The artist retired in 1994 from a long and distinguished career as an executive in the advertising and publishing business to devote full-time to painting. 

     He travels and paints in plein air throughout the U.S. and Europe.  Frequently is asked to lecture, teach throughout the United States, Canada, France and Italy.  He’s the inventor of the Jim Markle Pastel Easelbox for location painting.  Pastel manufacturer Great American Art Works markets a Jim Markle North American Landscape set of pastels for the professional throughout the country. 

     In 1999 he was elected a Signature Member of the Pastel Society of America. In 2004 he was elected a Master Member of the Great Lakes Plein Air Painters Association. Is one of a group of artists known as

”The West Michigan Eight”.

     He is a past President of the Great Lakes Pastel Society and Grand Valley Artists, Inc.

     Is the designer of the “Tree of Dates” Plaza in Ah-Nab-Awen Park located next to the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum in downtown Grand Rapids, MI.