R.I.P. DISNEY Legend Frank Armitage

"Belle's Castle" mural from Beauty & the Beast by FRANK ARMITAGE

Frank Armitage, an Australian-born American painter who created backgrounds for several classic Disney animated films and murals for Disney parks, died January 4 at his home in Paso Robles, California, at age 91. The sad news was announced by Disney Animation Studios’ vice president of communications Howard Green.

Thelma Witmer, Eyvind Earle, Frank Armitage and Walt Peregoy during Sleeping Beauty’s production. Taken from the 1958 book, The Art of Animation by Bob Thomas.

Read the entire article from Animation Magazine HERE .

‘Paperman’ Director John Kahrs Departs from Disney

Model Sheet for "Meg" from 'Paperman'

The director of  Disney's 2012 Academy-Award-Winning Short "Paperman", John Kahrs
has parted ways with the studio, according to Animation Magazine.
Read the entire article HERE .

...And ALSo Goodbye to DISNEY Employees...!

The Walt Disney Company announced the layoffs of around 150 employees yesterday, with "fortunately" only a small number coming from the Animation division.

Read the full article HERE .

No "2D" for Disney.... for Now

Walt Disney Feature Animation Studios says they have NO plans in the near future for any traditional hand-drawn 'cel' animation.
Dadgum.

"PAPERMAN" Wins Academy Award for "Best Animated Short"

The DISNEY animated short film "Paperman", which I posted & recommended earlier, won an OSCAR for "Best Animated Short Film".

Character Model Sheet from Disney's "PAPERMAN"

Disney-PIXAR's "BRAVE" won for "Best Animated Feature Film".

Read the entire article HERE.

Talented Disney Designer Seipermann Dies

Harald Siepermann, accomplished Disney Character Designer, passed away yesterday after a brief battle with cancer. R.I.P.

Read the full article HERE ....

"Paperman" Nifty Disney Animated Short

Disney's excellent "Paperman" short debuted along with Wreck-It Ralph. Nicely rendered, with a sweet and romantic subject.
Highly recommended:

GLEN KEANE Leaves DISNEY

Longtime DISNEY Animator GLEN KEANE (Son of BIL KEANE- creator of 'Family Circus') announced while I was in Burbank that he is leaving The DISNEY Studios 'to pursue other interests'...!

Read the entire article HERE
...And his entire letter HERE

Old-School Animator Draws on Tradition

Nifty article about ERIC GOLDBERG, animator of "Rabbit" on the new "Winnie the Pooh" movie:

Old-school animator draws on tradition