"Plane Crazy" (1928) [1 of 3] - Ub Iwerks Pencil

This is the last item I have from "Plane Crazy." While I may be wrong, it seemed like much of the movement in early animation was pretty two-dimensional (lateral movement)-- much like early video games.

While there was some movement from back to front (e.g., where Gertie the Dinosaur walks toward the camera), I thought this scene from "Plane Crazy" was pretty innovative in creating a totally impossible point-of-view. The effect is actually similar to the airplane scene in "North by Northwest."

Ub Iwerks Pencil

----- DATABASE NOTES -----

From “Plane Crazy” (1928). Pencil sketch of Mickey and Minnie flying toward the camera. Notes: “215”; 2-hole. [Item: 12”W x 9.5”H; Frame: 19”W x 17”H] Acquired 2004. SeqID-1220 8/1/2005

"Plane Crazy" (1928) [2 of 3] - Ub Iwerks Pencil

I wish there was a good way to frame two pencil sketches... Some trim the top piece and apply it to the "background." For some reason, I just can't bring myself to cut a historic piece. Perhaps one solution is to frame with the two sheets a print of the Photoshop composite.

Photoshop Combination of Two Ub Iwerks Pencils

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From “Plane Crazy” (1928). Two pencil sketches that combine. (1) Minnie & Mickey in the cockpit with sheets marked "W-329" "393" and (2) the plane and marked “362”. 2-hole [Item: 12"W x 9.5"H] Acquired 1998. Sold 2006. SeqID-0362

"Plane Crazy" (1928) [3 of 3] - Misc. Stuff

"Plane Crazy" was a unique and special film.

Here are some "Plane Crazy" items.

Talk about weird derivative items, here is a post card of a Limited Edition "First Flight" cel.

"First Flight" (SeqID-0387)

Now, this is followed by a 3-inch mini-display plate. Notice the similar views. However, the plate has slightly different (and more attractive) view of Minnie. It's hard for me to tell whether or not the image for the plate was cleaned up from Iwerks original drawing to make Minnie look better.

3-Inch Display Plate (SeqID-0204)

Here are a couple of Disney pins. The first was to celebrate Walt Disney's 100th birthday. The other refers to the introduction of the comic strip a few years later.

"Plane Crazy" Pin (SeqID-1842)

"Plane Crazy" Comic Strip Pin

----- DATABASE NOTES -----
From “Plane Crazy” (1928; 1998). "First Flight" post card of Mickey and Minnie in the plane. A post card version of the limited edition cel. Note: Limited edition 3/350 on lower left; lower right Walt Disney stamp. [Item: 6"W x 4-1/2"H] Acquired 1998. SeqID-0387

From “Plane Crazy” (1928,2000). A 3-inch mini-display plate with Mickey & Minnie in an airplane. [Item: 3.25”D] Acquired 2000. SeqID-0204 10/30/2008

Disney Pin #3 Mickey Mouse [“Plane Crazy” (1928)]. Released 9/22/2001. 100 years of Dreams - Disney Store (Celebrating Walt’s 100th Birthday). Acquired 2001. SeqID-1842

"Beach Picnic" (1939) - 2-Cel Setup of Donald on Watercolor Master Background

This is one of the more striking pieces in the collection. The cels are great. It's a great action image of Don. AND the background is really great!

One cel is of Donald running. Another cel is for the water effects. The watercolor master production pan background is very detailed and hit with a varnish overlay to dull it a little.

2-Cel Setup On A Pan Master Background
(Click to Enlarge)

----- DATABASE NOTES -----

From “Beach Picnic” (1939). 2 cel setup of Donald and water effects on a watercolor master production background. [25”W x 15”H] Acquired 2004. SeqID-1202 Updated: 8/1/2005

"Marilyn Monroe" (1960; 1979) - 16" x 20" Gelatin Silver Print by Milton Greene

I noticed today that there is a big auction coming up featuring Marilyn Monroe pictures. The Christie's will be held December 16-17 and will feature over 100 images. I've mentioned a couple of times that the items in our collection are not limited to just animation and comic art and the upcoming Monroe auction reminded me of one of the photos in our collection.

I liked this Milton Greene photo of Marilyn Monroe the first time I saw it. There was an unusual quiet quality to the pose that I had not seen in other images. A more mature, reflective Monroe. I thought I was lucky to get it...

Large Milton Greene "Marilyn Monroe"

Since this is an unusually fine photograph, I uploaded a somewhat larger image -- CLICK TO ENLARGE.

Here's some background on Greene (http://www.archivesmhg.com/):

Born in New York in 1922, Milton Greene began taking pictures at the early age of 14. Although he was the recipient of a scholarship to the renowned Pratt Institute, a heightened awareness of the photographic image diverted his attention to the camera and its versatility. He soon apprenticed himself to the famous photojournalist and wizard of composition, Elliot Elisofen. Before long, his keen regard for fashion and the camera found him assisting Louise Dahl-Wolfe, the distinguished fashion photographer known for her unique covers and fashion pages for Harper´s Bazaar. At the age of twenty-three, Milton was referred to as "Color Photography´s Wonder Boy".

The majority of Milton´s work in the fifties and sixties appeared in major national publications including Life, Look, Harper’s Bazaar, Town & Country and Vogue. In fact, Milton Greene, along with other eminent photographers such as Richard Avedon, Cecil Beaton, Irving Penn, and Norman Parkinson, is credited for bringing fashion photography into the realm of fine art.

Although Greene was initially renowned for his high-fashion photography, it is his remarkable portraits of our most beloved artists, musicians, film, and television and theatrical celebrities, which have become legendary. It was Milton´s ability as a director that enabled him to capture the qualities that best personified the real person, making each of his pictures an eloquent, unique statement as he converted his remarkable vision into compelling photographic art. Milton believed that as an artist/photographer he wanted to capture people´s beauty, which was in the heart and to show people in an elegant and natural way. His gifts were in creating rapport in which to allow yourself to be seen, as well as his flawless timing.

The range of Milton Greene´s subjects include such people as Marilyn Monroe, Frank Sinatra, Grace Kelly, Marlene Dietrich, Sammy Davis, Jr., Elizabeth Taylor, Cary Grant, Sophia Loren, Groucho Marx, Audrey Hepburn, Andy Warhol, Judy Garland, Giacometti, Lauren Hutton, Alfred Hitchcock, Romy Schneider Sir Lawrence Olivier, Ava Gardner, Steve Mcqueen, Claudia Cardinale, Paul Newman, Lauren Bacall, Dizzy Gillespie, Catherine Deneuve and Norman Mailer as well as many others. But it was his unique friendship, business relationship and ensuing photographs of Marilyn Monroe for which he is most fondly remembered.

Milton first encountered Marilyn Monroe on assignment for Look Magazine. They quickly became close friends and ultimately formed their own film production company which produced Bus Stop and The Prince and the Showgirl. Before marrying Arthur Miller, Monroe lived with Milton and his family in their Connecticut farmhouse. It was during this period that Greene was able to capture some of the most beautiful photographs ever taken of Marilyn Monroe, recording her moods, beauty, talent and spirits. During their ten years together, Greene photographed Monroe in countless photographic sessions including the famous "Black" sitting.
It was also at this time that Marilyn entrusted Greene with her autobiography, simply called "My Story". It is the combination of the book and Greene´s rare and vivid photographs of Marilyn which evoke the legendary spirit of Marilyn Monroe. Milton also collaborated with Norman Mailer on a fictional auto-biography of Marilyn Monroe, entitled "Of Women and Their Elegance".

His photography won him many national and international honors, medals and awards; among them the American Institute of Graphic Arts and the Art Director´s Club of New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Detroit. One of his last awards was from the Art Director´s Club of New York for his work in Harper´s Bazaar.

In recent years, Milton Greene´s photographs, prints and posters have been exhibited in major museums and galleries throughout the world, as well as represented in many private collections. Milton H. Greene´s work will continue to be regarded as representative of an era in time, which may be gone, but will always be reflected in pictures.

----- DATABASE NOTES -----

“Marilyn Monroe” (circa 1960) by Milton Greene (1922-1985). Gelatin silver print, signed and dated '4-12-79' by the photographer [Milton Greene] in ink and with his credit and copyright stamps on the reverse, matted, circa 1960, printed in 1979. Seller’s Notes: “Condition: In general this photograph is in very good condition. There are hairline streaks through the photograph and some missing flecks of emulsion. The streaks are only visible upon very close inspection. The flecks are somewhat noticeable but do not detract from the generally good quality of this print.” [Unframed Item: 16"W x 19.75"H] Acquired 1999. SeqID-0418 8/3/2005

"Unknown Fleischer Film" (circa 1930's) - Shane Miller Watercolor

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings!

Since I will be away for part of December, I thought this would be a good opportunity to post some Christmas/Holiday related art. To see other holiday related items, select "Category-Holiday" from the "Content by Category" list on the right.


Even though I don't know the film this is from, it is a fantastic image for this Christmas season. Shane was an outstanding artist and the light/shadow in this nighttime watercolor is really amazing. This digital image does not capture the real beauty of Shane's work - the full tonal range, strokes and the overwhelming sense of wonder that seems to jump from the page. I hope you enjoy it....

Shane Miller Watercolor

By the way, if anyone can tell me the film this is from I would appreciate it... Just to clarify, the piece was a gift and I was told this was from a Fleischer film but there are no notes on the front or back of the piece. If this is from another film, let me know.

----- DATABASE NOTES -----

From an Unknown Fleischer film (circa 11930’s). Watercolor of 3 Wise men. 8.8w X 6.25" Watercolor by Shane Miller (although there is no indication of Miller on the piece). Wise men are on camels looking at the Star during the evening, with a strong green cast to the image. Miller was one of the top artists that worked on Guliver's Travels and Mr. Bug. [Item: unframed 8.75"W x 6.25"H] Acquired 1999. SeqID-0422 11/29/2008

"On Ice" (1935 [1 of 4] - Donald Cel and Pencil

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings!

Since I will be away for part of December, I thought this would be a good opportunity to post some Christmas/Holiday related art. To see other holiday related items, select "Category-Holiday" from the "Content by Category" list on the right.


If you're looking for a great character image of Donald, this one is pretty good! You get a chance to see his longer beak. AND a super shot just before he runs into the snow... Below the cel, is a rough concept pencil of Donald from the Ingeborg Willy Scrapbook -- in which you can see a great example of Donald's longer beak

Fantastic Donald Cel

Donald Pencil Sketch from Ingeborg Willy Scrapbook

----- DATABASE NOTES -----

From “On Ice” (1935). Large cel of Donald from rear as he skates. The longer beak is interesting from this angle. May have been a publicity cel. [Image: 11-7/8"W x 9-3/8"H] Acquired 1998. SeqID-0325 11/29/2008

"On Ice" (1935) [2 of 4] - Pencil Background and Minnie Cel

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings!

Since I will be away for part of December, I thought this would be a good opportunity to post some Christmas/Holiday related art. To see other holiday related items, select "Category-Holiday" from the "Content by Category" list on the right.


Here is a very interesting piece. To start with, when we bought this in 1990 there wasn't much interest in backgrounds, so dealers would "spruce up" by adding something else to enhance the value of the piece.

From a historical perspective, the background is a great piece. Good detail. A nice mix of background elements. Good examples of registration notes. Good approval instructions, with a sign-off by "Fergy." The cel of Minnie was cut from another cel and mounted on a cover cel over the background. When the piece if viewed by those new to animation, the combination of cel and pencil art does get their attention and gives me a chance to explain more about the process and the various notes on the page.

Minnie Cel on "Fergy" Pencil Background

The sheets are "hinged" in the frame so that the entire sheet can be seen -- including the notes at the bottom


----- DATABASE NOTES -----

From “On Ice” (1935). A Cel of Minnie is overlaid on a very good background pencil of the ice pond and warm up hut. Pencil background signed by the animator: "Fergy". (Fergy refers to Fergison, who did the Witch from Snow White and Goofy). Minnie skating, but ready to fall. [Image: 12"W x 9.5"H] Acquired 1990. SeqID-0096

"On Ice" (1935) [3 of 4] - Pencil of Mickey Skating

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings!

Since I will be away for part of December, I thought this would be a good opportunity to post some Christmas/Holiday related art. To see other holiday related items, select "Category-Holiday" from the "Content by Category" list on the right.

Here's a nice image of Mickey skating. Good action. Nice facial expression. AND I like the rough circles drawn to help the animator construct the image.

Pencil of Mickey Skating

When we showed the entire sheet, the image of Mickey just got lost. Since I don't like trimming any historic art, we decided to frame the entire sheet and cut a section out to provide more focus on Mickey. I would normally have an opening that provided some "lead room" on the left side of Mickey, but there was a stain on the sheet, hence the left-sided cut. We chose an "ice colored" frame to help communicate the Winter atmosphere.


----- DATABASE NOTES -----

From “On Ice” (1935). A pencil sketch of Mickey ice skating. [Image: 10”W x 6”H] Acquired 1993. SeqID-0094 8/15/2005

"On Ice" (1935) [4 of 4] - Miniature Cel of Horace and Clarabelle

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings!

Since I will be away for part of December, I thought this would be a good opportunity to post some Christmas/Holiday related art. To see other holiday related items, select "Category-Holiday" from the "Content by Category" list on the right.


Continuing with Holiday images... I thought I'd pull out some items from the 1935 "On Ice" film.

When I first saw this miniature cel of Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow skating, I was amazed! I was first struck by the cel's tiny nature. Up until then, all we had picked up were the large image cels that were the main focus of the scene. It never really struck me that there were a number of other cels that were running in the background... As I moved closer, I was impressed with the level of detail. In looking at this image, please remember than the characters are only about 1-inch square!

Close-up of Miniature Cel of Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow

Rather than trim the cel, we put the entire piece in the frame and the large matte area actually draws attention to the small piece in the center.




----- DATABASE NOTES -----

From “On Ice” (1935). A small (2x2") cel of Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow ice dancing. Very small and precise. [Image: 2-5/8"W x 2"H; Frame: 11"W x 10-3/4"H] Acquired 1990. SeqID-0095 8/3/2005

Disney Christmas Items

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings!

Since I will be away for part of December, I thought this would be a good opportunity to post some Christmas/Holiday related art. To see other holiday related items, select "Category-Holiday" from the "Content by Category" list on the right.


Here are a few Christmas items that can be scattered around the house to extend your animation interest into the holiday season...

Disney Pewter Items

Hallmark Disney Train Items

Winsor McCay Holiday Book Ideas!

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings!

Since I will be away for part of December, I thought this would be a good opportunity to post some Christmas/Holiday related art. To see other holiday related items, select "Category-Holiday" from the "Content by Category" list on the right.


After I posted McCay's "Little Nemo" pen and ink (with reference to "Gertie"), I received a number of emails saying they enjoyed the piece.

If you're looking for Christmas present ideas (either to give or receive), there are some McCay books in the library here (given to me by Jenny). Enjoy!

McCay Book Ideas

"Little Nemo" (1906) - Winsor McCay Sunday Pen and Ink

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings!

Since I will be away for part of December, I thought this would be a good opportunity to post some Christmas/Holiday related art. To see other holiday related items, select "Category-Holiday" from the "Content by Category" list on the right.


Winsor McCay's work is VERY striking! If you look at the frames, the characters appear to be almost identical -- a template-oriented to drawing. This Christmas page is a great example of McCay's unusual style.

"Little Nemo" (1906) - Winsor McCay Sunday

I picked up this, a McCay drawing from "Gertie the Dinosaur" (1914) and some work by George McManus ("The Newlyweds" and his iconic "Maggie & Jiggs"). At about the same time, I remember hearing that McCay and McManus were good friends. As the story went, McManus made a bet with McCay that he couldn't produce an "animated" film within a certain amount of time -- I understand that McCay won the bet. What I found unusual was that McCay's combination of live-action and film -- like today's multi-media presentation. In "Gertie," McCay interacted with the animated Gertie to create a very unique program that wasn't repeated for many years.

IMDB:

Like many pioneers, the work of 'Winsor McCay' has been largely superseded by successors such as Walt Disney and Max Fleischer but he more than earns a place in film history for being the American cinema's first great cartoon animator. He started out as a newspaper cartoonist, achieving a national reputation for his strips 'Little Nemo in Slumberland' and 'Dreams of a Rarebit Fiend'. Inspired by his son's flick-books, he spent four years and produced four thousand individual drawings in making his first animated cartoon 'Little Nemo', completing it in 1911. But his biggest cartoon success was 'Gertie the Dinosaur' (1913), which was the centrepiece of a vaudeville act in which the live McCay would interact with his cartoon character. For this, he single-handedly produced ten thousand individual drawings, laboriously re-drawing the background every time. It is often wrongly cited as the first animated cartoon, but it was certainly the first successful one, and influenced dozens of imitators. His 1918 production 'The Sinking of the Lusitania' was even more ambitious: comprising 25,000 drawings, it was the first feature-length American cartoon, and the second one made anywhere. He retired from film-making in the 1920s, but would subsequently describe himself as "the creator of animated cartoons". This honour, strictly speaking, belongs to the Frenchman Emile Cohl - but McCay was certainly the first to bring them to a wide audience.

----- DATABASE NOTES -----

From “Little Nemo” (1906). From “Little Nemo” (1906) by Winsor McCay. An early pen & ink strip produced only 14 months after the strip's introduction. After 1909, McCay became districted by other projects and the quality of the strip weakened. The strip is unusual in that it has Little Nemo and in Princess in every panel of the page. In addition, this strip includes an "Eternal Theme" -- Santa Claus in his Toyland with his Elves, lists of 'good boys and girls' and getting ready to depart for his annual Christmas deliveries. [Image: 2 @ 22”W x 16”H; Frame: 30”w x 38”H] Acquired 2004. SeqID-1267 Updated: 7/26/2005

Seller’s Comments: The first thing you want from an original McCay is an early Sunday Page -- you know the early artwork is 'pure' McCay. After 1909 it generally starts to get a little weaker. This is only 14 months into the Strip. The other thing you want is graphics -- this has that as well and big time. That full top panel with the Sleigh and Reindeer is just amazing, as is the artwork in every panel on this (almost) 100 year old Sunday page. Look at the bottom panel -- incredible detail. This strip has 'Little Nemo' and the 'Princess' in every panel of the page. Plus, it has something more that I know you'll appreciate -- an Eternal Theme -- ''Santa Claus'' in his Toyland with his Elves and lists of 'good boys and girls' and getting ready to fly-off to do his annual Christmas deliveries. And a great image of 'Santa' and of both of 'Nemo's' Parents. It's a "KEY" page.

"How The Grinch Stole Christmas" (1966) - Virgil Ross Signed Sketch (circa 2000)

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings!

Since I will be away for part of December, I thought this would be a good opportunity to post some Christmas/Holiday related art. To see other holiday related items, select "Category-Holiday" from the "Content by Category" list on the right.

Speaking of the "Grinch," here's a nice item... A sketch of Max and the Grinch signed by Virgil Ross. To my way of thinking, Ross was one of those less known animators that made a significant contribution to the art and character development of some of our best known cartoon figures. This sketch was done by Ross in his early 90's. (For other Ross items, check the "Names-Ross" entry.)

Virgil Ross Sketch of Max and Grinch

----- DATABASE NOTES -----

From “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966). Grinch & Max pencil sketch done by Virgil Ross. An outstanding example of his pencil work. [Unframed Item: 12,5”W x 10.5”H] Acquired 2004. SeqID-1171 8/3/2005

Seller’s Comments: An item by Virgil Ross, who I had the privilege of knowing quite well. An outstanding example of his pencil work. If you consider that he did this at the age of 93+, it is even more amazing still.

Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virgil_Ross) 12/2/2008:

His introduction to cartooning was in high-school, where he took a class in that art form. Early work was done for Charles B. Mintz (later Screen Gems), Ub Iwerks studio, and then on to Walter Lantz, where he began animation work. In 1935, he moved on to work for Leon Schlesinger at Warner Bros. where he spent about 30 years, first under Tex Avery's supervision, until 1942, then for Bob Clampett, and finally with Friz Freleng. His resumé also includes time spent with such firms as Filmation (where he worked on the early '70s Star Trek: The Animated Series), Hanna Barbera, and Marvel Comics. He was notably self-effacing. In an interview with John Province in 1989, he is quoted as saying "I always had an eye for movement, and I think this kept me in the business a lot longer than a lot of guys, despite the fact that I really wasn't very good at drawing. When I started out in animation, you didn't have to be a good artist. I just had a little natural talent, and it's mostly just timing anyway." [1] Of the very many characters Ross animated, he is most closely associated with Bugs Bunny, but also did a great deal of work involving Daffy Duck, Yosemite Sam, Tweety, and many others.

"How The Grinch Stole Christmas" (1966) - Chuck Jones Signed Cels

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings!

Since I will be away for part of December, I thought this would be a good opportunity to post some Christmas/Holiday related art. To see other holiday related items, select "Category-Holiday" from the "Content by Category" list on the right.


Christmas would not be complete without something from "How The Grinch Stole Christmas!"

Here are two great cels signed by Chuck Jones. The two are mounted in a single frame, with Cindy Lou slightly lower to maintain the Grinch's sight-line. I liked the fact that Cindy Lou was looking at the wreath, unaware of the Grinch's motives. A nice set that speak not only to the season, but the opposing "spirits" of the Christmas season.

Chuck Jones Signed Cels of Grinch and Cindy Lou

----- DATABASE NOTES -----

From “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” (1966). 9x11 cel of Grinch talking with Cindy Lou Who. Both signed by Chuck Jones. Mounted with Cindy Lou Who. "c 1966 MGM" Grinch: Seal: "06208" Cindy Lou Who: Seal "02374" [Grinch: 11"W x 9"H. Cindy: 11"W x 9"H] Acquired 1999. SeqID-0423 11/29/2008

"Eyes and Ears" Bambi Cover (1995) - Don Williams Signed Cover

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings!

Since I will be away for part of December, I thought this would be a good opportunity to post some Christmas/Holiday related art. To see other holiday related items, select "Category-Holiday" from the "Content by Category" list on the right.


Let's look at the cover of the December 21, 1995 issue of "Eyes & Ears" for more Christmas Cheer!

Here is a nice rendering from Bambi signed by Don Williams, Head Illustrator for Disney...

Don Williams' Cover Art for "Eyes & Ears" December 1995

I have a number of one-off items by Don Williams. Looking at the warmth of his images, you can understand why he is such a great illustrator.

----- DATABASE NOTES -----

From Don Williams’ recreation from “Bambi” (1939/1995). Bambi is featured on the cover of this "Eyes & Ears" publication (magazine for Walt Disney World). This is the December 21, 1995 issue; Volume 25, Number 51. The cover artwork is signed by Don Williams. [Item: 11"W x 17"H] Acquired 1997. SeqID-0261 11/29/2008

Actress Jane Randolph and Ice Capades star Donna Atwood acted as live-action references for Bambi and Thumper's misadventure on ice.

Don “Ducky” Williams (http://www.disneyguys.com/Ducky/) 12/2/2008:

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Don "Ducky" Williams wrote his first letter to Walt Disney at age 10. His desire to be a Disney artist intensified as Don grew up, but had to be put on hold while he spent four years in the U.S. Navy. After his tour of duty, he returned to Massachusetts and became employed at a local savings bank, Don still yearned to be with Disney and spent much of his spare time drawing and painting the Disney characters. After much determination and perseverance, Don left the bank and moved to Florida to pursue his life long dream, which was realized in 1980. Now, after nearly 30 years with Disney's Yellow Shoes, The acclaimed Senior Character artist, Don "Ducky Williams has drawn literally thousands of Disney stars for books, lithographs, brochures, magazine ads, and television.

"Mickey, Minnie and Santa" (1987c) - Mike Royer Pen and Ink

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings!

Since I will be away for part of December, I thought this would be a good opportunity to post some Christmas/Holiday related art. To see other holiday related items, select "Category-Holiday" from the "Content by Category" list on the right.


Here is one of my favorite Christmas images! Mike Royer's pen and ink that includes Mickey and Minnie in a nice pose, socks on the fireplace, Pluto by the fire and Santa looking in from outside. What else could you ask for?

Mike Royer Christmas Pen and Ink

We framed this in a frame with a ribbon and Holiday colors (the frame is actually a dark green).


Here's some bio on Mike Royer from his web site:

Mike Royer has been a master artist for comics and animation for over 40 years. He is commonly known as the "father" of todays Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, Roo, Owl, Rabbit, and the other supporting Pooh characters that Disney commissioned him to create when they bought the property. He launched the massive Pooh licensing program for Disney and continues to do work on products today, including the whole range of Disney characters.

----- DATABASE NOTES -----

Christmas Pen & Ink (circa 1987) by Mike Royer. A great circa 1987 Hallmark-like pen & ink of Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and Santa (outside the window). From Mike Royer. Perhaps done as a Christmas card concept for Hallmark. Signed by Mike Royer. [Image: 16-1/8"W x 11-7/16"H. Frame: 25-7/8"W x 21"H] Acquired 1987. SeqID-0017 Updated: 8/3/2005

8/4/2005 Lambiek:

Mike Royer started out assisting Russ Manning. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he was the inker of the largest part of Jack Kirby's comics productions for Marvel and DC. In addition, he contributed to alternative publications like 'Arc', but also Creepy, Vampirella and Tarzan. Mike Royer worked as a staff artist at Disney from the 1960s to the 1980s. He worked mainly as an inker of stories by Tony Strobl, Sparky Moore and Mike Arens. Later on, Royer became a freelance product designer and character artist for Disney, working mainly with 'Winnie The Pooh'.

"Disney 'Fantasia' Christmas Card" (1940)

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings!

Since I will be away for part of December, I thought this would be a good opportunity to post some Christmas/Holiday related art. To see other holiday related items, select "Category-Holiday" from the "Content by Category" list on the right.


Since it's Christmas time, I'd like to draw your attention to an earlier post of a Christmas Card from the Disney Studio.

"Happy Holidays From The International Space Station" (2005) - Disney In Outer Space

Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings!

Since I will be away for part of December, I thought this would be a good opportunity to post some Christmas/Holiday related art. To see other holiday related items, select "Category-Holiday" from the "Content by Category" list on the right.


As I mentioned, I also collect a variety of aerospace items, including artifacts from the early space program. This has afforded me an opportunity to meet new folks. In 2005, I received this image from Russian cosmonaut Salizhan Sharipov (here's the bio) aboard the International Space Station.

Notice all the Disney material in the background! Even in outer space...

Disney Aboard the International Space Station

I grew up in Colorado Springs during the height of the cold war. Certainly the launch of Sputnik in 1957 helped fuel the belief that the central part of the U.S. could be the target of a ballistic missle (ICBM). A number of homes around ours built fall-out shelters because Colorado Springs was the center of military command and was considered a high probability target. Ent Air Force Base was the headquarters (where the U.S. Olympic Training Center is now located) and was just a few miles from our house and many of our neighbors were in the military. By the way, a decade later the operation was moved into a facility hollowed out inside Cheyenne Mountain.

Here are Google photos of Colorado Springs, the Olympic Training Center (old ENT Air Force Base) and a shot of the Cheyenne Mtn. Facility

Satellite Shots of Colorado Springs

If someone had told me that 40+ years later I would be receiving (1) an electronic, non-paper photo (2) from an outpost in outerspace (3) from a Russian -- I would have thought they were crazy! How things have changed!


----- DATABASE NOTES -----

Christmas 2005 photo sent to me by Salizhan Sharipov from the International Space Station. Sent as JPG file [11x14] Acquired 2005. SeqID-1462