A true artist of the American West
Dustin Lyon’s early life was spent amongst the natural beauty, rolling farmlands and rugged terrain of South Eastern Idaho. It was a simpler time. This land he called home is rich in history and abundant with wildlife. He was raised in the Western way of life on his family’s farm - ingraining hard work, resiliency and a strong sense of community which is seen in each of his art works
“Earth and sky, woods and fields, lakes and rivers, the mountain and the sea, are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than what we could learn from books.” - John Lubbock
One night, while a young child, Dustin’s mother came home with a painting she was excited about having just purchased. He saw the piece and instantly thought, “that’s what I want to do! I want to learn how to paint!” Thus, a love and passion for creating art began.
A true son of the American West, Dustin Lyon’s early life was spent amongst the natural beauty, rolling farmlands and rugged terrain of South Eastern Idaho. It was a simpler time. This land he called home is rich in history and abundant with wildlife. He was raised in the Western way of life on his family’s farm - ingraining hard work, resiliency and a strong sense of community in him.
Set in the backdrop of one of America’s grandest mountain ranges, the Grand Tetons, Dustin was drawn in by the culture, history, and artistry of the Native Americans that had long lived in Idaho. Their rich cultural heritage overflows with distinctive art, music, and spiritual beliefs, often centered around their reverence for nature and the land.
Dustin Lyon pursued a degree in Art Advertising and Design, and after graduating in 1978, he entered the art world as a commercial artist, but something was missing. His heart was drawn to being a fine artist. Dustin made the decision to make his childhood aspiration a reality and become a full time fine artist. He has spent his life, and storied career, obsessed with light.The works of Frank McCarthy, Henry Farny, Tom Lovell, John Clymer, Frederic Church and other Hudson River School painters have influenced and inspired him.
One of Dustin’s favorite pastimes is exploring the awe-inspiring landscapes and natural wonders of the South West United States. Many of these gorgeous elements are often painted against this backdrop from a specific locale encountered in his travels. His love of the light is reflected in his paintings with the essence of luminescent lighting in each work of art created from sunsets, clouds, foliage, land monuments, and other wonderful elements that draw you into his captivating paintings.
Over his 50 year, storied career, Dustin Lyon has received numerous awards, has been featured in countless art shows and hung his works of art in galleries across the Southwest. His works hang in many private and public collections.
In 1996, Dustin Lyon relocated to the Arizona desert. Well established as a premier Western American painter, Arizona provided the backdrop which had inspired him since he was a newly minted artist. In 2005, Dustin opened D.LYON-ART Gallery which quickly became a home for him to paint and showcase his inspirational work, as well as the works of other talented and well established artists.
Currently Dustin resides with his wife and business partner Jessie, in Arizona.