Ward Kimball original work

I recently had the fortune to purchase an original, personal painting by Ward Kimball titled " The Committee". I want to share the image with the rest of you because I really feel like a proud parent of a newborn and I feel that this painting captures an era of creative discovery from one of the dominating influences at Disney and in animation in general. I see this piece as basically the "Rosetta Stone" for Kimball, with the inclusion of the famous masters work and his fascination of inventing unique styles. Ward painted this image in the prime of his career, just before he directed the innovative and beautiful films "Melody" and "Toot Whistle Plunk and Boom". I am very excited to be the caretaker of a piece of ark work that hung in Ward's home and even though he is gone, I know his style and personality will influence animation forever. It has influenced me from the start and I can only aspire to the level of creative vision Ward has shown us.

On a personal note, I had the honor of spending a long afternoon with Ward at his home just over 10 years ago (Thanks to my talented friend of more than 12 years Joel Brinkerhoff) and remember seeing this painting hanging on the wall. Ward was a generous man and inspired me with his crazy outfits, imaginative artistic skills, amazing collections of model trains, full scale trains, old Mickey Mouse memorabilia and pre-1900's wind up toys. Ward Kimball was the proverbial child grown older and he really never grew up. I hope his legacy encourages the rest of us who endeavor in this fickle business to do the same and keep that childish fascination alive. After all, isn't that what drew us all to animation in the first place?

Take care Ward and thank you for your contributions to the art form.

The Committee, 1949
Ward Kimball 1914-2002
Oil on Masonite
24in. x 42in

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