Biography of
John Zacharias
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A graduate of the Alberta College of Art, Calgary, John began full-time painting after twenty years in graphic art and advertising management.
“8 years of painting 24 images per year, for two national calendars while working full-time was a great way to develop the discipline required to paint in a realistic and meticulously accurate style. It also gave me the freedom to experiment with a wide range of subject matter which included animals, people, country scenes and still life. Watercolor came easier to me as it was my preferred medium in graphic art design and commercial illustration. I love the control of flowing and soft blends that watercolor allows. I go a step further by detailing my subjects as some acrylic and oil painters do. This style often baffles people who are used to a certain looser style normally associated with watercolors.”
Born and raised on the prairies and a life-long resident of Alberta, his love for nostalgic treasures forms the basis of his recent still life works. “I derive great satisfaction from painting something that has emotional and personal significance to my clients” These subjects can range from delicate crystal and lace settings to musical instruments and garden scenes. The artist has recently begun a new series of Impressionistic landscapes in oils.
John Zacharias has enjoyed sold-out shows and was recently awarded ‘collectors choice’ at a major show in Calgary, Alberta. His paintings are collected throughout the world.
Since moving to Bragg Creek Alberta in 2016, John has been busy painting for a number of private shows, several inclusions into the Charlie Russell auctions, and private commissions.
While maintaining his watercolor works, he also paints in oils, especially for large subjects on canvas and small bird paintings which are epoxied. John’s close proximity to a beautiful mountainous area offers a great variety of subjects.
CREDENTIALS:
RESIDES: Bragg Creek, Alberta
EDUCATION:
W. R. Meyers High, Taber Alberta 1962
Alberta College of Art, Calgary Alberta 1968- 1972 (B.F.A. Degree)
COMMISSIONS
Edmonton Oilers- Wedding gift for Wayne and Janet Gretzky (City of Edmonton Alberta)
Alberta Government-Tourism
Edmonton Eskimos Alumni
8 Alberta Government Portraits
Many Private Commissions
SHOW EXHIBITIONS
1993 The Alikat Gallery, Bragg Creek, Alberta Sold Out
1994 The Alikat Gallery, Bragg Creek, Alberta Sold out
1995 Rocky Mountain Gallery, Calgary Alberta
1996 July Calgary Stampede Western Art Exhibition Gallery – Sold Out
1996 Western Lights Artists Group -Manual Life, Edmonton Alberta
1997 Oct.- Artist Direct, Calgary Alberta
1998 Picture This Framing and Gallery, Sherwood Park, Alberta
1997 July – Calgary Stampede (Juried Show)–Sold Out
1998 Western Lights Artists Group, Eau Claire Gallery, Calgary Alberta
1998 Oct.- Artist Direct, Calgary Alberta
1999 February – Picture This Framing and Gallery
1999 Oct.- Artist Direct, Calgary Ab.
1999 Oct. Picture This Gallery Sherwood Park Ab.
2000 Calgary Stampede – July 6-16 (Juried Show)
2000 Artist Direct , Calgary Ab. (Won Collectors Choice – Best Watercolor)
2000 Picture This Gallery Sherwood Park Ab. – Oct. 21.
2000 Garden Gallery -Oct. 25
2000 The Grand Gallery -Nov. 9
2001 Calgary stampede –July (Juried Show)
2001 Art Essential – Oct
2001 Picture This-Nov
2002 Calgary Stampede Western Art Show (Juried Show)
2003 Calgary Stampede Western Art salon (Juried Show)
2004 Calgary Stampede Western Art salon (Juried Show)
2004 Picture This “Masterpieces in Miniature show” (Invitation Only)
2005 Calgary Stampede Western art salon (Juried Show)
2005 Picture This “Master Pieces in Miniature Show” (Invitation Only)
2006 Calgary Stampede Western Art salon (Juried Show)
2006 Picture This “Masterpieces in Miniature Show” (Invitation Only)
2007 Calgary Stampede Western Art salon (Juried Show)
2007 Picture This “ Masterpieces in Miniature” (Invitation Only)
2008 Picture This “Masterpieces in Miniature” (Invitation Only)
2009 Picture This “Masterpieces in Miniature” (Invitation Only)
2009 CFR Rodeo
2010 Picture This “Masters in Miniature”Miniature show (Invitation only)
2010 Calgary Stampede Western Art Salon (Juried Show)
2011 Hyatt Regency Hotel “ReflectionsWest Art Show” (Invitation only)
PUBLICATIONS
Calgary Stampede 1997 Agricultural Calendar Cover
Edmonton Oilers Program Schedules
Health Care and Computing- Vancouver World Convention
AWARDS AND ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Best of show Calgary stampede western showcase
Artists choice
8 successive years with Ducks Unlimited national print program
Twice selected to represent Ducks Unlimited
2000 – Collectors Choice Art Essential 2000
2001 – Best Of Show – Jurors Choice (Stampede Auction) 2001
2011 – Inducted into Artist Guild “West Guild” Master Membership Feb 2011– Calgary Alberta
CORPORATE COLLECTIONS
Balboa Land Developments
City Of Edmonton
Edmonton Eskimos
Exploron Corporation
Alberta Government
Land Conservation society Toronto Ontario
Hyatt Hotel Calgary Alberta
Coril Holdings
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
John’s unique watercolor style has been the subject of several publications and newsprint articles in Canada. His works have been chosen for many publications with the Calgary Stampede, Ontario Writers Association, and National Healthcare Symposium Vancouver, to name a few.
