Kevin Kidney

Disney Storyboards for Kelvinator, 1955

2012-01-24T21:49:00.000-08:00

Hey Tomorrowland fans, remember once we traveled back in time to 1955 to see CIRCARAMA and that mind-bending kitchen appliance of the future, the FOODARAMA? You don't remember that? Well, CLICK HERE and go see it now. I'll wait right here....

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Okay, back again? Now check this out. Below are the storyboards for the animated logo seen in the Kelvinator TV commercial above. The animation was produced by Disney, who may very likely have run this ad with the weekly Disneyland TV show on ABC.

Storyboard art like this is a rare find and really cool to look at, so I thought I'd share it with you. The descriptions that accompanied each panel are included underneath the picture... Enjoy!

Kelvintator music with singing (choral group or single voice).

Logo Action - Circle zooms up into scene.

1st bar of letter K drops into circle...

Rest of letter K with remainder of logo shoots in like arrow.

Sparkle flash on contact.

Flash fades. Logo complete.

Dissolve to long shot of Dream Kitchen floor pattern floating in sparkling star

sky over lighted city. Dancer-type girl in sheer flowing dress on floor center.

Appliances pop on completing Dream Kitchen set-up. Girl reacts.

Dolly camera into medium shot.

Dissolve to medium close shot of featured appliance. Singing stops and woman announcer's voice takes over. Girl pantomimes to pitch to display the merits and features of appliance.

I Speak For The Tree...Part Two

2012-01-22T10:32:00.001-08:00

Two months ago I wrote a sort of eulogy to a lost piece of art, the original Plaza Pavilion mural at Disneyland, a painting that had sparked my imagination as a kid, and has continued to be a source of inspiration to me in my own work. Since then, that post has received more hits, more "tweets" and garnered more responses than anything else I've written for this blog. Many responses arrived in my email or as facebook messages, and a great deal of them came from within the Disney company itself. Some were from anonymous writers (or acquaintances who requested to remain anonymous). The post seemed to have hit a nerve with many like-minded people, especially people who create art themselves, or hold creative jobs.

Recently Disneyland unveiled their brand new Jolly Holiday Bakery in the Pavilion space, and I have to say it's wonderful. It's truly one of the most delightful and inviting interiors at Disneyland today, and the food is really great, too (try the Waldorf chicken salad sandwich with tomato soup.) The wall that once carried the mural is gone now, but the custom moulding that framed it remains. Disney Imagineer Kim Irvine lovingly handpainted a subtle tribute to the mural with a similar tree overflowing with Mary Poppins references. The week the bakery opened to the public, my inbox was bombarded with cell phone shots of Kim's painting from readers who had recognized the tribute. I highly recommend visiting the new Bakery, which has become my favorite place to eat in the Park.

However, the search for some decent documentation of the original Pavilion mural continues. Incredibly, two people have come through with their own shots of the mural, and granted permission to share them here. The color photos below are courtesy of my friend Greg MacLaurin, a creative genius himself, who snapped these photos in the restaurant decades ago. He could only provide these lo-rez shots, but I assure you they are better quality and show more detail than anything we could locate in Disney's official files.

The color seems close to the original, though the flashy metallic gold background is reading here as mustard yellow. Greg's photos were taken from the serving line and at an angle to avoid his flash bouncing off the surface and back into the camera. I've distorted the frames in photoshop to flatten out the art as much as possible.

Seeing these images, even fragmented as they are, makes me happy. And this brings up a key lesson on historic preservation and the importance of keeping documentation. When a work of art is lost, whether it be a mural, a beautiful old building, or an original movie negative that has decomposed - it can never again be experienced as it was intended. Photographs, if they even exist at all, become the only portal to stepping back in time. To date, the images I've posted are all that we have, and to people who care - like you and me - they're as valuable as gold.

Look, there's the frog on the cutting board -a particular source of squeamish delight to me as a kid.

And, check it out! At the base of the trunk, there are little mushrooms growing in the grass; a wonderful touch that I had forgotten all about.

If anyone else out there has a picture (even just a glimpse) of this mural stashed somewhere in a family album from a past trip to Disneyland, please consider sharing it with us. Together we can make sure a small, lovely detail of Disneyland's past won't ever be forgotten.

Anaheim's Marvelous Modern Mobil, 1956

2012-01-07T17:24:00.000-08:00

The Mobil gas station that once adorned an intersection near Disneyland was a marvel of mid-century design by architects Whitney Smith and Wayne Williams. With four giant floating canopies balanced magically on spindles, underneath a fire-engine red flying Pegasus, the station was a mid-century roadside masterpiece - even catching the eye of famed architectural photographer Julius Shulman in 1956.

More photos in my post for the Anaheim Historical Society. You can almost smell the exhaust fumes.

Here's where it was...

2012

2011-12-31T19:12:00.001-08:00

Every Christmas Card I Write...

2011-12-19T15:38:00.000-08:00

I'm a push-over for Christmas cards - specifically wonderful old cards. They're the best ones. We never purchase new cards each year, but instead send out used vintage cards, even if they're already written in. Simply sign your name under the previous sender just like you're endorsing a check. "Season's Greetings from Clyde and Flossie Humperdinck ... but mostly from Kevin!"

After years of mailing beautiful old cards out, never to be seen again (by us), we've begun scanning them first. Our Virtual Vintage Christmas Card File is looking mighty fine right now. I've just shared twenty of our favorites on the Miehana Flickr gallery. Check them out here.

Merry Christmas from Great-Grandma Schmickle - and me!

A-Frame Doll House

2011-12-13T12:04:00.000-08:00

A perfect gift for the cool kids on your Christmas list: a miniature mountain lodge you can build yourself! From Sunset Magazine, December 1961.

Both sides of the roof open out flat on the floor, and fold up for storage.

Built of 1/4" plywood, and pine molding, with a sheet of heavy clear plastic for the windows. The roof is painted with one thin coat of brick-red paint, and the shingles are simply drawn in with a soft pencil and a T-square. So easy. I seriously want one of these.

(And you can get the perfect furniture for it HERE... including a teensy Hemisphere Chair!)

Disneyland's Unknown Muppet Parade

2011-12-06T22:10:00.000-08:00

"Here Come The Muppets" Parade models, 1990.

With the Muppets' recent comeback for a new generation, I was reminded of my brief brush with Muppetdom in early 1990. "Here Come The Muppets" was the title for a proposed Disneyland parade that would have featured giant inflatable characters rolling down Main Street on floats, similar to the balloons in the Pardi Gras parade (also 1990). Disney had just purchased the Muppets from Jim Henson for an estimated 150 million dollars, and the company was speedily making big (and wild) plans for Kermit the Frog and Miss Piggy.

Disneyland President Jack Lindquist had an idea of sending Mickey and the other Disney characters away on a year-long "vacation" while the Muppets took over the park for the duration. Some of the concept sketches we saw at the time included draping the Disneyland marquee on Harbor Blvd with a big banner reading "Muppetland", painting the Matterhorn green, and replacing the Mickey flower bed in front of the Train Station with Kermit's face.

Thankfully, none of this came to pass, but the Disneyland Art Department certainly enjoyed working on several Muppet parade models. In the photo above, Kermit, Sweetums, Dr. Teeth, and Animal were all sculpted by Rich Collins. I did Fozzie and Beaker. Miss Piggy was done by Scott Sinclair, and Jackie Perreault sculpted Swedish Chef. One other model I'd started but never completed: Gonzo in his super-hero cape and red tennis shoes.

Beaker and Fozzie sculptures in Plasticine. In the final ver-

sion, Fozzie sat on a steamer trunk full of vaudeville props.

On May 16th, 1990, Jim Henson died unexpectedly of pneumonia. I heard the news on KCRW while driving to work that morning. It was a terrible shock, made even more surreal because of the project we had been immersed in for months. With Henson gone, Disneyland's Muppet deal immediately floundered, and we were told to stop working on the parade. Any artwork that we had done featuring Muppets was packed onto a truck and taken away (possibly to the Henson company?) Maybe there's a warehouse somewhere with all our models packed away in crates. At any rate, I'm glad we snapped a few photos while we had the chance!

TV's "Magical World of Disney" welcomed the Muppets to the family. (1990)

STUDIOS Photo Shoot

2011-12-02T02:21:00.000-08:00

Hey, we're in a magazine! The current issue of Studios Magazine has a feature article on the Kevin & Jody Co. studio -- and with some very pretty pictures. Sure wish our workplace was this tidy all the time...

This is where I work. The radio is always on.

The ever-changing Wall O' Projects. (Yep, we have no ceiling!)

Jody's Paint Headquarters.

Some beautiful stuff happens at this table.

Pick up the Winter 2011 issue of Cloth-Paper-Scissors' Studios Magazine at any Barnes & Noble books, or at a Michael's crafts store near you.

I Speak For The Tree

2011-11-27T18:22:00.000-08:00

Diagram of Disneyland's Plaza Pavilion mural, 1962

A warning. Today's blog post ends with a tragic account of loss and oblivion. So, if you're blissfully content with the aesthetics of your world, and wish to remain so, you might want to skip this one. Otherwise, read on!

I write a lot about Disneyland on this blog, and for many of you, that's why you come here. Disney doesn't pay me to do it. I'm passionate about the art and artists that interest and inspire me, and the classic Disneyland of the 1950s, 60s and early 70s was something very special and unique. There was nothing on earth like it. There were no "DisneyParks®" or global "Where Dreams Come True" marketing initiatives back then - there was only Disneyland. That's the Disneyland that I like, and spend time thinking about. A great deal of "classic" still exists in the park today, in quiet spots, still undisturbed by corporate synergy or the inappropriate placement of Pixar characters. But the best bits of Disneyland exist now only in photographs, old audio recordings, in vintage paper ephemera, and in our memories.

Growing up with Disneyland has been an inspiration to me my whole life, and not just for the obvious things. The inspiration to travel, to explore, to read, to paint, to sculpt are all things that I can attribute back to Disneyland visits. The sounds emitted by the Penny Arcade's antique music machines, the lush greenery of Adventureland and the Rivers of America (a particular novelty to me growing up in the Arizona desert), the folk songs heard in America Sings, and the tingly excitement of voyages through Inner Space and "liquid space" electrified the fine hairs on the back of my neck.

And there were also beautiful hand-made works of public art all through the park that made me want to become an artist myself: from Mary Blair's splendid ceramic tiles that gift-wrapped the corridor of Tomorrowland to the original dioramas in Sleeping Beauty's Castle. But my favorite work of art, by far, was a magnificent cooking-themed mural on a wall inside the Plaza Pavilion restaurant.

Do you remember it??

The exterior of the Plaza Pavilion, presented by Stouffer's. 1962

Finding a good color photograph of the mural is like tracking down Bigfoot, despite the fact that it was in full-view right there in the serving line, with millions of people sliding their cafeteria trays past it for over thirty years.

It's right through those doors. See it?

Well miraculously, on just a regular day in 1993, I happened to have the great foresight to take a picture of it. One solitary picture with my old beat-up Polaroid camera. It was such an afterthought on my part to take a photo that day, since the mural had been there my entire life and , of course, would always be there forever. Right?

And here it is. This photo does not do the mural justice.

Painted against a blazing metallic gold 'foil' background, the mural depicts a tree with its branches carrying an exotic array of foods from different regions of America and Europe. There are teapots and soup tureens, strings of sausages, Danish coffee cakes and a wedge of gooseberry pie. There are frog legs and crawfish, strange cheeses, aspics, and seafood in green gelatin, frothy steins of German hefeweizen, a coffee mug with a sour cream doughnut, and a silver dish of ice cream with a peach-half and a green candied cherry. Behind the food, in evocative dark brown silhouette, are cast-iron stoves and beer kegs, a slaughtered wild turkey and a flintlock blunderbuss, the disembodied head of a steer, a wooden ice cream churn and other archaic culinary implements and imagery that I can't even identify.

The subject matter and the obvious research involved in gathering together this panoramic smorgasbord of gustatory glories is breathtaking. No matter that the Plaza Pavilion, featuring a menu based on Stouffer's popular restaurants, did not offer any of these dishes. The mural conveyed to patrons the idea of fine dining and abundance. Two well-worn English expressions adorn a ribbon trailing through the tree's foliage: "Cooking is the oldest of all arts" and "The proof of the pudding is in the eating."

According to the Imagineering research library, the mural was created by a small team of Disney's finest. The penciled signature of art director Ken O'Connor (who among many contributions created the magical coach in "Cinderella") is on the back of one of the concept sketches. Paul Hartley, another revered art director responsible for many of Disneyland's famous attraction posters is also credited.

And speaking of attraction posters by Paul Hartley, the Stouffer's Pavilion had a great one. A popular image today purely for its inclusion of the Tahitian Terrace and the Enchanted Tiki Room (also intended to be a restaurant initially), the final poster actually references the tree mural!

(Left to right) Two "Stouffer's in Disneyland" poster concepts and the final design.

The tree with coffee and tea pots - and the sour cream doughnut.

In 1997, at the end of the summer, the Plaza Pavilion restaurant closed forever, but the building reopened sometime later as an Annual Passholder sales center. Stopping in to look at the mural, as I often had before, I was alarmed to see that it was gone! The wall was now covered with embossed wallpaper and there were a few framed posters and a cake mold nailed to it.

I expressed my horror to a friend at WDI who informed me that the mural was considered to be a treasure, and had not been removed or painted over, but was actually safe and sound behind the new wallpaper. There had been no budget for the removal of the painting, and not wanting to confuse people coming in to renew their annual passes, Imagineering had carefully placed a cut-to-fit cushion of foamcore board over the painted surface before the temporary outer covering had been put up. Someday, the hope was, either the Plaza Pavilion location could be reborn as a restaurant, or the mural would be rescued. Have no fear.

The AP Center in 2009. The mural sleeps.

And now - the rest of the story.

Fast-forward to this summer, August 2011. After over a decade, the AP Center is finally gone for good, and word goes out that the historic Plaza Pavilion will once more return as a fabulous food service venue. Construction barriers surround the building's facade in preparation for its transformation into a Mary Poppins bakery! Hurrah! Jody and I start talking about the mural to all our Imagineering friends. The WDI art library expresses interest in preserving the mural in their permanent collection if it's not to be included in the Poppins renovation. I toss around the notion of dedicating a blogpost to the mural's history as soon as it's unearthed. My old Polaroid photo now looks especially grainy and discolored as I consider the beautiful new photos I'll take once I finally see my favorite Disneyland work of art again.

On September 1, Jody and I are in the park for an evening event and peer for the hundredth time through a quarter-inch gap in the blue construction wall, and we gasp. There it is!!!

Captured with my iPhone. The mural's final photo.

We can just make out a small portion of the art...the top of the tree, the old familiar coffee cup, the sour cream doughnut...visible above the foam wall board! We jump for joy and I immediately text a photograph of it to everyone we know.

A week and a half goes by, and we don't hear anything. Anxious, I make some calls up to WDI and leave messages. "Heard anything? Can we go over to the park and see it??"

Finally, a friend calls me back, and the news is horrible. The demolition crew on the project were told to remove a wall, and remove it they did. In the process, they uncovered the mural, but not having received any official instructions on what to do with it, totally destroyed it. Something about a concern for asbestos in the walls required all pieces to be deposited into biohazard bags and discarded.

I wish I had a happy ending to this story but I don't. It's taken me several months to digest it myself. As an artist, you go through your whole career hoping to create something beautiful, something that lasts, and that has an impact on those who experience it. The time, effort, and care that goes into creating something, whether for a commercial end or not, has a value. The mural would have been so easy to save, had someone in charge of this project not been so out of touch. You could say "Well, so what. It's just a restaurant mural of food. There are bigger problems in the world." Yes there are. But small losses like this and the attitudes that allow it tend to extend out in a wider arc. I know Disney values their past, even if only to package the past into ways to earn revenue from the most loyal portion of their audience. I don't believe that anyone purposefully intended for the mural to be demolished, but I believe it happened because no one cared to follow up on it, or bothered to put it on the 'to do' list. Budgets are only assigned to new stuff coming in, rarely for the preservation or documentation of old stuff going out. The Plaza Pavilion mural is destined for obscurity, and I can't shake my personal feeling that Disneyland is a lesser place without it.

So, art lovers, I turn to you. There's no hope to document a work of art that no one can take a picture of, unless pictures were already taken. Do you remember the Pavilion mural? Were you freaked out by the frog on the cutting board, as I was? Do you have a shot of the mural tucked away in your old vacation slides? Disney doesn't seem to have any good documentation of it in their official files, and all I've got is this one crummy Polaroid.

*Note: This post is the result of years of searching to find out more information about this artwork, and the long wait for the mural to be uncovered and rediscovered. Now that it's gone, this post and the pictures shared are all that I have. I hope someone out there has a better image of it, or more information on its creation, so together we can keep this lost piece of history alive and accounted for.

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Follow-Up to this story added- on January 22, 2012

How I Make a Poster

2011-11-20T17:14:00.000-08:00

Paper illustration © Kevin Kidney

Earlier this year I was hired to create a promotional campaign for a holiday entertainment company using paper sculpture. I love Christmas and everything about the holidays so I was really excited about this project. Above is a scene that I put together for a poster. People often ask me to show more "behind the scenes" in making and photographing one of my illustrations, so this might be a good time to do it.

The first thing that I do, after talking things over with the client and doodling in my sketch book, is the layout:

A layout is simply my pencil drawings placed in a digital mock up, with a bit of shading and value. I try to figure everything out during this stage so I won't have problems to fix later. For this project, I experimented a bit with colors...

For me personally, choosing colors is the most difficult part of the whole thing.

Once I get the "go ahead" to continue, I start building my image. I had a very specific idea of how I wanted the "Holiday Village" typeface to look, with lots of whimsy and beveled edges:

Every part of the picture, including the lettering, is cut out of colored paper with an x-acto knife and assembled with strong tacky glue. I like to work very clean, so I keep a dampened dishcloth nearby to periodically wipe off my hands and fingers. Dirt, oil or glue will smudge the paper and ruin everything. Grungy is not my style, anyway.

Some of the paper bits are LITTLE and the slightest breeze will send them flying off my table like tiny leaves. I won't tell you how many times I had to search the floor for Santa's eyebrows.

Finally, it's all assembled like a miniature theatrical set, and carefully lit like one, too. It's very important the shadows fall where they're supposed to. This year I bought an excellent new camera that takes hi-def images, so conceivably, I could create artwork for a freeway billboard, if necessary!

I can fudge details in photoshop later (for print work) but I strive to keep that to a minimum. CG imagery is not as exciting to me, and part of the magic of making something look hand-made is to avoid over-polishing it in the computer afterwards.

And that's about all there is to it. Merry Christmas everybody!

Peg-Legged Legos!

2011-10-25T02:30:00.000-07:00

We recently discovered the amazing work of Henning Birkeland, a digital artist in Norway who specializes in 3D visual effects and animation. He also happens to be a wizard with Lego bricks! Henning has built just about everything with them, from a Back To The Future Delorean to this familiar guy based on our Pirate Parrot replica for Disney.

"I had a lot of green and orange bricks that I never use so I thought I would try something different... I found out that a Parrot would be perfect for the colours. When searching for reference I found a great model made by Kevin Kidney & Jody Daily:
I did a quick model in 3D and converted it to Legobricks..."

Wow, Henning, it looks fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

View more of Henning Birkeland's work on his website, and while you're there, be sure to watch his show reel. Good stuff!

Happy Birthday, Mary Blair!

2011-10-21T14:48:00.000-07:00

The Indian Chief from Peter Pan, 1953

Artist Mary Blair would have been 100 years old today, and to join in this week's love-fest for her incredible body of work, I would like to present a few of my personal favorites. Each of these pieces - whether done in pastel chalk, watercolor, or ceramic tile - display the brilliance of her design and color magic. Mary Blair was awesome.

Background study for the "Jesusita en Chihuahua" sequence,

The Three Caballeros, 1945

"You Belong To My Heart" sequence, The Three Caballeros, 1945

"Zandunga" sequence from The Three Caballeros, 1945

Old Saint Nick, Christmas Card

Mermaid Lagoon, Peter Pan, 1953

A nine-tile "test" for the Jules Stein Eye Institute mural, 1966

Mary Blair shares a tandem bicycle ride with her boss in 1941, Rio de Janeiro.

Happy Birthday, Mary Blair, and thanks for all the beauty you gave us.

It's Andy Anaheim!

2011-09-21T18:08:00.001-07:00

The original Andy Anaheim model sheet, drawn by the Walt Disney Studio, early 1954.

Of course, you know all about Andy Anaheim, right?

Our city's oddly endearing character mascot is featured today on the Anaheim Historical Society's blog. We love him and, mark my words, Andy is making a comeback!

If you just happen to be in Anaheim this Saturday, I'll be hosting a presentation about Andy at the Anaheim Historical Society CITRUS CELEBRATION in Founders' Park. It'll be old-fashioned home-towny fun.

And you can hear about Andy and other good stuff on NPR, in an interview that aired today!

Ghoulish Delight

2011-09-19T00:28:00.000-07:00

Jody and I will be traveling to Walt Disney World for the resort's 40th anniversary on October 1, and Disney asked if we might create something special for a Haunted Mansion themed auction that takes place the night before, on September 30th. We decided on a unique interpretation of the Hatbox Ghost - a one-of-a-kind maquette based on artist Collin Campbell's original painting for the famous 1969 Disneyland Record, "The Story and Song from The Haunted Mansion."

For decades, old Hattie's legend was kept alive for thousands of kids lucky enough to own a copy of this LP, with its "magnificent full-color illustrated book." There was (and still is) something deliciously disturbing and exciting about Collin Campbell's illustrations, and the very best page was the the one that showed "a cloaked man whose head disappears from his body and glows hideously from within a hat box."

As far as we know, we've never seen a three-dimensional figure based on Campbell's Haunted Mansion illustrations, so this may very well be the first. Our 8-1/4" tall ghost was cast from my sculpture and then hand-painted by Jody in Campbell's illustrative style, with "hair" fibers added on as a final touch. The maquette is displayed on a wooden base made of antique weathered barn wood, under a glass bell jar. When viewed through the wavy glass, the figure takes on a mildly distorted appearance that makes him even more ghostly.

Hope to meet some of you in Florida.

Here is where we'll be...

Friday, September 30, 2011 -- WDW's Contemporary Resort

Signing at the Contemporary Resort gift shop from 10am-12pm

Haunted Mansion: Room For 1 More event 6pm to 9pm

Saturday, October 1, 2011 -- WDW's actual 40th Anniversary

Diamond Horseshoe in the Magic Kingdom from 1pm-3pm

September Song

2011-09-05T15:25:00.000-07:00

So, how was your summer? Wonderful, I hope. Mine was outstanding.

This summer Jody and I went to a bunch of great parties (and threw a couple of really good ones, ourselves), we took some memorable road trips with friends, enjoyed countless bicycle rides on both U.S. coasts, finally landscaped the backyard, and still found time to hang out as much as possible with all our neighbors at the Anaheim Brewery.

But this doesn't mean we goofed around from May to September. We also worked our tails off. The Soundsational Parade opened at Disneyland in May and we were part of the promotional hysteria at the beginning. (As a birthday present from the Disney team, I got to be a chimney sweep in the parade's premier!) We debuted new collectibles throughout the summer, for Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and D23. We contributed to the new Trader Sam's enchanted tiki bar (and designed a line of custom drinkware that will appear at Sam's sooner or later). We built a pirate parrot, and now we're tackling an exciting project for Tokyo Disneyland. All in all, one of the best summers of my life.

But one other thing happened this summer that on the surface might seem small, but for me is huge. I fell in love with the city I live in. So did Jody! Anaheim is a uniquely American city with an amazing history, though it has always struggled to find an identity of its own. Except to those who actually live here, most people consider Anaheim to be synonymous with Disneyland, but I've discovered there is much more to this town than that.

In July I had the unbelievable good fortune of being elected vice president of the Anaheim Historical Society. It's a 35-year old organization of enthusiastic folks who help preserve the history, public art and significant architecture of the city for future generations. Anaheim's Historical Society is especially vital, and a fantastic organization to be a part of.

We're about to have our annual kick-off event on Saturday, September 24th and I sincerely hope everyone reading this will come. The "Citrus Celebration" in Founder's Park will be a wonderful little "small town" event with tours of two historic houses, the gigantic living tree that inspired Disneyland's Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse attraction, orange soda & vanilla ice cream floats provided by Ruby's diner, fresh Anaheim-grown lemonade and presentations on the agricultural era for which Orange County is named. We're putting a whole lot of effort into this so I hope you can come down and experience an Anaheim I'll bet you never knew existed.

And I hope you'll consider becoming a member of the Society, as well, even if you don't live in Anaheim!

More about Anaheim Historical Society and the Citrus Celebration here.

Parting is such sweet sorrow....

2011-08-19T23:24:00.000-07:00

Pirate Parrot concept art by Marc Davis

Marc Davis, himself, with an early version

of the Pirate Parrot animatronic.

Our replica of the final WDW figure for the D23 Auction tonight.

By tonight, our little parrot figure will have a new owner and be off on exciting adventures that the rest of us landlubbers can only imagine. Jody and I became pretty attached to this little guy while we had him in our studio. So much so, in fact, that Thursday night we carefully snuck him with us into Trader Sam's where some surprised folks lifted their "Lost Safaris" and "Shipwrecks" in his honor. (Several people took pix, which I'm sure we'll discover on facebook sooner or later!)

At any rate, he's now in the hands of D23 and will go on the auction block at 8PM this evening. If you happen to wind up being the lucky bidder, Jody and I will divulge to you the secret of what's inside the sealed barrel that he stands on!

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UPDATE: The auction results are in. Our salty ol' parrot sold for $5000.00 worth of solid gold doubloons. Not too shabby for a bird with only one leg!

Art in Anaheim: Sculptor John Edward Svenson

2011-08-06T15:19:00.000-07:00

1970 Downtown Anaheim, Home Savings

Near a busy sunlit intersection in Anaheim dominated by the sounds of traffic and the occasional air-brake hiss of city busses, a young child is going for a joy ride with a trio of dolphins. His arms outstretched like a rodeo bronc buster, the youth seems barely capable of keeping his seat, as the creatures slip over and below the waves of an imagined sea.

Plaster presentation model for "Child on Dolphin," 10" high.

John Edward Svenson's sculpture celebrating the joyful spirit of childhood has enhanced the southwest corner of Harbor Boulevard and Lincoln Avenue (one mile north of Disneyland) for over forty years. The bronze cast was commissioned for Anaheim's Home Savings of America branch in 1970, to accompany Millard Sheets' brilliant tile mosaic depicting the early years of Anaheim history. Through his association with the Sheets Studio from the 1950s through the early 1970s, Svenson produced more than twenty sculptures for Home Savings and the Ahmanson Corporation all over Southern California.

1970, the original full-scale plaster pattern in Svenson's Studio.

Today

Whenever I walk downtown and encounter the sculpture, I'm always drawn in by the pleasing flow of its shapes and the illusion of motion. More idealistic than realistic, the piece has a magical "far away" quality that I like. It seems to exist in a completely different world from its urban surroundings.

Chase Bank now owns the building and the artwork, and sadly the reflecting fountain has become an unkempt planter with the addition of a scraggly bougainvillea and a large rock resting on the fountain's original nozzles. Someone (probably well intentioned) placed plastic pots of flowers into the basin at some point, but the plants have long since died and dried up, and the pots have become just more litter among the trash tossed in by people passing by.

Besides the obvious neglect and lack of stewardship on the part of the current owners, there is no apparent signature or credit given to the artist, who still lives and works today from his studio in Upland. (Perhaps John Svenson's name is buried somewhere beneath all that landscaping bark?)

A beautiful new book "Exploring Form: The Life and Sculpture of John Edward Svenson" by the artist's son David is now available and is an enjoyable way to become re-acquainted with Svenson's amazing body of work. Wouldn't it be fantastic if the city of Anaheim and Chase Bank would restore the fountain and Svenson's sculpture with the care and respect that it deserves?

Finally Florida!

2011-07-28T18:53:00.000-07:00

Mary Blair's concept art for the Contemporary Resort

Grand Canyon Concourse tile mural... as a ceramic vase.

Walt Disney World turns 40 this year and Jody and I were invited to concept nostalgic collectibles for the Orlando resort's anniversary. Naturally, we adore the vintage look of WDW in all its 'seventies orange and lime-green goodness. Excited about the project, we submitted far more concepts than Disney had expected, including attraction replicas and scale models, a line of retro Tiki mugs for the Polynesian resort, and other cool stuff. Disney ultimately decided on a small assortment of "gift" items similar to things we had designed for Disneyland's 50th last year, which we think are pretty cool too. (As for those unproduced collectibles, don't cry. There's always the 50th Anniversary to look forward to, right?)

A boxed trio of mini-attraction posters silk-screened

the old fashioned way, onto sheets of tin!

In a rare departure from the way we've always created collectibles in the past, we had assistance from the Florida merchandise team in Disney's Design Group. Talented artists on their own, we'd like to give DDG a hearty round of applause for all their efforts. In particular, we want to express our warmest gratitude to Disney artist Linda Flynn who labored over the nitty-gritty details to get exactly what we wanted out of each item. Linda, you rock.

Vintage graphic "Magic Kingdom"paper cup, cast in ceramic.

The items are already beginning to be released at various locations around the Florida resort: The Tin Attraction Poster set is available right now at Downtown Disney, EPCOT Center's Art of Disney, and at the Magic Kingdom's Disneyana Shop. The other items will follow throughout the summer.

Boxed Dinnerware set illustrated with the colorful

map insert in the 1971 Preview Center Map.

Jody and I will be in Florida for the Resort's big Fortieth Anniversary shindig, with an appearance and signing event at the Magic Kingdom on October 1, 2011.

Note to west coast Disney fans, we've been informed that as of now, there are no plans to offer the Florida collectibles in Anaheim, but you can order these items though the Walt Disney World Guest Services Mail Order Merchandise Dept. by calling (407) 363-6200.)

Parrot of the Caribbean

2011-07-26T03:45:00.000-07:00

Click above photo to make it huge.

I can't believe he's finally done, and I wish I could keep him. He's destined for the D23 Expo Auction in August. If you're interested in bidding, keep a weather eye open for Lot #27, Mateys!

From the auction catalog:

WALT DISNEY WORLD

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN PARROT "BARKER BIRD"

A one-of-a-kind, hand-made, authentic replica by Kevin Kidney & Jody Daily

Mixed Media (Fiberglass, wood, feathers, metal, nylon fur cloth, velvet, cotton fabric, rope, and an artificial eye.)

Dimensions:

Entire piece: 31" H x 17" W x 12" D.

Parrot figure is 19" H

Value (Disney's estimate): $4,500 - $6,000

Fur and Feathers

2011-07-19T00:55:00.000-07:00

You have a Friend Request from Disney

2011-07-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

It never crossed my mind to publicly declare fandom for Disney on facebook, but I guess that perhaps it's finally time to "Like" Disney. Jody and I are this week's featured artists on the company's official facebook and Twitter pages. You can download a pretty slick image of our giant Disneyland '55 paper sculpture for your desktop, and it won't cost you anything. Do it!

I'm doin' it.

Pegged and Painted

2011-07-13T13:48:00.000-07:00

With his solitary glass eye installed behind his eyelids and his hand-turned wooden leg varnished up like fine old furniture, he's starting to look pretty sharp. Jody's detailed paint work on the face looks great even in close-up. Our parrot will be viewed (and scrutinized) much closer than the original figure ever was in Walt Disney World's Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, so the details require time and tender loving care.

Coming up next: Fur and Feathers!

• Look for the completed Pirates of the Caribbean "Barker" Parrot replica on display at the D23 Expo 2011 in Anaheim this August. The one-of-a-kind replica will be on the auction block on Saturday, August 20th as part of the Expo Live and Silent Auction.

Fiberglass and Feathers

2011-07-12T14:32:00.000-07:00

A new project has landed on our worktable and the feathers are flying. It's a one-of-a-kind figure we're making for the D23 Expo auction in August.

Any guesses who this is going to turn out to be??

Models and Movie Magic

2011-07-08T14:46:00.000-07:00

I just wrote an article for the Walt Disney Family Museum blog on the use of Character Model Statues and the artists who created them, at the Walt Disney Studio in the late 1930s and early 1940s. It's a topic that always gets me excited!

Walt Disney Family Museum blog

Pinocchio puppet model made by Bob Jones

Smiling in Anaheim

2011-06-30T03:14:00.000-07:00

Chances are, if you are a follower of this blog, I imagine you have at the very least a passing interest in things that go on in Anaheim. And if, like me, you also enjoy history and really great beer, then I have an announcement that will make you smile:

Historic downtown Anaheim has really, REALLY, INCREDIBLE BEER.

The original Anaheim Brewery which operated in the 1800s until it went dry during the Prohibition era, is back! This weekend the new Anaheim Brewery will have a 'soft opening' with four types of delicious craft beer on tap - Anaheim 1888, Anaheim Gold, Anaheim Red and Anaheim Hefeweizen. Drop in Friday, Saturday or Sunday for a cold glass in the tasting room, or take home a "growler" bottle for your Fourth of July party.

The new Anaheim Brewery is the start of many exciting things in the works to revitalize the historic downtown district, just one mile northeast of Disneyland. In the coming months, the Brewery will be joined by Los Angeles burger sensation Umami Burger (On July 16th Umami will actually be grilling and selling its burgers as part of the Brewery's official grand opening.) By next year, the site will also include an eclectic food hall inside an historic citrus packing house, organic produce markets, gourmet food truck gatherings, and a public park for festivals and outdoor concerts. Lots to smile about!

Anaheim Brewery Official Website

Anaheim Brewery Blog

Trader Sam's Tiki Bar

2011-06-23T03:27:00.000-07:00

"The Wicked Wench" in the Bottle.

Last month, in between late night parade rehearsals at the park, Jody and I helped out on a pretty nifty project over at the Disneyland Hotel. If you're a Tiki fan or Disney nut, you may have heard about Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar which opened in May. You might even have already visited!

For the new bar, Jody and I scratch-built a one-of-a-kind scale model replica of the "Wicked Wench" - the ship that fires cannon balls over your head in the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction. Our miniature version is rigged up to do a little trick. I won't give away the surprise, but if you order a 'Shipwreck cocktail' ( a nice lemony Bourbon thing ), the boat in the bottle, um...well, it does something!

While the Imagineering team worked late into the night programming lighting effects and Krakatoa explosions, Jody and I rolled up our sleeves and painted the totems over the bar. These are, of course, cast from the original molds created for the Enchanted Tiki Room attraction, and we picked colors to match, as near as we could, the original 1963 paint scheme of the show.

If you find yourself anywhere near the Disneyland Hotel this summer, I recommend you drop in to Trader Sam's for a refreshing grog and any food item on the menu that is panko-crusted. Sam's is easily the best bar in the resort and has become one of our favorite local hangouts.

Hukilau Art Show, 2011

2011-06-06T00:29:00.000-07:00

We're goin' to a hukilau! Or to be more specific, this week we're once again attending The Hukilau, the incredible tiki event that takes place every year in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the epic three-day party which culminates with dinner, drinks and a fiery stage show at America's most spectacular Polynesian restaurant, the Mai Kai.

This year Jody and I are participating in the Hukilau group art show, and here's a sneak peek at what we've pulled together:

"The Founder of the Feast"

Artist: Jody Daily

Jody's salute to Hukilau mastermind, Miss Tiki Kiliki!

Acrylic paint on natural bamboo plank

Custom matted and framed: 9" x 8.25"

Hukilau Tiki Mug Master Sculpture

Artist: Kevin Kidney

The one-of-a-kind, hand-sculpted master from which the original

(and now super-rare) Hukilau mugs were cast in 2007.

Wood and sculpting compound: 8" tall x 6" wide

Trader Vic's Los Angeles Mural Concept

Artist: Jody Daily

Jody's original 2009 proposal for a mural that would have covered a wall in the restaurant's main dining room.

Acrylic paint on wood: 5.25" x 5.50"

Garden of the Gods: Rongo

Artist: Jody Daily

Mixed media, custom framed: 14" x 6.75"

Garden of the Gods: Pele

Artist: Jody Daily

Acrylic on wood, custom framed: 13" x 5.75"

"The Tropical Temptations of Tiki"

Artist: Kevin Kidney

Original paper sculpture created for the cover photo of Sven A. Kirsten's upcoming audio CD.

Paper and wood in custom shadow box: approximately 26" x 20" x 3" deep.

"Hukilau"

Artist: Kevin Kidney

Sculpted paper vignette made from original elements of the 2007 Hukilau poster

(and Kevin's own blog header!)

Paper on woven grass matting, in a custom shadow box: 15.75 x 12.75

"Sippin' Safari Endpapers Map"

Artist: Kevin Kidney

Artwork created for Beachbum Berry's drink guide published in 2007.

Digital print, hand-numbered #11, and custom framed: 21" x 15"

In addition to the above, there will be limited art prints, a commemorative set of Tiki mugs, and special glassware, which can be viewed and pre-purchased here.

(Prices for the original art will be announced at the show.)

The 2011 Hukilau is sure to be unforgettable, with great live music, seminars and symposiums, vendors, cocktails in the famous Molokai Bar, and a performance by Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid. We wouldn't dream of missing this!

Wally

2011-06-05T22:34:00.000-07:00

"I've made quite a name for myself doing this act...

And I don't like it."

-Wally Boag

1920-2011

(Paint doodle by Jody Daily)

IT'S HERE! SOUNDSATIONAL!

2011-05-27T09:15:00.000-07:00

Paper model for Professor Owl from Toot, Whistle, Plunk, and Boom.

Reference for the puppet on the opening float.

Finally! After a year and a half of planning, designing, paper modeling, building, painting and rehearsing, Disneyland has a sparkling new parade. Mickey's SOUNDSATIONAL!

Paper model for the Jolly Holiday Fox Hunter & Fox,

reference for the giant puppet that leads the finale.

It's the biggest project Jody and I have ever tackled and we are very proud of it. Huge heap of gratitude to our long-time friend Steve Davison for inviting us to be a part of this.

Now everybody go see it!!!

Paper Model for the wacky Aracuan Bird from The Three Caballeros

It's coming...

2011-05-22T19:46:00.000-07:00

Pedaling into Disneyland May 27!

Jody Daily Paints Pixar

2011-05-08T22:33:00.000-07:00

Jody will be debuting a new painting this weekend in a Pixar-inspired fine art show at the California State Railroad Museum in Sacramento.

From the press release:

“See Woody in Toy Story 3!”

While Disney fans best know artist Jody Daily through his Disneyland art and collectibles, which he creates with his partner Kevin Kidney, it is his designs for theater and theme park entertainment that occupy most of his time. Currently he and Kevin are art directing a brand new musical parade for Disneyland® Park called Soundsational.

No stranger to the world of Pixar, Jody designed the Pixar Play Parade for Disney’s California Adventure® theme park, and in 2009 Jody and Kevin were called upon by John Lasseter’s team to create the packaging for Toy Story’s definitive toy line.

For his new painting of Woody, Jody turned to classic hand-painted movie poster art of the 1930s and 40s for inspiration. “My own personal style seems to go toward whimsical children’s book illustration, but I get really excited by the challenge of working in many different styles, from gothic to modern. I really just try to be a chameleon and create things that look authentic to whatever time and genre I’m aiming for, and keep my own present-day aesthetic out of it!”

More information about the Pixar event and artwork here!

Toy Storage! Packaging for Pixar's Toy Stars

2011-05-03T23:43:00.000-07:00

Back in 2009, Jody and I had the great honor of being asked by Pixar and Disney Consumer Products to help create special packaging for the new Toy Story Definitive toy line, the most film-accurate replicas of the characters ever produced. At the time, Jody had just designed the Pixar Play Parade for Disney's California Adventure, and "Toy Story 3" was still in production.

Some of the characters, like Woody, Jessie and Buzz, already had packaging seen in the animated films, but there were side panels and box backs not visible on screen, that needed to be fleshed out. Other toys, such as the Pizza Planet Aliens and a mysterious new character named Lots-O-Huggin' Bear, required all new packaging from scratch.

Jody and I based all our digital illustrations on rough pencil concepts by Pixar merch designer Ben Butcher. Some of the packaging, such as this shipping crate for Rex - complete with volcano, went through a zillion variations before everyone was happy.

John Lasseter talks about Rex - and his packaging!

RC, the remote controlled race car, is supposed to be a toy from the 1980s, so his packaging reflects the graphic style and "awesome features" of the period.

John and RC!

Our favorite was this "barn" for Hamm, the talking piggy bank. In the Toy Story world, Hamm is a much older toy, so his packaging was even more "vintage" looking.

Every box has a "Try Me" button incorporated into its design, and getting this feature in the correct spot, without having the actual toy in front of us, was a challenge.

The series, except for Hamm, has been out for some time now. We think all the "definitive" toys, made by Thinkway, turned out super amazing, and it was a exciting for us to contribute something cool and lasting to the Toy Story milieu!

When It Rains, It Pours!

2011-04-18T23:51:00.000-07:00

So, here's what I dig about blogging:

You can write about anything your heart holds dear, no matter how esoteric or nerdy, and somewhere out there you'll connect with some kindred spirits who eagerly join in the nerd-fest right along with you. Best of all, those kindred spirits often hold clues to even more nerdy pieces of the puzzle. You're my Holmes, and I'm your Watson!

Last week's outpouring of love for rain lamps and Monsanto's Fountain of Fashion at Disneyland inspired a veritable oil spill of responses.

Designer Mike Cozart salutes the FIBER FOUNTAIN (as it was named in the early designs) with some never-before-seen-by-me artwork on his amazing blog... including this fantastically rare blueprint:

See how the people in the vehicles (to show scale) are having a real hard time keeping their hands to themselves. The allure of dripping oil was impossible to resist, and the show designers knew this even before the fountain was built! Most thrilling of all was to learn that to access the fountain's interior display, you had to open a hatch in the ceiling and be lowered in like a jewel thief! How cool!

Blog-reader Fred commented that I had neglected to mention the "grandaddy of all rain fountains" - that of Southern California's Topanga Plaza in Woodland Hills (1964). I never saw this awesome fountain in person, but Major Pepperidge of "Gorillas Don't Blog" shares these photos:

Holy Hina, Goddess of Rain! Not since Noah built the ark has there been such a downpour! Three stories tall? Maybe four stories! Aaauugghh! I'm flipping out.

The Major writes:

I think these have the Monsanto versions beat (look at the entranced shoppers in the first photo!) as far as size goes, although they lack the cool "tornado" effect. My grandmother used to take us clothes shopping at that mall when I was in high school, so theoretically I would have seen this fountain - but I don't remember it at all.

Fantastic! If anyone can top this with evidence of a bigger or equally spectacular rain lamp, we need to hear about it.

Thanks to everyone wh0 wrote in to share memories and mutual affection for rain lamps, one of "Man's modern miracles" to rephrase the coin.

Like the magic genie in a bottle, behold the elixir of illuminated ooze.

Monsanto's Fountain of Fashion

2011-04-02T03:00:00.000-07:00

The mother of all rain lamps, Monsanto's Fountain of Fashion!

No vision on earth has yet been discovered that can so thoroughly hypnotize a person into an unblinking stupor as the drip-drip-drip of mineral oil cascading down a nylon thread. Sometime back in the 1960s - or maybe earlier - some genius somewhere combined illumination with precipitation and came up with a miracle we now know as the Rain Lamp.

If you've never seen a rain lamp, you're either too young or too tasteful for your own good. When I was ten I wanted a rain lamp for my bedroom with every polyester fiber of my being. The Sir George's Smorgasbord by our house had one suspended from a pole above the desserts and it was all my mom could do to prevent us kids from disrupting the never-ending chains of diamonds with our fingers.

Disneyland, as with everything else, had the biggest and most impressive rain lamp ever conceived by mankind. Stretching from floor to ceiling, Monsanto's Fountain of Fashion was the grand finale of an Adventure Thru Inner Space, and though the precise reason for its existence was lost on most people, the effect was unforgettable.

Just out of reach...

Restrained by their lap bars - and possibly the admonishment of their moms - Atommobile passengers had to fight off temptation to reach out and touch the forbidden strands of the Fountain of Fashion. Within a swirling tornado of a million oil droplets, faceless mannequins depicting a woman and a little girl on a swing wore clothing made from "Blue 'C' nylon and polyester yarns." At their feet, a bed of oversized white daisies gave a hint of nature in this unnatural place, while helping to conceal the oil intake reservoir.

Maintaining the Fountain of Fashion must've been a flippin' nightmare.

I finally obtained a rain lamp of my very own by the time I was in my late twenties. It had a gold-painted figure of a Grecian woman on a base surrounded by green plastic ferns. One time a fern came in contact with one of the nylon threads and a leaf conducted about 8 ounces of oil out over the edge of the basin, completely ruining the top of a bookcase below. The greasy mess slightly diminished my enthusiasm for rain lamps, but seeing these photos of the Fountain of Fashion makes me want to give them another chance.

The Adventure Thru Inner Space attraction debuted in Tomorrowland on June 29, 1967. In his opening day remarks, former Monsanto president Charles A. Thomas said about the ride:

"At the end of the trip, of course, the visitor is exposed to 'a word from the sponsor.' I think you'll agree that we have shown considerable restraint in this area..."

So the Fountain of Fashion and the Miracles From Molecules display was Monsanto showing restraint? Good golly, just imagine what they would've come up with had they let loose!

Storybook Fashions

2011-03-23T22:12:00.000-07:00

Tailored and trim as a tulip, in gloves and mad hat...

like the blossoms at Disneyland's Flower Market, you'll never wilt!

Our pal, Tim Haack recently discovered a treasure trove of twelve original color negatives showcasing females in fabulous clothes against the fairy-tale backdrop of Disneyland.

Who took these wonderful photos? And who are the three ladies, each one giving her all to look stylish in awkward poses and over-the top outfits? We wish we knew. But we do know the photos were taken for the April 9, 1961 issue of Midwest Magazine, a supplemental newspaper insert in the Chicago Sun-Times. Anyone out there have a copy?

Take time to click on them and enjoy at full size. Each one is pure gold.

Dinner, cinema, dancing - wonder fabric stays wide-awake all evening.

Still looks terrific when he says goodnight!

Why is a raven like a writing desk?

Who cares when you look like this!

In your pretty play suit of spring flowers, you're certain to get picked!

There's just no telling what might happen when you choose high-waisted banana capris and a clown blouse.

Five o'clock, add a turban, meet your date and go!

Big game falls readily to a safari swim suit with matching jacket.

Off the port bow... a cool cotton caftan, side slashed!

Passengers on board Disneyland's new Columbia sailing ship will never get scurvy... especially if handsomely suited in gay tangerine.

Even the river pirate Mike Fink "hisself" would adore a pair of these shipshape slacks in cream cotton faille.

Greet them like a modern southern belle, whether along the shores of the Mississippi, or outside Disneyland's Oak Tree Tavern.

Get the "movie star" attention you've always dreamed of in a pair of crimson velveteen shorts and stitched-on mouse tail.

(Thanks for sharing your collection with us, Tim! This stuff is priceless!)

Farmland vs Fantasyland

2011-03-07T04:30:00.000-08:00

1955: Old Anaheim trees on the outskirts of Fantasyland

---------

UPDATE! Photos taken this week...

2011: The huge trees are still alive and well, 56 years later.

These surviving sentinels from Anaheim's rural past currently provide shade for a snack stand near the Fantasyland Theater.

The Architect of Delight

2011-03-02T21:55:00.000-08:00

Illustration by Kevin & Jody for Los Angeles Magazine

Rolly Crump is one of our favorite designers in the whole wide world. Whether we're talking about his theme park contributions for Disney, or his satyrical counter-culture posters, Rolly rules.

So, when Los Angeles Magazine asked us to create an illustration to accompany a new interview with the legendary artist for this month's issue, we both shouted yes.

What else can we say here about Rolly, that isn't more eloquently said in the splendid article by Marcel Bonner and Steve Daly? Probably nothing, so let's treat ourselves, instead, to some visual delights from Rolly's imagination.

In 1962, as the Tiki Room at Disneyland was coming together, Walt asked Rolly to design some pre-show tikis to be placed outside in the landscaping, to "set the mood" for waiting guests. While researching Pacific island culture and mythology, Rolly became enthralled with a little book by Katharine Luomala he discovered in the UCLA library called Voices on the Wind.

Rolly sculpted this small sun god in about 45 minutes. 1962

Luomala's retelling of the ancient Hawaiian legends of Hina, Rongo, and Pele inspired wildly imaginative interpretations in Rolly’s drawings. In island lore the god Maui, who had tethered the sun in the sky, thus regulating time and establishing the seasons, materialized as a water-powered clock, producing a rhythmic tick-tock with a length of bamboo.

"Natives call me The Mighty One."

Original sketch by Rolly Crump, 1962.

When WED sculptor Blaine Gibson explained he was too busy with other projects, Rolly sculpted most of the nine tikis himself, something he hadn't tried before! "In those days, " Rolly explains, "we did whatever it took to do it."

Rolly's first sculpture, "Maui", before the mold was made.

The tikis were modeled in plasticene, a soft oil-based clay, over foam armatures, in the parking lot behind WED. Outdoors in the warm California sunshine, the clay stayed soft and the work went fast.

Rolly inspects the newly installed Maui fountain at Disneyland,

June, 1963.

Rolly's tiki creations are fantastical Disney characters in their own right, each one with a distinctive look and personality. Today, over 47 years after it debuted, Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room is so familiar a concept, that it's difficult to measure the impact this little "musical luau" has really had...on art, technology and on popular culture. Something I am sure of, however, is that there's still nothing quite as much fun as having your imagination carried away by talented make-believers like Rolly Crump.

Rolly today.

Photo by Gregg Segal for Los Angeles Magazine.

If you live in Southern California, the magazine is a cinch to find at any grocery store. But if that doesn't work for you, order a copy online here!

Past post about Rolly: Muse of the Weird and Wonderful

Dapper Recapper

2011-02-25T17:32:00.001-08:00

You know how a wool coat smells when it gets wet? Not great. So it was especially considerate of last week's storm clouds to part for 24 hours and let the sun shine on Dapper Day at Disneyland. If you couldn't attend last Sunday, rest assured there will be more.

As expected, a fair percentage of participants showed up in vintage Sunday best, and put great effort into staging photographs worthy of Vanity Fair.

For more pics of dandy peeps, visit the excellent United Style site.

Dapper Day at Disneyland

2011-02-18T08:39:00.000-08:00

The original Disneyland designers frequently populated their renderings with guests dressed for a day of sophisticated entertainment. No flip-flops or cargo shorts here! These were men in sharp suits, toddlers working two-pieces, and ladies looking like they just stepped out of Dior's sketchbook - all as if a visit to Disneyland were on par with a night at the opera. And why shouldn't it be?

To the 9's in Tomorrowland

This Sunday's Dapper Day at Disneyland is the idea of Los Angeles designer (and fellow classic Disneyland fan) Justin Jorgensen. On the event's Facebook page, Justin explains that the unofficial day is all about "realizing those designers' dreams that Disneyland be seen as the upscale entertainment experience that it is, filled with guests dressed appropriately for it."

Justin suggests that dressing in a period "Man Men" look is as correct as the latest haute couture. "Be creative, go Gaga, anything that would make legendary Disney designers Herb Ryman, Mary Blair, John Hench, Dorthea Redmond, Harriet Burns and the rest of the stylish WED lot look proud - or blush!"

Sunday, February 20. 1200 noon to 11:30pm.

Bring your camera. Stage an impromptu photoshoot. See you at the park.

Werk it.

Bill Justice

2011-02-10T19:02:00.000-08:00

The man behind two of my favorite things, the Silly Reindeer and the equally Silly Buffalo, passed away this morning. Bill Justice was one of my creative idols. I got to meet him only a handful of times in my career, and once he even telephoned me at work just to compliment me on some drawings I did for his granddaughters. He will be missed.

And now, let's eat!

2011-02-06T00:42:00.001-08:00

Here's the authentic recipe for the Chicken of the Sea Tunaburger precisely as served at the Disneyland Pirate Ship. And guess what? It's really good. Try it!
This recipe serves 4 hungry theme park guests:

Mix one can of Chicken of the Sea Tuna with 1 tablespoon of chopped onion, a quarter cup of chopped celery, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and two tablespoons of mayonnaise. Slice 4 hamburger buns (the kind with sesame seeds) into 3 horizontal sections. Spread tuna mixture onto the middle bun slice.

Now mix 2 more tablespoons of mayonnaise with 2 tablespoons of catsup (it'll make kind of a 1950s version of pink "thousand island" dressing); spread that onto the bottom bun slice and cover with a layer of sweet pickle slices. Put all the sections together to make a a "triple decker" sandwich.

Wrap it up in aluminum foil (Kaiser of course!) and bake in the oven (at 375) for 15 minutes. Eat it hot! Yum!

Serving suggestion: Turn this into a real vintage Disneylander's lunch with Fritos and a Pepsi!

Fish Tale!...Part Three

2011-02-04T04:03:00.000-08:00

White or wheat?

Roll up your pant legs and let's wade out into the lagoon for one final visit with our favorite corporate mermaid and the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship, a Disneyland landmark for 27 years.

Side elevation for the ship's attractive figurehead

The blonde mermaid first began hawking canned albacore in 1952 . Anyone out there know the name of the artist who created her? A lot of us around here would love to know that bit of trivia.

In 1960, a fantastic tropical environment was added all around the Disneyland pirate ship, with waterfalls and the stoney face of Skull Rock. To rededicate the restaurant, Walt Disney posed for publicity with the owners of the Van Camp Sea Food Company, Frank Van Camp Sr. and Jr. ...and the mermaid in person.

Don't get your flash bulbs wet, Mr. Photographer!

By the 70s, the sponsorship by Chicken of the Sea had been canned, and the distinctive mermaid figurehead removed to places unknown (by me anyway). Surprisingly, though, the mermaid adorning the stern remained with a few alterations to obliterate her corporate identity. Her familiar hair bun was sawed off and the diamond shapes on her bodice and tail were sanded away. I don't know about you, but the disguise doesn't fool me!

C'mon, let's step downstairs into the hull and see what the interior looked like in the 1970s. Except for the prices on the menu, very little had changed since 1955.

The serving line was still pretty much the way it had always been. (Are you checking out those cool paper cups, too?)

One noticeable difference , however: the original three-paneled mural with its canned tuna and frozen dinners has given way to a waterless aquarium diorama. Nicely done, but we all prefer the mural, right?

(Always be wary of anything under new management!)

Outdoors beside the gangplank, we could still encounter the original sign post from 1955, but repainted and naturally aged. The smaller framed sign that hangs to the left read: "Captain Hook's Galley - A Pirate's Hearty Fare From Mr. Smee's Kitchen...Hot Roast Beef Sandwich, Hot Meatball Sandwich, Tuna Burger, Clam Chowder, Chef's Salad, Tuna Salad, Drinks and Desserts."

Well, at least the Tuna Burger was still an option!

For our new Fantasyland Pirate Ship replica, we naturally chose to recreate the 1955 versions of the boat and sign, but, as you might imagine, some details, such as the restaurant's original sponsor name, were not permitted. (I know, I know. Not our call.) Nevertheless, Jody and I did everything else we could to "capture the feel" of the original aesthetic. We both were fortunate to visit the ship as kids, and hold happy memories of lunches with our families while dreaming of sailing out to sea under those red and white striped sails.

Our replica took six years to make, if you can believe it. If you've already got one for yourself, I sincerely hope you are loving it as much as we thoroughly loved researching and working on it.

Fish Tales...Part Two

2011-01-29T00:12:00.000-08:00

This 1955 ad art just shouts Yay! It's beautiful, colorful, charming, and kind of gross. Still if today's Chicken of the Sea executives had any sense at all they'd bring back this mermaid. The current logo is so utterly blah, I won't even besmirch your eyes with a picture of it. Even Charlie the Tuna has better taste.

Back to Disneyland now, for a couple photos of our favorite galleon. Both dated June, 1969.

Panorama! The back side of the restaurant, showing the original kitchen door (far left) and the overflow outdoor dining area. That big back door right in the center was not added to the ship until the 60s. (If you look at the 1955 image of the "proud painter" in the previous post you can see the difference.)

And now for another shameful plug: The Fantasyland Pirate Ship replica is finally available starting today. Jody and I will be at Disneyland bright and early this morning to launch a thousand ships.

Okay, there are only 500.

Fish Tales...Part One

2011-01-27T02:24:00.000-08:00

As a shameless plug for our newest replica to be released this week, it only makes sense to spotlight one of Disneyland's greatest creations ever- the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship Restaurant. A product of pure imagination, the 79' long vessel was appropriately berthed in Fantasyland when the park opened in 1955...and boy, do I miss it!

A twist on authentic sailing ships of the 15th to 18th centuries, her highest mast rose 60' from the deck. Like any other architectural structure in Disneyland, the boat was carefully planned and drafted before being built.

This "side elevation" was drawn by a young man named Fred Stoos, who also notably drafted the blueprints for the submarine Nautilus in the film 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea. The drawing is dated May 7, 1955, only about two months before the Park's opening day. Notice that Fred cleverly added a tiny pirate to show scale!

Here's a delightful sketch detailing some ornamentation - a cheery school of tuna!

The plan for an impressive sculpture to adorn the stern, approved by art director Bill Martin. Dated May 16, 1955, the famous Chicken of the Sea's "blonde mermaid" sits queenlike in her shell throne borne on the back of a giant sea turtle. The turtle's head rests atop a plaque bearing the company's logo. If you scroll back up to the top you can see the painters neglected to paint the turtle's head to match the rest of him. Because of this, most people never even noticed the turtle.

Over at the Disney Studios' staff shop, sculptor Chris Mueller puts the final touches on the figurehead for the ships' bow. According to records, the figurehead and stern ornaments were first modeled in plastilene as 1/2 inch scale miniatures. (Do those models survive anywhere today???)

Meanwhile, down in Anaheim, construction of the full-size boat begins. Believe it or not, the hull was built behind Main Street's Town Square, in an open area behind what is now Disneyland's Opera House, and later trucked over to Fantasyland. The entire ship was made of Douglas fir and trimmed in bright Honduras mahogany.

I just couldn't tell this story without detouring your attention over to Daveland for an account of the construction of the ship's gigantic lantern by the Ferro family. If you haven't already read about it, do it now, and then get yourself right back here.

Welcome back!

Let's zoom ahead now to September 1955. Disneyland has been open for two months already, and guests have been staring at the ship every single day wondering if they'll ever get to climb aboard. Up til now only the team of carpenters and painters have had the pleasure of playing pirates upon the poop deck...but at last, the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship is ready for visitors. In the photo above, a painter poses with pride for the camera. Hopefully, this shot made it into his portfolio. (Looks like that little kid standing next to him is hungry. Quick, let's order lunch!)

The first lucky people to gobble up tuna sandwiches, tuna burgers, tuna salad, and tuna pot pie on the galleon's deck were those proud painters who invited their equally proud families. Two vending machines dispensed paper cups of coffee and orange punch for ten cents.

Stepping downstairs to the lunch line, we encounter a three-paneled mural displaying some Chicken of the Sea products that you might pick up at the grocery store back home.

What's in the treasure chests? Could it be just more canned tuna?

That's plenty for today. Come back soon for more thrilling tales of the Fantasyland Pirate Ship!

Ask Any Mermaid You Happen To See...

2011-01-21T17:01:00.000-08:00

Original newspaper ad from the Independent Press Telegram, Long Beach, California, Friday July 15, 1955.

The pirate ship in this advertisement is actually the architectural scale model used in constructing the restaurant! Anyone know where that model is today??

Charles Phoenix, The Retro Holiday Man!

2010-12-22T01:22:00.000-08:00

Charles Phoenix's laugh-out-loud retro holiday slide shows are a Christmas season favorite here in Los Angeles. I've known Charles for over 15 years and I'm always proud to tell people that Jody and I were at his very first show back in 1998. Each year, as his heap of Kodachrome eye-candy from the past grows bigger, his performances get better - and FUNNIER!

My original concept for the Charles Puppet.

A few years ago, I proposed doing a stop-motion animated segment for the Charles Phoenix Holiday Jubilee at the REDCAT theater in the Walt Disney Concert Hall complex. Starting late in the year, we ran out of time to film the animation, but stills of the 16-inch puppet and paper backdrop were used for publicity and as the cover of the program. The project was a sheer delight.

Last week Charles appeared on the Conan TV show with the ultimate yuletide snackable - the Astro-Weenie Christmas Tree. It's pure Charles Phoenix brilliance.

Click HERE and watch!

Paint Like It's 1930!

2010-12-13T00:16:00.000-08:00

Above is a sketch for an unused Walt Disney Studio greeting

card created by an uncredited artist in the early 1930s.

Over 70 years later, Jody completes the final painting which, in turn, is published by Disney as a boxed set of greeting cards.

It's not easy to mimic vintage paint techniques, but I think Jody did a very convincing job, making it look as though the final art had actually been completed in the 1930s.

Happy Birthday Walt Disney

2010-12-05T02:54:00.000-08:00

He would've been 109 today.

Billboard of Happiness

2010-11-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

Painting by Paul Hartley, I do believe.

Wow, huh? This jaw-dropping billboard design (shown here without text) was created in 1961 to boast about the enticing new things in development at Disneyland for the year ahead: New Orleans Square, the Swiss Family Treehouse, a brand new shooting arcade for Adventureland, the Tahitian Terrace Restaurant (and a still undefined Tiki Cafe that would eventually morph into something called Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room), and over at the Jungle Cruise: new improved animals and scenes such as the African Veldt and the Elephant Bathing Pool.

It's pretty clear that Disneyland was about to become smokin' hot!

Oh, one last little tidbit touted on the sign is the Haunted Mansion. Although construction of the Mansion's stately exterior was completed in 1962, everyone knows the attraction inside opened seven excruciatingly long years later.

Now, take your loved ones by the hand, please, and kindly follow me over to Daveland to view shocking images documenting construction of the Haunted Mansion on November 19, 1962 -- forty-eight years ago to this very day. You'll even spy the fabulous "Coming Soon" billboard in the shot of WED art director Bill Martin visiting the construction site.

Down By The Station, Early In The Morning...

2010-11-12T14:58:00.000-08:00

On November 13th, bright and early, Jody and I will be down at Disneyland for the release of our newest collectible based on a classic attraction: The Nature's Wonderland Mine Train. From 1960 to the mid 70s, these bright yellow little trains carried passengers on a scenic adventure through the "unspoiled wilderness" of Frontierland.

Traveling over creaky wooden trestles, through cool rock caves, and beneath a natural arch bridge, passengers viewed over 200 animated animals and birds representing "almost every specie still roaming the North American continent", according to the original press release.

The unpainted, first prototype

Although Jody and I both can say we have ridden through Nature's Wonderland, we were too young to remember anything about our experiences. Our model, on it's own trestle base, is carefully copied from stacks of photos and the original vellum draftings stored in a big flat drawer at Walt Disney Imagineering.

Creating the realistic Olympic Elk figures for the attraction.

Legendary designer Bob Gurr (that's him above in the green shirt) built mechanisms for many of the realistic animals that inhabited the ride. "Nature's splendor" culminated in the colorful Rainbow Caverns, a florescent watery-wonderland of underground stalactites, stalagmites...and, of course, black lights.

Spoiler alert! (Although, really, how can we spoil something that doesn't even exist any more?) Here is a RARE view of a portion of the Rainbow Caverns during a routine refurbishment in the 1960s. The water is drained, work-lights are on, and a workman's power cord stretches across the tracks, ruining the illusion, but allowing us to appreciate "how it was done"!

Rocky cut-outs obscure rows of lights, while electric fans mounted on the walls create a refreshing breeze for passengers still warm from their trip across the arid "Living Desert".

We dearly love the Mine Train and wish we could still take a trip through Nature's Wonderland today (although Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is one of our favorite Disneyland rides, and retains several of the effects and scenes from its predecessor.)

Tomorrow mornin', if'n you're in our part of the wilderness (that is Anaheim), why not mosey on down to the Disneyland Gallery on Main Street and visit for a spell? Jody and I will be there, along with Bob Gurr, to sign Mine Trains and shoot the breeze from 9am to 11am. Hope to see you there!

Hell on Wheels

2010-10-31T03:19:00.000-07:00

Another of Jody's paintings...banned from Disneyland!

CRASH! BANG! All that reckless driving has apparently done us in, but the kid in the striped shirt isn't phased. He's still merrily on his way, in spite of the little devils laughing at his predicament in this original acrylic painting by Jody Daily.

Sadly, you'll never see this fabulous art piece for sale at Disneyland because Disney's legal department gave it the axe. Why? Your guess is as good as mine, but this glowing red creation of Jody's is one of my utmost favorites. I love the gaping --but subtle-- "Mouth of Hell" at the top of the painting, with the mangled train tracks and, just beyond, the cool moonlit countryside where moments earlier, we were enjoying a wild ride in Mr. Toad's motorcar.

The "Mouth of Hell" welcomes us with fiery blacklight in

this 1955 photo taken inside the Disneyland dark ride.

The Victorian-era "Cabaret de l'Enfer" (Hell Cabaret) was a popular Paris nightclub in the 1890s. To my mind, it was the direct inspiration for Disneyland's version of the underworld.

Cabaret de l'Enfer in 1952, not long before it closed forever. Note the metal roll-down gate.

The "Cabaret de l'Enfer" was located in the Montmarte neighborhood of Paris, not far from other more famous nightspots such as the Moulin Rouge and the Gran-Guignol.

In Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, we encounter devils and demons gleefully reaching out at us with pitchforks in a subterranean cavern...

...and in the above 1910 photo of the interior of the Cabaret de l'Enfer, it's obvious a similar theme was carried out even then. This is fascinating stuff to me, and if you'd like to learn more, please check out the EXCELLENT "Long Forgotten" Blog.

A maquette for one of the devils in Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, circa, 1982.

Images from an eBay Auction, circa 2002.

How To Make a Replica of Walt Disney's Car

2010-10-15T02:50:00.000-07:00

So, here's all you have to do. First, drive up the 5 Freeway to Walt Disney Imagineering to request the original blueprints for Walt Disney's personal "Runabout" (making sure you have a valid project job number or you will get nowhere). After a full day spent searching their computer data bases, flipping through slide binders and rifling through old folders, try not to be too downhearted when you discover there isn't a single blueprint of Walt's car anywhere to be found.

Next go track down Bob Gurr, the retired Imagineer who, when only in his twenties, designed all of Disneyland's Main Street vehicles, Autopia cars, monorails, submarines, bobsleds and omnimovers, and buy him dinner and drinks, during which you strategically steer the conversation to be all about blueprints. Try not to be too downhearted when Bob explains there never were any blueprints drawn for Walt's Runabout (because back then they could just build things without blueprints because they were all geniuses.) But prepare to cheer up quickly when Bob magically brings forth a tattered piece of vellum with a beautiful pencil rendering of the car that he drew in 1960!

Photos of Walt and Lillian Disney, and their grandchildren.

Notice the car's roof was sometimes on, and sometimes off.

Now, head on down to Disneyland to study Walt Disney's car in person. There were actually four of them built, and two still reside in Anaheim. They don't appear in public much anymore, although when Bob Gurr received his Window on Main Street last year, he was escorted to the event site in one. Make sure you are at that event, too, and take tons of pictures.
Realizing you need to get much more personal with the thing if your replica is going to turn out any good at all, hunt down the car in its parking spot backstage and photograph every detail you see.

If possible, climb up onto something really tall, like an electrical parade float or something, and photograph the car from above.

Special things like headlamps and tail lights should be photographed from every angle. Front, back, sides, top.

Crawl under the car and photograph the entire undercarriage, axles, drive chain and shaft, and those crazy old-fashioned shock absorbers. (Gasp in amazement that the tires are actually from Italian motorcycles!)
After taking almost 100 photos and taking measurements of everything with the measuring tape you almost didn't remember to bring with you, go back to your desk and create a whole book of diagrams that explains everything you saw. Don't leave anything out except for the details that are too miniscule to sculpt.

That goes for the paint details, too.

Finally, go back to Bob Gurr and ask him what color you should make your replica since, after all, there were four cars with four different color schemes. He will tell you that his personal favorite was the maroon version (as seen in the 1960 photo below that was stolen from Daveland. Thank you, Daveland.)

So you make your little car maroon.

And you think it looks real snazzy.

Jody and I will have the great pleasure of appearing with the uber-talented, legendary Bob Gurr at Disneyland this Saturday morning October 16, 2010, to sign the release of our newest replica, "Walt's Car." The event will take place at The Disney Gallery on Main Street, U.S.A. from 9 am to 11 am.

Saturday's release will also include our Early Concept Jungle Cruise Boat Replica and Adventureland Skipper figurine. Hope to see you there for a fun, nostalgic morning at Disneyland!

Original Swiss Family Robinson Tree FOUND!!!

2010-10-06T04:47:00.000-07:00

Okay now. Everyone take a deep breath. This is really big news.

The tree of our dreams has been found!

The wonderful treehouse built by the shipwrecked Robinsons in the 1960 movie fired up my childhood imagination like nothing else. (Ironically, as I got older, the treehouse continued to have special significance for me!) I'd drop everything in a heartbeat if I could build a bamboo home in the branches of an enormous tree, with a waterwheel turning in a little creek, and the excitement of the jungle all about.

So, it is with great pleasure that I introduce to you Mr. Lennox Straker Jr., a resident of Tobago (where the film was shot) and, miraculously, a reader of my blog! After I posted about the Swiss Family Robinson's tree a few months ago, Mr. Straker decided to take it upon himself to seek out and photograph the giant living Samaan tree used in the movie fifty years ago. And he did it!

"Kevin, I stumbled upon your post of March this year "Some Really Big Roots" which mentioned the original Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse from the movie of 1960. I live on the island of Tobago in the Caribbean and did research on the tree and actually found it still very much alive in Goldsborough!

"The tree has fallen into obscurity; only a few of the older people knew of its significance. As a matter of fact, not many people know of the film Swiss Family Robinson much less that it was filmed here in Tobago. Acting on info I found online about it being in Goldsborough I went up there and saw two possible suspects. They were both close to the road at the end of what was once a playing field. I identified this tree only after realising the stream that ran in front of it (also visible in the movie) and then an old gentleman came around and I asked him where is the tree located and he said "you are looking at it."

"The tree is on private lands and there are old appliances at its trunk and some of the branches have been cut, there is no physical evidence of anything in the trees but I did not go up close to see if possibly there were carvings or subtle evidence of the movie.

"I do intend to go again though because, like you, this fascinates me. I think a plaque or something should be placed on this tree."

1959 movie treehouse concept by artist John Hench

John Mills and Dorothy McGuire reenact a scene from"Vertigo".

But that's not all! Mr. Straker also identifies the swimming hole where the Robinsons have their first "public holiday" in their new island home...

The two-tiered Craig Hall Waterfall is just off of the side of a road, and, apparently, easy to find. The first tier falls into a large pool, which then spills over the rock face into the river below. Sounds like heaven!

And then, of course, there's the beach...
Tobago still has stretches of pristine beach, and this may be the spot where the Robinson's wash ashore and, later, discover the Chinese pirates. Wow!

A big heartfelt THANKS to Lennox Straker, for his excellent detective work, and for sharing his discoveries with us. I'll be getting my passport in order and heading to Tobago ASAP!

"We're the Mouseketeers! We Want to Say Hello!"

2010-09-16T02:36:00.000-07:00

So cute, it practically squeaks. These are details from a brand new painting by Jody Daily...

"Hey there, Hi there, Ho there! You're as welcome as can be!"

The Leader of the Club!

It's ROY!

Jody's one-of-a-kind tribute to the 55th anniversary of the Mickey Mouse Club television show can be seen (in its entirety!) at the upcoming D23 "Destination D" Event in Anaheim, September 24-25. Several of the original Mouseketeers will be there in person (all grown up now, shockingly!) Jody and I will be there, too, with some new collectibles just perfect for the occasion. See you there?

Snack Time!

2010-09-10T02:09:00.001-07:00

Original illustration by Jody Daily, Acrylic Paint

It's everyone's favorite chip-lovin' cowpoke, Frito Kid!

Take The Path That Moonbeams Make...

2010-09-09T00:10:00.000-07:00

The city lights below sparkle like fairy dust, and the clock tower, striking the late night hour, reaches up to us through a cloud. With a woosh, we bank toward the moon and suddenly we are directly over Never Land itself, where all our happy dreams come true.

"Off To Never Land" Original acrylic painting by Jody Daily

This "wide-screen" illustration of one of Disneyland's most enduring dark rides, is really a study in black light. Using just regular acrylic colors, Jody was able to simulate that glowy, other-worldly look of fluorescent paints under UV light. Pretty convincing!

Sorry, you'll never see this painting in the Disneyland Gallery... Jody made it for a friend!

Liquid Space in Liquitex

2010-09-06T15:08:00.000-07:00

"Oh Boy, Live Mermaids!" Original acrylic painting by Jody Daily

A nostalgic take on the classic Submarine Voyage in Tomorrowland, when honest-to-goodness mermaids inhabited the lagoon.

Jody and I have always thought the sub drivers' legs an interesting part of the experience. And speaking of legs, ducks paddling on the water's surface sometimes provide a unique show for folks peering up from below.

Over the teeth and past the gums...

2010-09-04T22:21:00.000-07:00

"Say Ahhhh" Original acrylic painting by Jody Daily

"We enter Storybookland by being swallowed up by Monstro the Whale - the very same whale that swallowed Pinocchio..." The pleasant voice of our pretty hostess doesn't sound at all concerned, as our little canal boat heads straight into the gaping jaws of Monstro. Dad is too busy admiring her to take notice of the coming danger, but our intrepid kid-in-the-striped-shirt is ready for anything.

Jody's third illustration for Disneyland also features the Chicken of the Sea Pirate Ship Restaurant and Skull Rock. I think it's strange that Disneyland has not chosen to release matted prints of this image yet. It's one of my absolute favorites.

Painted Desert!

2010-09-03T23:27:00.000-07:00

Original acrylic painting by Jody Daily. Click to make it big!

This panoramic Frontierland scene looks like some fun animated film that I would love to see. As the little mine train chugs merrily past the teetering rocks of the Living Desert, passengers gawk at the sights all around. Up ahead a geyser shoots a steamy plume into the sky, as the old Mark Twain huffs by in the background. Such a lovely, dreamy scene. Who could blame even the saguaros for wanting to thumb a ride?

And, say, there's that striped shirt kid again, this time sporting a Donald Duck-billed hat.

Color and Quirk

2010-09-03T01:07:00.000-07:00

Fantasyland "C" Ticket - Original acrylic painting by Jody Daily

This painting was snatched up by a collector so fast we didn't even have a chance to tell it goodbye. It was the first in a series of Disneyland illustrations featuring Jody's now-famous "kid in a striped shirt."

Considering the trove that surrounds and inspires me every day in our Anaheim studio, I don't blog about Jody's work nearly enough. Failed attempts aside to convince him to start his own blog, there will be more from the colorful and quirky world of Jody Daily coming to this space throughout the week. Enjoy!

Roy Meets Girl

2010-08-27T02:56:00.001-07:00

Today's post is brought to you by my mom, Marilyn, who recounts a memorable trip to Disneyland when she was just 14 years old. On October 11, 1958 she with her little brother Ray and my grandparents Chet and Margie, attended an Apex Steel employee picnic at the Holidayland area outside the Park...and met a celebrity!

There were horseshoes to throw, a sack race - which my grandfather won! - and a water balloon toss across the grass. Following an outdoor barbecue lunch, everybody was ushered into the big circus tent for a live performance by a few famous Mouseketeers from television. Doreen, Cheryl, Sharon, and Tommy were there - and maybe Bobby, Mom thinks. After a couple of songs and dances, Roy Williams, the show's "Big Mooseketeer" entered the stage with a pad of paper. All the kids in the audience lined up for a free sketch of a favorite Disney character to take home.

Mom's impression of Roy was "a very friendly fat man, in kind of a Santa Claus sort of way." As Roy chatted amiably with each kid, he effortlessly conjured up mice, ducks, dogs - and even Zorro for one kid - with a stick of charcoal. Besides being a familiar face on TV, Roy Williams was a longtime story artist for the studio's animated shorts, and he could draw Mickey's grinning visage in ten seconds or less!

Roy asked Mom if she was having a good time at the picnic, and what character would she like. In a sudden moment of teenage shyness, she couldn't think of anything, so Roy made the decision for her...

It's Pluto! Arf!!

Cute drawing, huh? Of course, once she got home - and for years afterward - Mom wished she had asked for one of Cinderella's mice!

And now... See Roy sketch Mickey in ten seconds! From the "Disneyland" TV show, 1956.

Summer and Smoke

2010-08-18T19:57:00.000-07:00

An original illustration for Walt Disney Magazine, June 1957

(Hand-painted cel overlay on gouache background)

No artist credit, but art directed by Paul Hartley

Summer will be over before you know it, so I hope you're getting yourself outdoors to enjoy life as much as you can.

Hop on that bicycle! Have a cook-out! Haven't you noticed I've been blogging less so as not to distract you from going outside and working on your tan?

I'm loving this summer, our first in our new home. Back in March we planted eight tiny heirloom tomato plants in the garden and have been harvesting something like 20 to 40 of the best tasting tomatoes every day for the past 2 months.

Our projects have been on a roll, too. Besides producing new art and merchandise, Jody and I are designing a new Disneyland parade called "Soundsational" to debut next year (it's gonna be great)! And somehow or another, I'm cramming on an art piece for a Palm Springs show in September.

Best of all, we've managed to have some fantastic cook-outs with friends and family this summer! Hope your summer has been full of fun, sun and veggie burgers, too. There's only about a month of it left, and then everything starts to turn to pumpkins.

(Which we've also planted!)

The final published spread.

Up, Up, and Away...

2010-07-27T00:41:00.000-07:00

"Disneyland Moonliner" Illuminated Replica

"Walt Disney's round trip to the moon - 500,000 miles - will take about 15 minutes, all without ever leaving the ground."

In the years that it stood on its launching pad in Tomorrowland, the iconic TWA Moonliner Rocket never left planet Earth. Never mind its aluminum nose aimed straight up at the cosmos, those three "retractable" feet were bolted to terra firma.

To fan the imaginations of Disneyland space travelers, illustrations and film of the rocket in actual flight helped to heighten the illusion of an "authentic trip to the moon in every detail."

Moonliner en route by aviation painter Frank Soltesz for TWA

The attraction's pre-show film simulated countdown and lift-off.

For Disneyland's 55th year, Jody and I set out to create the ultimate "Rocket to the Moon" replica, differing from previous models that depicted the ship in its earthbound stance.

Our 22-inch Moonliner is well underway to the stars, lit from below by soft blue lighting built into the base. A miniature duplicate of the attraction's original sign serves as a title plaque.

But best of all...

"Bye bye, Earth!"

A small "viewport screen" recessed into the base contains a color-slide of the spaceport on the ground as seen in the attraction during take-off.

Limited Edition of only 500 -- $165 plus applicable tax and shipping

Personally signed by Jody Daily and myself.

It can be ordered online by clicking HERE!

Life in 1987!

All Aboard the Mine Train

2010-07-15T02:08:00.000-07:00

Edition Size: 500 Release Date: TBA

For many years a dilapidated old train sat in ruins along the banks of the Rivers of America, the last remaining scrap of an extinct Disneyland attraction from bygone days. It was in terrible shape, rotting and falling apart from years of exposure. Barely legible on its domed boiler was a faded gold number "1".

Mine Train #1 in 2006

Earlier this year, the train vanished from the park, heroically rescued by the Disney Studio Archives with plans to restore it! It was a good omen for us since we were then hard at work on a miniature replica of Train #1 as it appeared bright and new when Nature's Wonderland opened. We're delighted that more Disneyland fans are appreciating this classic attraction, the layout of which had been designed by Walt Disney himself.

Train #1 in happier days.

Our replica of the Nature's Wonderland Mine Train #1 will be released this fall, as part of the ongoing celebration of Disneyland's 55th Anniversary.

The Disneyland Shopping Bag Shirt

2010-07-15T01:30:00.000-07:00

Don't be offended if somebody says your shirt looks like an old bag.

The Disneyland 1950s Shopping Bag Shirt will be available at Disneyland on Saturday, July 17.

Future Friend

2010-07-14T03:00:00.000-07:00

Edition Size: 500 Release Date: TBA

Greetings Disneylanders, from a bright world yet to come! The Tomorrowland Spaceman, in his very special suit and helmet designed for life on the Moon, is a sure sign that our future will be FUN!

This collectible figurine celebrating the Cast Members of early Disneyland will be released later this summer.

Rust Bucket

2010-07-13T01:46:00.000-07:00

Edition Size: 500 Release Date: TBA

Hollywood set designer and legendary Imagineer Harper Goff was one of the world's greatest visionaries, in our humble opinion. Not only did he create the most fantastic movie submarine ever to transport our imaginations 20,000 leagues under the sea, but he designed a chocolate factory for Willie Wonka and a famous cafe in Casablanca.

And he also played the banjo!

We love Harper Goff, and if you're a Disneyland fan then you must love Harper Goff, too. His creative touch can be seen all around the Park, most notably along Main Street U.S.A., and in the deepest jungles of Adventureland. The little canopied launches that cruise the world's exotic waterways were first conceptualized by Harper in 1954. His sketches of the Amazon Belle, Congo Queen and Suwannee Lady show vessels more rugged and "travelled" than the shiny bright boats that appeared on opening day.

Based on Harper Goff's original concepts for Disneyland's "jungle ride," our model of the Amazon Belle looks as though it may have crossed the Mekong, borne the rains of the Irrawaddy, and survived the rapids of Kilimanjaro a million times before. It's just the thing to display in your study next to that rhinoceros head you brought home from Borneo.

This item, celebrating Disneyland's 55th Anniversary, will be released later this summer. Stay tuned for more information!

Your Skipper and Guide

2010-07-11T23:21:00.000-07:00

Edition Size: 500 Release Date: TBA

The brave - and wisecracking - skippers of the world-famous Disneyland Jungle Cruise have undergone many costume changes over the decades. Early jungle fashions included split-sleeve "Sumatran Boatsman" shirts, highwater trousers and...sandals!

The second collectible figurine celebrating the Cast Members of early Disneyland. Designed and sculpted by us!

Walt's Car

2010-07-10T23:12:00.000-07:00

Walt Disney loved to show visitors around Disneyland. Imagineer Bob Gurr designed four little electric "Runabouts" especially for Walt to use when touring the Park with family, friends and celebrities. Bob recalls, "Walt was always smiling happily when he was at the tiller of "his car."

This replica (one of five nostalgic attraction vehicles in honor of Disneyland's 55th Anniversary) will be released later this summer. Stay tuned for more information!

Walt and Lillian Disney in the 1960s.

Guided Tours with a Smile!

2010-07-09T16:36:00.000-07:00

Edition Size: 500 Release Date: To Be Announced

This red-kilted little lady with the cheery smile is ready to take you on a tour through the fun-filled lands of Walt Disney's original theme park, circa 1965. The Tour Guides of Disneyland symbolize the Park's world-famous spirit of friendship and happiness, and ours is no exception.

Introducing the first in a new series of collectible figurines celebrating the Cast Members of early Disneyland. Designed and sculpted by us! More info soon...

Disneyland Paper-Sculpture-O-Rama

2010-07-07T23:12:00.000-07:00

This morning we put the finishing touches on the most "intense" paper sculpture I've done to date. Five feet long and 2 feet high, hand-cut, curled, folded, and embossed papers - and a handful of wooden dowels and such - assembled into a mini-mural of early Disneyland treats.

We made every attempt to pack in all our favorites from the Park's fledgling years, from the Moonliner Rocket to the Hall of Chemistry, Fort Wilderness to the Silver Banjo. Jungle Cruise, Indian Village, Conestoga Wagons, Skyway Chalet, Astrojets, Casey Jr, and those cool tripod-lamp thingys from 1955 Tomorrowland. All on a hand-woven silk backing under UV-protective plexiglass. You can view it on display at Disneyland starting July 17th...and maybe you'll own it!

Disneyland's 55th Anniversary

2010-07-04T22:30:00.000-07:00

Ceramic Disneyland Classic "Paper Cup"

Limited to 1955. $18 each.

Available July 17 at Disneyland

This was the Park's official paper cup for coffee and soda for many, many years, and the style that I remember from my childhood. As with all paper goods, most of the cups ended up in the trash. Ours is an exact replica that you can keep and use forever.

Disneyland's 55th Anniversary

2010-07-04T03:56:00.001-07:00

Ceramic Disneyland Classic Popcorn Box

Available July 17 at Disneyland

The man. The box. 1962.

Concept de Fritos

2010-06-26T22:56:00.000-07:00

1955 Concept and Final Poster

The orange and black Casa de Fritos restaurant poster is one of my favorite vintage Disneyland posters, ranking up there with the Grand Canyon Diorama and the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea posters. I like the stark contrasts of the colors, and the fancy details on the mysterious charro in the foreground.

The Casa de Fritos building is also depicted on the poster.

Frito Kid in ACTION!

2010-06-25T02:55:00.000-07:00

Feelin' snacky? Talented artist/animator Jim Campbell has fashioned a crunchy little flash animation experience for those who've always wanted to see the Frito Kid do his thing at Disneyland. Click this link right now, drop the coin into the slot and stand back!

(And after you've had your virtual-fill of those dee-licious chips of corn, check out more fun diversions on Angry Jim's website.)

1955 free Party Ideas booklet given out at Disneyland.

I'll tell you what, nothing goes better with Mexican food than a paper cup of grape juice.

The fabulous Casa de Fritos of Frontierland, September 1955.

More about the Frito Kid here: "Man of La Muncha"

Turn On The Old Music Box

2010-06-11T02:58:00.000-07:00

Illustration by X. Atencio, 1956

Recently one of my own childhood wishes came true... we bought a player piano! I have wanted one for as long as I can remember, probably from the moment I first encountered the tinkling sound inside the Wonderland Music Store at Disneyland. I was entranced by the perforated paper roll going 'round and 'round, causing unseen fingers to play the keyboard. It was just about the happiest thing I'd ever heard.

In the early 1970s the Wonderland shop and piano were near the exit to Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln.

Just beyond the racks of Disneyland Records and Big Golden Books, in its own magic spot was the player piano, surrounded by rows of red and white boxed music rolls that you could buy for your own piano at home (if you were lucky enough to have one!)

The QRS Company has been manufacturing paper piano rolls since 1900, and (unbelievably) is STILL IN BUSINESS!!! with over 45,000 titles - everything from Minnie's Yoo Hoo to Guantanamera. Still in those same red and white boxes.

And here's a 1994 photo of the original Wonderland Music Player Piano in storage backstage in the Arcade Warehouse... Could it still be there?

The Wonderland Piano was a real old antique, even when it appeared at Disneyland in 1955. Made by the Chase & Baker Co. in Buffalo, New York, the piano would be 125 years old this year. On opening day it stood in the original Music Store (near the current Magic Shop), and in 1960 both store and piano moved next door to Lincoln. When Bear Country debuted in 1972, the piano was installed in the Wilderness Outpost where it must've played "Oh My Darlin' Clementine" a million times until it was finally retired in 1986 (though we hope not "lost and gone forever!")

The insides of player pianos are completely insane!

And now that we're all in the mood for it, let's have a little song we can join in and sing! I have here an old QRS "word roll" with the lyrics printed right on the paper.

"Muuu-sic, Pro-fessor!!"

"Turn On The Old Music Box", from Pinocchio (1940)

The Sound of Tiki!

2010-04-22T00:47:00.001-07:00

A little while ago I designed a series of paper images for a brand new CD release of unusual and never-before-published Exotica recordings. Sven Kirsten's "The Sound of Tiki" is the long awaited audio companion to his epic "Book of Tiki" published by Taschen.

Photographing the cover image

"The Sound of Tiki" is a 44-minute musical cocktail for the ears, and a 52-page full color book of informative candy for the eyes.

I'm happy to say the everything turned out beautifully!

Preview on YouTube:

Purchase it online right now from 8-Ball

Or get Sven to sign your CD in person on Thursday April 29

at Trader Vic's in Los Angeles!

The 1967 Tomorrowland Mail Box

2010-04-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

Cast in smooth stainless steel with bold lettering over recessed panels of blue enamel. Solid 'contemporary' post-war design, functional and minimal. Industrial yet beautiful. The kind of object used by rocket scientists, architects and planners of gleaming modern cities.

The coolest mail box in Disneyland - maybe in the whole world.

The mailbox today. Black and blue latex paint.

What are Kevin & Jody making right now?

2010-04-09T02:32:00.000-07:00

Sorry, we can't tell you yet.

Swisskapolka! Swisskapolka! Swisskapolka!

2010-04-05T15:08:00.000-07:00

Don't call me swissy-pants.

Let me tell you, it was no job for the faint-hearted. The turnstile position at the Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse required nerves of tempered steel to endure the sideways glances from Disneyland visitors who'd never before seen a guy wearing a blouse and knee socks (not to mention those green knickers borrowed from Geppetto.)

Next, you had to be ever-watchful for any unexpected arboreal emergencies, such as the time the water system went berserk, or the summer evening in 1986 when a pale-complexioned woman climbed up to the highest point and "shipwrecked her supper" over the handrail. For the next two hours, the gate was closed while custodial hosed pathways, stairs, plants, rocks and everything else that had been affected.

And most important of all, a successful and effective Treehouse Host needed to be able to summon up whatever it took to survive...

The Swisskapolka!

Composer Buddy Baker's original handwritten swisskamusic!

Please don't misunderstand, I love the music. I really LOVE it!! It's a perky little polka played on a pipe organ to put pep in your step as you merrily explore the world's most fabulous treetop domicile.

But imagine if you will...back in my day the Treehouse was a full eight-hour shift all to itself. For most of those eight hours you stood (no sitting or leaning allowed) and greeted every person who came through the turnstile, only earning parole a few times a day when somebody from the Tiki Room would walk over and "bump" you to a break. But for most of the long summer day, it was just you and that big rotating waterwheel splashing at your back...and, of course, the never-ending music, flowing down from above.

Until the day the Swiss Family shipped out and Tarzan the apeman swung in.

In 2000, the actual prop organ that had "played" since 1962 was sold on eBay (Oh, the indignity!) This photo, taken by Disney Auctions, with damaged keyboard and missing stops, was the final public appearance of the Treehouse organ.

But the polka music lives on, not only from the gramophone swisska-tribute at Tarzan's Treehouse, but on CD, on youTube, as a ringtone, and of course, in my head where it continues to play on and on and on.

The youth of today eagerly swisskapolka-ing into the future!