Automobile Art
"As an artist, I have to express my emotions. I've got to keep centered, refine my style and be innovative in my craft."
David Chapple
Biography
My life, career and passion have been solely devoted to being a working artist. From my early studies at Hope College in Holland, Michigan, where I received my BFA in 1991, to present, the automobile has been my artistic inspiration and the central focus of my work. In 2014, I received the privilege of becoming an Automotive Fine Arts Society (AFAS) member — a longtime aspiration and an honor.
Developing new and innovative techniques drives my creativity. I don't merely paint for the sake of painting, but continually push my creativity in an effort to advance my skill and fulfill my vision. That commitment distinguishes my work and defines who I am as an artist.
In 2007, my career as a painter evolved to include three-dimensional work. As a young man, I had worked with wood beside my grandfather, cutting trees and creating small pieces of furniture. In 2010, sculpting in wood became a major component of my art. I created my first wall sculpture titled "917k" and then, with a more extreme approach, "250TR59" and "Hippie". These sculptures introduced a new way of portraying movement in my art. Now the wood sculpting process is a staple of my work. Working in wood and painting on the wooden surface has reignited my creative enthusiasm and reconnected me to God's natural resources.
I strive for perfection in all of my work on canvas and in wood. All of my paintings and sculptures are hand painted and hand sculpted. This mode of craftsmanship offers the greatest degree of quality control and freedom for creative expression. Each and every single piece I create is one of a kind, hand built and custom made.
Recognition
David Chapple is grateful to have been the recipient of numerous awards and is proud to have had his work featured in numerous publications, magazines, books and calendars.
Awards
Award of Excellence
Concours d'Elegance of America, Plymouth, Michigan, 2019
AFAS Member Inductee
Automotive Fine Arts Society, Pebble Beach, California, 2014
Artist's Award of Excellence
CCCA Concours d'Elegance, Hickory Corners, Michigan
Selected Artist Chairman of The Grand Experience
CCCA Concours, Hickory Corners, Michigan
Best Essence of Speed
Glenmoor Gathering, Canton, Ohio, 2011
First Place
Fenton Art Show, Fenton, Michigan
Award of Excellence
Invitational Art Exhibit , Auburn, Cord, Duesenburg Museum, Auburn, Indiana, 2008
Best of Acrylics
Krasl Art Fair on the Bluff, St. Joseph, Michigan, 2008
Second Place
Art in the Park, Petoskey, Michigan, 2008
Notable Mention
Flint Art Fair, Flint, Michigan, 2008
Award of Excellence
Invitational Art Exhibit, Auburn, Cord, Duesenburg Museum, Auburn, Indiana, 2007
Honorable Mention
Flint Art Fair, Flint, Michigan, 2007
Best of Show
Flint Art Fair, Flint, Michigan, 2006
Award of Excellence
Invitational Art Exhibit, Auburn, Cord Duesenberg Museum, Auburn, Indiana, 2006
Passion of Motoring Award
Meadowbrook Concours d'Elegance, Rochester Hills, Michigan, August, 2005
Chairman's Award
The Grand Experience, CCCA Concours, Hickory Corners, Michigan, 2005
Third Place
West Bloomfield Fine Art Festival, West Bloomfield, Michigan, 2004
Second Place
Flint Art Fair, Flint, Michigan, 2004
Honorable Mention
Fine Art At The Village, Rochester Hills, Michigan, 2004
Award of Excellence
Invitational Art Show, Auburn Cord Duesenberg Museum, Auburn, Indiana, August, 2003
Best of Show
Cars On Campus Concours d'Elegance, East Lansing, Michigan, July, 2000
Second Place Painting
Concours d'Elegance at Ault Park, Cincinnati, Ohio, June, 2000
Jurors Recognition
Members Show, Greater Flint Arts Council, January, 2000
Jurors Award
Dearborn Homecoming Art Show, August, 1999
Third Place
Members Show, Greater Flint Arts Council, Flint, Michigan, 1999
Previous Board Member
Friends Of Modern Art, Flint Institute of Art, Flint, Michigan, 1999
Honorable Mention
Our Town Exhibition, Birmingham Community House, Birmingham, Michigan, 1998
Honorable Mention
Members Show, Greater Flint Arts Council, Flint, Michigan, 1998
Honorable Mention
Michigan Annual XXVI (juried by Tom Hale), The Art Center, Mount Clemens, Michigan, 1998
Vision and Creativity Award
Concours d'Elegance, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1997
Third Place Painting
Art In The Park, Petoskey, Michigan, 1996
Award of Distinction
Under The Oaks, Vero Beach Florida, 1994
Merit Award
Art In The Park, Petoskey, Michigan, 1994
Merit Award
Art In The Park, Petoskey, Michigan, 1993
First Place Painting
New Eastside Artworks, Chicago, Illinois, 1993
FMB Lumberman's Bank Award
Museum Of Art's Third West Michigan Juried Competition; Muskegon, Michigan, 1990
Honorable Mention
Sixth Annual Congressional Art Competition, 1987
Exhibitions
March 6-8, 2025
The Amelia
Join David Chapple at the 30th annual Amelia Concours d'Elegance on Amelia Island, Florida.
Contact
David Chapple Automobile Art
Marshall, Michigan
Telephone: (810) 625-0313
Email: info@davidchapple.com
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