscapes. He is married to Elizabeth, a Birmingham lass who is his fiercest critic and staunchest ally of some 33 years standing. His corporate clients include companies like Rio Tinto, First National Bank, De Beers, Seasons in Africa, Royal Madikwe, Ernst and Young, Delloitte and Touche and his work hangs in many private collections across the world. He regularly exhibits in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg and has shown work in successful exhibitions in New York, Birmingham and at the prestigious auction of Wildlife Art held by Christies of London.