"Brave"

If you haven't gone to see Pixar's newest film "Brave", please check it out - it's breathtaking! Here's a set of collectibles I really enjoyed working on. For more information, please visit: 

http://www.disneystore.com/vinylmation-vinylmation-brave-3-figure-merida-with-1-1/2-triplet-figures/mp/1305970/1000828/

Storyboards

Not long after Disney's Florida animation studio closed, I was very fortunate to be hired at Project Firefly, a small, local studio which was started by fellow former Disney animation artists. The ironic thing is that a big percentage of the work we did was still for Disney, and there were so many opportunities for professional growth. For example, I storyboarded some sequences in "Cinderella III", the direct-to-DVD sequel, as well as early versions of the "TinkerBell" movie, and along with John Hurst (now with Blue Sky), about 75% of "Pooh's Heffalump Halloween". I'm very grateful for the three years I had there, and all the experience and friendships it provided. 

May get wet!

 Some of the ducks I did for the Disney Fantasy cruise ship.

"My House Goes Disney"

Recently, I had the pleasure of helping bring some Disney magic to a family's redesigned home on HGTV's "My House Goes Disney", which ties in with Disney's new Art of Animation Resort. Here's the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABM-E9A3lyI if you'd like to see the episode. My part is about 31 minutes in.

Coming soon...

This new resort at Walt Disney World is sure coming along swimmingly!

RC in HK

Found this online today at disneyandmore.blogspot.com. The new Toy Story area just opened in Hong Kong, and the art I helped on for Disney Paris is featured there as well. Pretty cool! See the previous post about the drawing here:RC Paris.

Great CalArts mentor

So sad to hear the news of Cornelius Cole's passing. Corny was always such an uplifting and encouraging teacher - and he was hilarious. He would share stories at your cubicle, help with a walk cycle, then later you'd hear his unmistakable voice saying "Where's my mocha?!" This of course was what he'd accidentally (or not) spill onto the butcher paper on the floor as he was teaching gesture sketching/life drawing, and then use a stick to get an even better artistic effect with the spilled mocha! He still defines my early-90s CalArts experience, and I hope we can all continue to share his infectious enthusiasm for this crazy and wonderful art form. God bless you, Corny.

Back to work!

Apologies for the long delay - I've been quite busy. The big news is that Disney has been gracious enough to hire me again!! I'm a character artist designing merchandise and collectibles exclusive to the Disney theme parks. It is such a joy to work on old and new characters, and to continue their stories as they relate to the attractions and environments of the parks and resorts. I'm also excited to be working with some of the best artists and designers in the business, who also happen to be great friends and fellow Disney enthusiasts.

Lightning's Big Race cover

Here's a cover illustration I did a while back (just the line art - not the paint). The grey car next to Lightning is actually a character named "Otto" from one of the video games.

Goofy and Max illustration

This is an illustration I made for the Goofy mini-golf area on the new Disney Dream cruise ship.

Pencil test

One of the highlights of working at a small studio (I was at Project Firefly in Orlando from 2004 to 2007, following the closing of the Disney Florida studio) was getting to wear different hats for different projects. On the "Curious George" film, I was one of the character animators (both rough and clean up) - and it was an absolute joy. Every scene, such as the one here shown in an early pencil test, presented new challenges for me. I was thrilled to have had the opportunity.

It's funny - whenever I draw Woody from "Toy Story" for a children's book or on theme park merchandise, I have to be careful not to start drawing Ted (the Man with the Yellow Hat), whose features I  find to be slightly similar in some regards. 

Next children's book

This is the cover for another "Cars" children's book I illustrated for Random House, which will be coming out on August 9th. This will be the third I've done for them, and I'm very excited to have had the opportunity. These little books are very enjoyable to work on.