The Art of Robert Olszewski!

In this post, the amazing Miniaturist and Sculptor, Robert Olszewski. Over the past decade, Robert has created miniature replicas of popular Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort icons, attractions and buildings including the Main Street, U.S.A. Collection (Click Here to see all the pictures), as well as other figural pieces which include Gallery of Light scenes, Heirloom boxes and the ever-popular Pokitpal series. 

Michelle: You’re very well known for your ability to create miniature masterpieces. What influences or inspirations do you draw on both Disney and non-Disney to create these amazing pieces?

Olszewski: The inspirations I draw upon for my work today began in high school and college art classes. My view of art was solidly planted in painting, until in 1977, I carved a small figurine for my daughter’s dollhouse. This one figure changed everything. I had painted on canvas for 15 years and this tiny sculpture, at 1 inch tall, began my career as a sculptor. In 1979, while under contract, I made it a point to take the time to visit art museums. The museum visits broadened how I looked at all art. So, today, when I begin a new project, I reflect back on the great number of masterpieces I have seen.

The influences I find in Disney work have changed over time. My first Disney commission was in 1987 for the 50th Anniversary of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” Years later, I was commissioned to do the Disneyland Resort Main Street U.S.A. program. I was able to have access to the Disney Archives as we did research on the park. At the Disney Archives I was reminded that in order to get just the right look for a film, like “Dumbo;” we all have to study the art of the past.

Today I enjoy walking the Parks and revisiting the Disney films, looking at the details that give you that special feeling that is so hard to describe. So, I’m still learning as I continue to visit museums and as I focus in depth on some new gem of a project I am studying at Disneyland or Walt Disney World Resort.

Michelle: Can you give us a little insight as to what our guests can expect to see in the coming months and share some details on the process and steps it takes to create things in this scale?

Olszewski: This is hard to answer as I am working on the Disneyland Resort Main Street, U.S.A. collection and attraction sculptures, the Walt Disney World Resort Main Street, U.S.A. collection, PokitPals, Heirloom Boxes and Gallery of Light. The truth is…that when I work on projects, of which there are many, the project in my hand is the only and most important project in the world. 

The work we do here at the studios is not linear – it doesn’t follow a straight line. However, here is the framework I work in for every project, from PokitPals to the Main Street, U.S.A. buildings & attractions:

Research, sketch, gather input, concept approval, build paper model – yes all projects are built in paper first, sculpted in clay, then submitted for approval, we produce a final sample – coloration, lighting, etc., then submit the final sample for approval, manufacture it, and then launch and market the designs to the collectors.

At all steps, I focus on the feeling of the piece. Details should be left out, if they do not support the feeling. As far as what designs are coming, you and the collectors will have to wait and see. I am at the Disneyland Resort, launching new designs 4 times a year and at Walt Disney World Resort, at least 2 times a year. Stay tuned for more announcements.

The Art of Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily

Today we got Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily, who over the course of the year have created some very nostalgic and classic Disneyland park 55th anniversary pieces.

 

Michelle: Our Disneyland Resort Guests have gotten to know you through your Disney-inspired art and collectible merchandise. How would you describe your art style for someone who has never seen any of your work?

Jody: We hope that the majority of our collectibles do not reflect our own personal style. We work very hard to keep own “fingerprints” hidden and really showcase the original design of the item we are replicating. If we’re adapting the design into a new medium, like a teapot or a stained-glass lamp, we place the design esthetic into a particular time period, such as Art Noveau, Craftsman, or even Post Modern, that will compliment the original design. More than style, I hope we’re known for aspiring to a high level of authenticity. 

Michelle: Your collaborative partnership has served you well. How long have you been working together and what is the spark that ignites each Disney project?

Kevin: We started working together in 1990 as designers in the Disneyland Entertainment Art department. Since then we’ve created all kinds of things for Disney from illustrating books to designing toys and, of course, Theme Park entertainment. Everything we do starts with a ton of research. The “spark” might come from seeing a beautiful background from an animated film … or a grainy black and white picture of a long lost attraction sign!

 

Michelle: You bring out the collector in all of us with your anniversary themed merchandise created to celebrate iconic Disneyland park attractions such as The Enchanted Tiki Room, Pirates of the Caribbean and most recently for the 40th Anniversary of the Haunted Mansion in 2009. Your soon-to-be-released collection to celebrate the 55th Anniversary of Disneyland park will debut on July 17. What is it like to work on these milestone projects that bring back fond memories, for both Guests and Cast Members, and also inspire new ones?

Kevin: Well, it’s no secret that we’re big time Disneyland fans. We always start out by asking ourselves what WE would like to own. The Enchanted Tiki Room, for example, is so near and dear to our hearts that naturally we’ve put the spotlight on it quite a lot. The opportunity to research and create a new item within the original design esthetic is enormously fun. It’s the next best thing to traveling back in time to our own childhoods.

Michelle: With so many projects behind you including a one-of-a-kind auction lot of the “Hat Box Ghost” created for the inaugural D23 Expo, what can we look forward to seeing from you next? 

Jody: We’re releasing many exciting 55th Anniversary collectibles throughout this summer, including true replicas of Walt Disney’s personal Main Street vehicle, Harper Goff’s first concept for the Jungle Cruise boats, and the classic Fantasyland Pirate Ship that we all fondly remember. Later this year, look for items commemorating the 55th Anniversary of the Mickey Mouse Club television show. We’ve just begun concepts for Disney California Adventure park’s Buena Vista Street and Cars Land merchandise – and the 40th Anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort! With both of us growing up in the 1970s, we have many good feelings for the early years of Walt Disney World!

Michelle: Do you have a list of dream projects you would like to develop?

Kevin: Wow, I would love to create more items from my favorite Disneyland attractions that no longer exist, like Adventure Thru Inner Space and America Sings. These attractions made my young imagination soar!

Jody: When you’re a kid, it’s easy to take for granted certain experiences will always be there for you. Since Disney’s Main Street Electrical Parade went away, I became very inspired to design a new nighttime parade for Disneyland, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since – it’s something I would really love to do some day!

The Art of Maggie Parr

posted on July 14th, 2011 by Dara Trujillo, Manager, Merchandise Synergy, Events, and Communication

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This last Friday, July 15 at 5 p.m., the Art of Disney Parks at Downtown Disney Marketplace hosted former Walt Disney Imagineer Maggie Parr, who has showcase her exciting collection of Renaissance-inspired Disney character portraits. The collection is a beautiful art series that honors characters in iconic paintings from a few of the world’s most famous and historic artists.

To help celebrate Maggie’s appearance at Walt Disney World Resort, I want to reintroduce you to Maggie and her artistic styling that makes her artwork so special and enchanting. 

I’ve taken a snippet of Michelle’s interview with Maggie from an earlier article and posted it below, so you can hear from Maggie first hand on what inspired her to create the iconic Disney Renaissance collection and how she chose to depict the characters in the Renaissance style. 

Michelle: Maggie, your work continues to provide a sense of enchantment to our guests. Your ability to capture some of our most notable Disney characters in many film-related scenes and scenarios is just part of the charm and magic that makes them so special. Some of your most recognized pieces have actually had a type of “Renaissance” inspiration. What made you choose to depict the characters in that style?

Maggie: I originally got the idea when Imagineering hired me to paint Disney characters in famous artworks for Tokyo Disney Sea. I really enjoyed imitating classic paintings. But it was also an interesting challenge to figure out subtleties of the characters: how they’d look in costumes, what expressions they’d have, how they’d look rendered in different mediums and techniques. I realized that Goofy, and all of the characters, have their own psychology. In fact, when I painted them, they came alive on the canvas, and I began to appreciate and understand the Disney characters in a whole new way while inserting lighthearted American humor into serious European history. Mickey and Minnie are beloved to the American imagination – so it made sense to paint them as “Queen Minnie” and “King Mickey” after famous royal portraits. It feels fun and irreverent to frame Goofy and Donald as English noblemen in the 1700s. And of course, portraying Minnie as the Mona Lisa is the ultimate parody.

Tip: Several of Maggie’s “Renaissance” inspired pieces, including “Minnie Lisa” and “Duck With A Pearl Earring,” will be available on the Disney Cruise Line in the months ahead.

Michelle: Two of your upcoming pieces will surely capture the imagination of Disney enthusiasts and Railroad historians everywhere. Can you give us some highlights and insights on these pieces and why you chose these subjects to commemorate the 55th Anniversary of Disneyland park?

Maggie: When I got the invitation to develop artwork for the 55th Anniversary, I jumped at the chance to portray scenes from the opening year. I grew up in Ohio, so I didn’t get to visit Disneyland park until my early 20s; but I can feel its history every time I walk through the park. There’s a certain magic that’s unique to Disneyland. It’s something I try to capture in my paintings. And because it’s a place that was born in the imagination, it seems natural to picture the characters walking around as if they secretly live there. That’s why I painted Sleeping Beauty in front of her castle, and Donald as the engineer, and Mickey as the fireman of the train. To me, they’re the living force that animates these places.

I decided to paint the castle because it’s so iconic; but I was surprised to learn that it was originally painted white. I left Aurora’s dress pink (instead of blue) to honor the current coloration of the castle. I also wanted to paint one of the trains because they’re just so fun. I originally considered portraying the No. 1 engine, but after learning that the No. 2 was Walt’s favorite, I had to paint that one. I consulted Jeff Remy – a train enthusiast and one of the engineers on the Disneyland Railroad – and he generously provided advice on the mechanical and historical details. Of course my pieces are never completely realistic – I add characters and fantastic details to make it more magical – but I try to portray the real-life setting as accurately as possible.

Click Here to read "The Art of Jim Shore"

Click Here to read "The Art of Randy Noble"

Click Here to read "The Art of Darren Wilson"

Click Here to read "The Art of Larry Nikolai and Chris Crump"

The Art of Larry Nikolai and Chris Crump

posted on May 17th, 2011 by Michelle Harker, Merchandise Marketing & Communications Project Manager, Disneyland Resort

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Those of you keeping a close eye on The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure attraction at Disney California Adventure park know that we are only weeks away from the opening. So this month, Michelle thought it was fitting to “Celebrate the Art of” Larry Nikolai and Chris Crump, who were kind enough to give her a brief moment of their time amidst their busy schedules for the Disney Parks Blog.

Michelle: The newest attraction set to open at Disney California Adventure park is The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure. As creative director for the attraction at Walt Disney Imagineering, you played an integral role in character development for this project. Can you share a few things we should pay particular attention to while enjoying the attraction?

Larry: This attraction is so full of detail that there will be lots of things to discover even after riding it several times. On one trip you might pay close attention to our Audio-Animatronic cast and on another you may get swept up in the fantastic environment recreated from the film. The colorful lighting design and the lush musical score might captivate your senses on another trip, though. It’s a very rich show!

Michelle: Bringing this highly anticipated attraction to life must have been a labor of love. What was one of the biggest challenges you faced? What is one of the proudest moments that you will take away from this?

Larry: The animation of Ariel’s hair was quite challenging, as we’ve never done anything like it before – but it worked! So far, the proudest moment was having the honor of showing the attraction to the original animators from the film and having them compliment us on how we have kept the characters and sets so “on model.”

Chris: My role is to help deliver the creative vision using highly advanced systems to coordinate animated figures, scenery, props – essentially all the intricate themed components and behind-the-scenes equipment. Hiding the equipment out of Guest view is a huge challenge, and our team of talented artisans and technical wizards did a great job. I have a tremendous amount of respect for all who collaborated on this project.

Michelle: It must be very fulfilling to realize that your hard work and dedication put forth into this new attraction will be enjoyed by a countless number of Disneyland Resort visitors, including your family and friends. Is there someone special you look forward to experiencing a ride-through of this attraction with?

Larry: Most of my projects for the last thirteen years have been at the Tokyo Disney Resort, so all of my family is looking forward to finally being able to ride an attraction that I worked on! I especially look forward to riding with my granddaughter, Anna, and also my daughter, Jessica, born in 1989 and the same age as “The Little Mermaid.”

Chris: Well, one person stands out – that would be my father and Disney Legend, Rolly Crump. This attraction is really a family experience (similar to “it’s a small world”) and Rolly should appreciate how we were able to have fun with this Little Mermaid story. I hope he comes away feeling that we got it right!

Michelle: As we journey through this attraction for the first time, what do you hope that each of us takes away from the experience?

Larry: A sense of magical wonder and the sharing of a beloved Disney classic between our Guests and their families.

Chris: That you entered the world of “The Little Mermaid” – Ariel and her friends – had a good time, and left the attraction smiling.

Michelle: With so many elements and features in the attraction – from music to characters and even the immersive environments – in 10 words or less, how would you describe The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure?

Larry: It’s a music-filled extravaganza of Disney magic!

Michelle: Around here we like to keep our Imagineers busy. The word is you will be participating in a product release and signing on June 11 to continue the celebration of The Little Mermaid ~ Ariel’s Undersea Adventure attraction opening and have worked on some art that will debut at this event. Can you tell us a little bit about the piece?

Larry: I really wanted to do a commemorative painting of Ariel that was both a portrait of her and also summed up the attraction in an allegorical way. I couldn’t cram every fish from “Under the Sea” into the composition, but her friends Flounder and Sebastian are there, along with some specific props that reference back to the attraction. Also available will be a print of the concept painting that I did a couple of years ago for the attraction’s 86-foot-long load area mural. Good things come to those who wait!

Want to find out more? Visit www.ArtofDisneyParks.com for more information on the release of Larry’s “Ariel”-inspired painting scheduled to be released June 11 as part of the product debut and signing at Treasures in Paradise in Disney California Adventure park. Also scheduled to appear are artists Noah and Dave Avanzino, who will be on hand for the release of other Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” themed merchandise.

The Art of Jim Shore

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Q: The name of your collection of Disney inspired figures is called Disney Traditions. Can you share with us what Disney Traditions means to you as an artist?

 

For as long as I can remember I’ve been a huge Disney fan. Like everybody in my generation, I grew up with it. Characters like Mickey and Donald, stories like Snow White and Pinocchio, were an important, everyday part of our lives. And it wasn’t just great entertainment. We picked up some pretty important life lessons too. Disney stood for the values we admired most, things like courage, loyalty, friendship. And what’s great is those classic Disney movies and characters are as popular now as they were when I was a kid. As an artist and for me personally, being associated with that kind of creative tradition is an incredible honor.

Q: Reminiscent of folk art, the detailed quilting patterns and scroll designs along with meticulous attention to character detail and color are all indicators of your signature style of art. What path led you to this unique style?

I grew up in a family of quilters, so I guess that part of it sort of comes naturally. But as I grew older I was drawn to the broader traditions of American and European folk art, things like rosemaling, tole painting, Fraktur and what’s called Pennsylvania Dutch. The unique thing about my work is the combination of these different folk art elements. The challenge is pulling everything together into something that makes sense visually. The goal is to keep the eye moving across the entire piece, taking in all the different elements while appreciating the composition as a whole. It’s not as easy as it sounds!

Q: No matter the subject, the color story used for each of your creations can be described as bright and cheerful. How do you select your color combinations?

My grandmother specialized in what’s called Crazy Quilts, which combine apparently random bits of cloth into abstract designs. They were pretty wild and she was pretty out there when it came to color. No combination was off limits to her. I grew up watching her work and I guess I picked up on that mindset. And since I never went to art school that early influence didn’t get bogged down with a lot of formal training. Consequently I use color in a way that most artists would find unconventional. For me it works to put a pink next to an orange next to a purple next to a green. I guess I’m a lot like Grandma that way.

Q: Speaking of favorites, we often see the same character portrayed in different pieces, especially when it comes to your seasonal designs. Do you have a favorite character and what about this character inspires your creativity?

I love Tinker Bell. She’s smart, loyal and very spirited. She’s full of fun but always seems to do the right thing in the end. Plus her size makes her an interesting subject to work with. I have a great time drawing her in scale with stuff around the house like clocks, candy canes and the like.

Q: Those of us in the know have seen you appear on more than one occasion at the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. What brings you back and what do you enjoy about the experience?

 

I’m a grandfather several times over, at a stage of life where fairy tales and pirate adventures aren’t supposed to mean much. But the Disney Parks bring out the kid in me and I love going back. I’ll be signing at Disneyland November 20-21 and at Walt Disney World December 3-5. It’s a great time to go because everything at the parks is getting ginned up for Christmas. There’s a special energy that time of year.

Q: The pieces you design for your Disney Traditions collection are among our Guest favorites. Can you give us a sneak peek as to what we might see next?

We’ve got a lot of good things in the pipeline. And what’s gratifying for me is that a lot of them have to do with special memories I have with my kids. My daughters watched Aladdin ‘til they memorized every line. We have a new Genie piece coming out and flying carpet with Aladdin and Jasmine that’ll make them happy. And I used to watch the Muppets every Saturday night with the kids, so the new Muppets collection due out this winter is a family favorite. Plus we have a new take on a musical Disney Princess collection and maybe a theme park piece or two to follow up on the Hitchhiking Ghosts piece I did last year. I’m pretty excited about it. I love doing the Disney pieces.

The Art of Randy Noble

Randy began his career with Disney Parks in the fall of 1998, when he joined Disney Design Group as a Senior Character Artist.

Dara: Our Guests have gotten to know you through your Disney art and collectible merchandise as well as your original artwork. How would you describe your art style to someone who has never seen any of your work?

Randy: I guess as far as my paintings go the paintings guest react the most to are my watercolors. They are loose with big washes of color and are more free flowing in style not worrying about where the color may go. I like to work in a variety of mediums like oil, acrylic, casein, and gouache but watercolor is still my favorite.

Dara: In addition to limited edition art work, what additional projects have you worked on that our Guests may not be familiar with? Are there any past projects that you have worked on that you’re most passionate about?

Randy: I have been very lucky to have worked on many great projects during my time at Disney Design Group such as Star Wars Weekends, Food & Wine Festival, Pin events, Disneyana, and the creative for our Disney Store on 5th Avenue in New York. I guess I was most passionate about Vinylmation. This was a project that my partner in Arts & Collectibles (Aaron Babcock) and I started from scratch and have watched it grow much larger than we first envisioned.

Dara: When selecting the characters that will appear in your art, is there a process you go through to help determine what character you’re going to focus on? Where do you draw your inspiration for each piece?

Randy: Each time I sit down and think of a new painting I try and keep in mind our guest and what characters they love. I do have favorites like Goofy and Pluto but I really enjoy painting all the characters. My inspiration comes from Disney Parks, I’m reminded every day as I drive onto Disney property what a great job I have, and how lucky I’ve been in my career.

The Art of Darren Wilson

Darren Wilson is a Graphic Designer for Disney Design Group and his talents can be seen not only in his fine artwork but also in popular Disney Theme Park Authentic items such as Disney's co-branded Dooney and Bourke collections and on the high seas with Disney Cruise Line.

Darren, your work continues to provide a sense of enchantment to our Guests. Your ability to capture some of our most notable Disney characters in many scenes and scenarios is just part of the charm and magic that makes them so special. What led you to want to depict the characters in such a unique style?

Disney has such a rich history and tradition with its characters that I really try to capture the timeless quality of them. Over the years, I have developed my own vision of how I’ve perceived the characters to be and have created a unique art style that has become well known to Disney fans and collectors. I am inspired by the characters’ essences and nuances by bringing them to life through movement, composition, tone and attention to detail in a vintage classical way.

Your upcoming pieces will surely capture the imagination of Disney enthusiasts and collectors everywhere. Can you give us some highlights and insights on the pieces you’ve created for your upcoming artist showcase and why you chose these subjects?

The first painting depicts a scene from one of my favorite movies, “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.” I wanted to put all the characters in a tight compact space all around Snow White and get them large enough to highlight all their expressions and individuality.

In the second painting, Chip and Dale, I wanted to play up the humorous and mischievous look about them. I chose to keep the palate more tonal with hints of color.

Lastly, I painted Cinderella from rags to riches transformation. This painting reminds me of a moment that we all can relate, where we have come from in life’s journey to where we are now.

When you’re not creating your one-of-a-kind masterpieces, what additional items are you dreaming up for Disney Theme Park Merchandise? Have there been any projects from your past that stand out as favorites?

I am currently working for the softlines division here in Attractions Merchandise. I am really excited about the work I have done with the cobranded business with Dooney & Bourke. I have created the character sketch print, along with fellow designer Donna Kozatek, which has been a huge hit with our guests! We also just released a Princess line of bags that I am excited about that depicts the princesses in cameo poses and is very colorful. I worked on Mickey, Minnie and Tinker Bell tattoo inspired art as well as some Pirates of the Caribbean apparel. But when it comes to the gallery work, I am really excited about the series of Disney Cruise Line paintings I have done for the Disney Dream.

One of my favorite questions to ask is ‘How did you get your start with Disney?’ Everyone that comes to work at the most magical place on earth has a unique story to tell. Can you share your story with us?

For my 8th birthday, I got a Walt Disney light-up drawing desk from my parents. The little plastic drawing desk was really cool with Disney characters that I could trace. That little desk inspired me and turned me into a drawing machine! It took several hundred ugly drawings; but before long, I became really good at sketching the characters. I have always been creative, winning art contests through my early years of education. I attended college on an art scholarship, and then graduated with a degree in design from Auburn University in 1993. 

I began my career in Nashville, Tennessee, where I worked as a designer for a public relations firm with clients such as Saturn and Bridgestone/Firestone. I also spent some time designing for a small studio in the heart of Music Row. I arrived in Orlando in 1996 and worked as a designer for Universal Studios. 

Soon after, I received the call I had been waiting for, and since that happy day in 1997, I have worked as a graphic designer for Walt Disney World. I have had the opportunity to create designs for the Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Disney Cruise Line, Disneys California Adventure, Disneyland and Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

I have been happily creating original paintings for the Art of Disney galleries for the past 11 years.