Photo
by Gordon Trice
Mike Wimmer's career started out slow but it wasn't long before his portfolio was full and his workday busy. Most of his clients were local in the beginning but after a whirlwind tour of New York he began working more on a national scale and his work began to take on a broader audience. Mike has illustrated many children's book covers and is the illustrator of
"Train Song" by Diane Siebert, 1991 NCSS/CBC Notable Children's Trade Book in the field of Social Studies and a Redbook Best Book for 1990. He is also the illustrator of
"Flight: The Journey of Charles Lindbergh" by Robert Burliegh, published by Putnam Philomel who was the winner of the Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children 1990.
"All the Places to Love" by Patricia MacLachlan was published in 1994 by Harper Collins and has become a favorite of every generation. It also won the Oklahoma Book Award for Best Illustrated Children's Book for 1995.
"Homerun: The Story of Babe Ruth", Mike's second book with Bob Burliegh, was published in 1997 by Harcourt Brace and has been included on many state book award lists. In 1999 Simon and Schuster published
"Summertime"-from Porgy and Bess by George and Ira Gershwin
with Dubose and Dorothy Hayward. "Will Rogers" written by
Governor Frank Keating was released in August of 2002. It has been awarded the 2003 Spur Award from the Western
Writers Association of America. My newest book "Theodore", written by
Frank Keating was released in January of 2006 and has already received a starred
review
What I'm doing now
Mike Wimmer was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma where he grew up like most boys: playing hard, fighting sleep, reading comic books and dreaming. "Thanks to my very active imagination and the physical development handed down to me through my grandfather, I was able to chase and sometimes catch many of my dreams." Dreams that included one day winning a bodybuilding championship, being a football star, or living the adventures of his favorite literary characters, King Arthur, Robin Hood, or a salty high seas pirateer. His art development, with the help of comic books and boy's adventure stories, was well nourished and supplied by his parents who themselves had no knowledge or understanding of such talents. But, in their own words, "It kept him active, out of trouble and above all, quiet."
Without formal education or training, Mike naively set out for studies at the University of Oklahoma where the opportunity to work with Don Ivan Punchatz
at his famous Sketch Pad Studio in Arlington, Texas availed itself. While
working as an apprentice for two and a half years, Mike learned the business end
of illustrating while also learning the painting techniques and working methods
of many of the local Dallas illustrators. Afterwards Mike moved back to Norman, Oklahoma, where he could set up his studio to begin his life as an illustrator and artist.
Mike's workday starts early: arise, get in his workout and sit down with a hot cup of tea and a little reading, usually a new manuscript, the latest murder mystery or catching up on some correspondence. "It gets me in a creative frame of mind." Then it's off to work on one of the many diverse projects that course through his studio. From creating the new more kind and gentle Mr. Clean to the colorful and proud Simba on Pride Rock for the Lion King soundtrack packaging, or the large historic murals commissioned to
hang in the Oklahoma Capitol Building. He is constantly conversing with his many clients throughout the day about upcoming deadlines or changes called for by anxious editors. Mike has worked for some of the largest corporations in the world, such as: American Airlines, Procter & Gamble, Reader's Digest, Disney, Kimberly Clark, Southwestern Bell, AT&T, and just about every major publisher in the United States. The list goes on and on, but Mike finds his greatest artistic pleasure in creating images for his many children's books and fine art prints. "They allow me to have the final say so in the creative process. It is still very much like being that little boy lying on the floor with an empty drawing pad and a full box of crayons."
His goals have remarkably stayed the same throughout his career: " I want to
bring my imagination to life so that everyone else can see what I have to say". His palette is full but each color is lovingly applied with the tender touch of someone who loves his work and his life.
I
released two books this year; "One Giant Leap" by Robert
Burliegh, is a 40th anniversary celebration of man's age old dream to
fly to the moon. It is really a statement of man's ability to dream
and then make those dreams come true. One of the things I like to talk
to kids about is the importance of having a vision and a goal and then
creating the opportunities in your life to make those dreams come
true. I am reminded of Goethe's quote; "Whatever you can do or
dream you can begin it. Boldness has power, magic and genius in it."
The
second book was "Pilgrim's Progress" written by John Bunyan and
reedited by C. J. Lovik. It is the second most published book in the
English language, second only to the Bible. It is an allegorical tale
of a pilgrim, named Christian, his walk through life and trek to the
Celestial City. Along the way he encounters friends, Helpful, Hopeful,
The Evangelist, Faithful and those who open their hearts, minds and
homes at The House Beautiful; and also enemies like Mr. Worldly Wise,
or the Giant of Doubting Castle or his battle with Apollyon. He
takes many diversions from the straight path called The Way, and
encounters hostilities while passing through Vanity Fair, but he
always recovers with the help of others and eventually makes his
entrance to the home of The Great King and Lord, Celestial City.
is another collaboration with my old friend Robert Burliegh, it was released
in January, 2007. It has already
earned two Starred
Reviews
from PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, December 2006, and the January 2007
STAR REVIEW.
It
was one of
four books reviewed in the January 12,2007
USA
TODAY
(circ. 2 million) children’s book roundup.
Few
baseball players have inspired more books — for children or adults —
than Jackie Robinson, who in 1947 became the first black in the major
leagues. Stealing Home,
through text and paintings, tells his story in a different way, framed
around a brief shining moment in Robinson's storied career. In the
opening game of the 1955 World Series (when the Brooklyn Dodgers
finally beat the New York Yankees), he boldly stole home; "… and then
the wild, dust-cloud-heaving slide and quick foot under the too-late
tag." It notes Jesse Jackson's 1972 funeral eulogy: "Jackie danced on
the base paths, but it was more than a game."
It
was a banner day for this artist Friday March 16, 2007 when a new gallery was
dedicated at the Will Rogers Memorial in Claremore, OK. The paintings from my
book "Will Rogers" were acquired recently from Anadarko Petroleum after their
buyout of Kerr McGee. I remember the day the book was kicked off at the Will
Rogers birthplace some
five
years ago. It has always been my dream for the paintings to one day hang in the
memorial and patience brought that dream to fruition. There were many children
in attendance as well as friends and family of the memorial. The family of Will
Rogers was represented by his grandson Kem Rogers and ... To have my paintings
included in the memorial is a huge honor for me. That I can in anyway be
associated with this great man's memory and legacy is truly an honor. Steve Gragert and his lovely wife Helen deserve a huge round of applause for making
this gallery so beautiful and appropriate for my paintings. I bow in gratitude.
Kem Rogers, MIke, Eileen Burger, Doris Lane Myer and Will (Andy Hogen)
"Local
Artist Paints for Peanuts" That was the headline in the newspaper when
Planters Peanuts announced the release of their new commemorative cans to
celebrate their 100th birthday. I was one of four illustrators asked to create a
one-of-a-kind label for their new "Nostalgia Collector Series". Each design
depicts a different moment in American culture and the role that peanuts played.
My "Boardwalk" design depicts Mr. Peanut framed by a Ferris wheel in Atlantic
City.
Norman Rockwell's Studio
I
was highlighted in the March/April 2006 Oklahoma Today Magazine "Okies Section".
It was quite an honor and surely goes against the old proverb that "one is not
honored in his own home". If you want to take a look just click on the magazine
and it will take you to a copy of the page. 
I
Recently had the unbelievable honor to spend and evening with Supreme Court
Justice Sandra Day O'Connor. She was being honored at a dinner at the Governor's
Pavilion by my good friend and history lover Judge Robert Henry. Justice
O'Connor and I talked about our favorite Oklahoman, Will Rogers. She had noticed
the very large portrait of Will that I had painted which hangs in the pavilion.
We also talked about her recent television appearance on
CBS'
Sunday Morning show which featured her as the sitter for a group of portrait
painters. it will go down as one of the highlights in my life. She is such an
intelligent and fair-minded soul. We shall surely miss her wisdom and her
presence on the Supreme Court. 
I
finished
my MFA studies at The Limited Residency MFA In Illustration at the University of
Hartford Art School. This summer I spent two weeks
attending classes in Hartford under the tutelage of Murray Tinkelman, Ted and
Betsy Lewin, Dennis Nolan, Bunny Carter, and Jim Carson, Gary Kelly, Chris
Payne, Chris Spollen and Canny Pelavin. It was an unbelievable
experience. Each of us, some 40 working professionals, worked tireless days and
spent enjoyable evenings talking about art and helping each other with projects
or teaching each other techniques and methods that we have learned in our
professional careers. It was such an invigorating two weeks,
it supercharged my creative engine and I look forward to where it might lead me
next. I'm now looking for a teaching position to pass along the knowlege i have
acquired during my long carreer as a person and a professional. During the weekend we visited the
Norman Rockwell Museum and in Stockbridge. It
was an exciting and inspirational visit for me.
contest
to give away new books to children with the purpose of fostering a love for
literature. Oklahoma was the winner hands down with 33,000 of 123,000 votes cast
nationwide. The celebration took place at Oklahoma City's
Omniplex
Science Museum. Attending where, Susan McVey Director of Oklahoma
Department of Libraries, Lynda
Lancaster Senior
Vice
President of National Outreach for
First
Book, Janet Stevens Senior Vice
President Public Relations Idearc Media, Oklahoma's First Lady Kim Henry,
Mekenna Smith Miss Oklahoma 2007, Brooke Good Mrs. Oklahoma International 2007,
the kids from Western Village Academy and myself.
Miss Oklahoma Mekenna Smith, Myself,
and Mrs. Oklahoma Brooke Good. Above with First Lady Kim Henry. Literature
has it's perks.
I am being highlighted on the
Celestial Seasons website.
A few years ago I painted a cover illustration
for a tea called "Gingerbread Spice Tea". (Print out a black and white line
version to color for yourself by clicking on the
I recently dedicated a painting "Surveying the Red" for the 1st Bank and Trust of
Idabel, OK, which depicts the early history of southeast Oklahoma and the Red
River region. Working with Robert
photo courtesy of Fred W. Marvel
And I thought I painted big.
image
at left). I also finished another cover for a tea called "Candy Cane Lane"
that shows a number of polar bears working away in their North Pole workshop
painting the red stripes on peppermint sticks.
It should be out in time for the winter. I recently finished another painting
for Celestial, this time
depicting some very beautiful nymphs (my next door neighbors Kayla and Kaci
Tiffin) blissfully floating down a mountain stream playing their apple shaped
musical instruments. The tea is "Sweet Apple Chamomile" and the samples they
sent me were very delicious. I hope it inspires you as much as it inspired me
to paint this beautiful cover. 
Earl
Young and his lovely wife Linda along with Robert's Daughter Robyn and husband
Mike Batson made this truly one of the most rewarding projects of my life. We
were all honored to have the incredible talent of Bob Burke, Oklahoma's most
prolific writer and historian, to share his insights and comments about his
home. 
My
painting of Eli at 16 was
recently highlighted in the new art book "How
Did you Paint
That? 100 Ways to Paint People & Figures, The
Editors of International Artist". the book explains the techniques and
inspirations of 100 artists around the world for some of their paintings. I had
some visitors from Oklahoma
Christian
University in Edmond recently and was able to share with them the trials and
In
2005 Eli and I made our first trip to Europe to celebrate his graduation from
high school. We visited the many art museums and sights of London, Paris and
Amsterdam. The beauty is hard to put into words. Being in the presence of such
famed sights and the work of the masters I have studied all my life was an
experience that outshines many but it pales in the comparison of the emotional
satisfaction of knowing that my son chose to celebrate with me. I had him all to
myself for eleven whole days. The realization that
Eli
is growing up and will soon be making his own way in the world made every moment
with him precious. After we returned home it wasn't long before my daughter
Lauren was making plans for her senior trip in four years. Right now she is
planning on the Greek isles. I guess I better start saving up now.
We enjoyed a very happy surprise when
some very special friends dropped by for a visit. Steve and Lisa Cauble (you may
remember her as Lisa Whelchel or Blair from "The Facts of Life" TV show) along
with their kids Tucker, Haven and Clancy made a trip up to Oklahoma City where
Lisa was
speaking at a women's conference. Lisa started a women's ministry some 
years ago
to promote and support women in their daily walk with God and struggles with
parenting their kids and husbands (just kidding, everybody knows husbands are
hopeless), "HEY, I resemble that remark. You should check out her website at
www.lisawhelchel.com it is truly
inspiring. We had a wonderful time catching up and seeing how much the kids had
grown and made plans to visit them soon.
Haven, Lisa, Tucker, Steve, Clancy with Donut, Mike, Eli and girlfriend Mary Beth
I
had a singular, "Once in a Lifetime" Opportunity come to me this past year. I
was chosen to be one of the artists to create a Christmas Ornament to hang on
the White House Christmas Tree. It was a simple decision to use Will
Rogers as the face of Santa. He represents so much about Oklahoma and its people
— a good blend of intelligence, humility and common sense — things all
Oklahomans have. I first found out about the project when the secretary from
Sen. Jim Inhofe’s office called me. Then I got an official invitation by letter,
I, of course, said yes, because it was an honor to be asked, but then I was like
‘Oh, God, I have a lot of work to do. The ornament, which features Will Rogers
as Santa on one side and the letters ‘OK’ formed by ropes on the other, could be
available to Oklahoma residents as soon as 2009. All proceeds from any future
sales will go to the Will Rogers Memorial in Clarlemore.