Leaders of Character by James Dietz
We are excited to announce James Dietz’s first West Point painting, titled “Leaders of Character.”
- Edition Total Signed and numbered by the Artist
- Main Edition: 1,802
- Publisher's Proof: 250
- Artist's Proof: 100
- Giclee on Canvas: 100
- Class of 1996 w/crest: 200 (proceeds benefiting USMA class of 1996)
The idea for _Leaders of Character_ originated with Ted Pelzel (96) as
a fundraiser for the Class of 1996’s 30th Reunion. Drawing on his 23
years of Active-Duty service and subsequent work at the Pentagon, Ted
chose the title to reflect a belief shared by many West Pointers: now
more than ever, our nation needs leaders of strong character. As the
concept evolved, it became clear that this was more than a single
class fundraising effort. Ted envisioned a painting that would
represent — and belong to — all West Pointers.
To bring this vision to life, Ted partnered with Vladimir Arts,
longtime friends of the Academy and many Old Grads, who
enthusiastically embraced the project. From there, the endeavor began
to grow in both scope and significance.
From the outset, Ted knew he wanted Jim Dietz to paint _Leaders of
Character_. Ted first met Jim in Afghanistan where he escorted him
around Kabul as he conducted background work for _First In, Last Out_
on behalf of the XVIII Airborne Corps in 2014.
What began as a series of PowerPoint concepts in the winter of 2025
soon evolved into an iterative artistic process following Jim’s
first-ever visit to West Point in May. Jim toured the campus and met
with Academy leaders, cadets, and representatives from the West Point
Museum. These engagements gave him a deep appreciation for the
Academy’s four-year mission: forging graduates who live and lead
honorably, exemplifying excellence in character, competence, and
commitment.
Jim returned to West Point on a cold A-weekend in November,
photographing cadets in a range of uniforms and historical period
pieces spanning World War I through the Global War on Terror. The
visit also included a behind-the-scenes look at cadet life, with tours
of Washington Hall, Ike Hall, and Flirtation Walk, which he and his
wife, Patti, experienced the day prior.
In the weeks that followed, Jim produced a series of increasingly
refined sketches that brought his vision of _Leaders of Character_
into focus. After four iterations, a final composition was selected.
Beginning in early December, Jim brought the painting to life,
completing _Leaders of Character_ in January.
We want to thank all who made this idea a reality from the West Point
community, with special thanks to BG RJ Garcia (96), Mr. Tom Oakley
(00), LTC Adam Brady (02), Dr. Tom Frankie, and all the cadets (26,
27, 28, 29) who volunteered.
Order now and reserve print #'s.
NEW Anticipated delivery: April / May 2026.
Class of 96 crest on Class of 1996 edition only.
Know why our custom framing is so competitive