Yong Hong Zhong was born in Canton, China, and immigrated to the United States when he was twelve years old. Yong’s interest in drawing and art at an early age is reflected in his grit and determination to follow his dream.
In his junior year at Pratt Institute, in a nationwide search, Disney Animation Studios selected Yong and fourteen other college students to participate in an exclusive program for gifted young artists. He had the opportunity to tour the art studios and study with their best artists for two weeks. The window into the animation industry reinforced his love for the arts. Upon graduation, he was offered an internship at the Disney Animation Studios. After completion of the internship, Yong returned to New York and worked for MTV Animation Studios as a storyboard artist assisting in the background and prop design. After a year at MTV, he rejoined the Disney Animation Studios and worked on feature films from 1995-2009.
The changes and demands in the animation industry from traditional 2D films to 3D films broadened his versatility and proficiency in multiple production software applications. This experience helped refine his skills in storytelling, color, and composition.
After 14 years with Disney, Yong was ready to take a different direction and focus on his passion for traditional painting. Yong strives for two fundamental elements with his paintings. The first is a solid foundation in draftsmanship, color, and composition and the second is being able to express and communicate one’s feelings with each piece.
Oregon’s breathtaking scenic landscapes and family-oriented communities motivated him to relocate. His subject matter varies from landscape to portrait to still life. Yong has participated in multiple Plein Air competitions nationwide and has won multiple awards. He has been published in local and international art magazines. Some of his pieces can be found at Maryhill Museum’s permanent art collection. For more information, visit his website at http://yonghongzhong.com or follow him on Instagram @yonghong.zhong.