Milwaukee, Wis. – April 22, 2018 Persistence paid off for artist Jim Plymale of Milwaukee. The Masterpiece Ltd. Board of directors have commissioned Plymale to create the artwork for the cover of the 2018 Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance program.
Plymale, who describes himself as a “car nut,” has regularly attended the Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance. A couple of years ago he noticed that the concours program, which describes the vehicles that are entered in the judged competition, featured original artwork to convey the year’s theme. “Oh, I’d like to do that,” he said at the time.
“I inquired if local artists could apply for the assignment,” he said. The first year he asked he was told that an artist had already been selected for the following year. A year later, he asked again and received the same answer but was told to inquire immediately after the next year’s event closed. That did the trick.
Plymale submitted four sketches, each depicting classic cars that exemplify the 2018 theme of “elegance and luxury.” His sketch featuring a 1930s-era Rolls-Royce and a Ruxton in Veterans Park with the Calatrava in the background captured the interest of the board.
“Jim’s sketches were right on the mark,” said Mike O’Krongly, president – The Masterpiece Ltd. “His interpretation of our 2018 theme immediately jumps out at you. We are looking forward to receiving the final artwork.”
Plymale, a native of Grand Island, Neb., moved with his family to Rockford when he was in grade school. After high school, he attended Layton School of Art in Milwaukee, graduating in 1966. He returned to Rockford where he worked before moving to Milwaukee in 1987. In his career he has worked in corporate art departments as well as art studios and as a freelance artist and illustrator. Much of his work has involved automotive art. “I have a lot of automotive reference material,” Jim said.
His works have been on exhibit at Landmarks Gallery in Milwaukee. He is a member of the Wauwatosa Artist Workshop.
Jim is currently working to complete the 16” x 20” finished piece, done in acrylics. In addition to serving as the cover for the 2018 program, the original artwork will be auctioned as part of the fundraising element of the Style & Speed Social, which will be held on Saturday, Aug. 4, preceding the Aug. 5 Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance.
Learn more about the 2018 Milwaukee Concours d’Elegance.