'Toons to 'Pressionism

To anyone with young children who insist on watching Disney films again and again and again and again and... (well, you get the idea), the name James Coleman may seem vaguely familiar. The sort of name that you can't quite place but itches at the back of your head. That's because those parents have seen the name a few dozen times in the credits of The Little Mermaidand Beauty and the Beast. Coleman specialized in background animation during his years at Disney, and that alone should give some idea of his talent as an artist; the background scenes of the films in the Disney Renaissance (the relatively recent Disney films, as opposed to old classics such as Snow Whiteor Fantasia) are one key element that makes Disney's new endeavors stand out so well. Rich details, vibrant colors, and perfect shadowing -- the sort of stuff one might now find in Coleman's paintings.

James Coleman's Reflective Paradise

Details

From 6 to 10 p.m. Wednesday, January 14. Call 954-522-4222.

Wyland Gallery, 1213 E. Las Olas Blvd., Fort Lauderdale

Related Content

• Hard-Core Disney Fans Can't Be Corralled by the Corporate-Approved Fan Club, D23
  October 27, 2011
• Fortunate Son
  April 7, 2005
• This Week's Day-by-Day Picks
  May 6, 2004
• Ahoy, Oh Boy
  November 28, 2002
• The S Word
  December 4, 2003

More About

• James Coleman
• Michael Eisner
• Visual Arts
• Family Films

Like this Story?

Sign up for the Events Newsletter: What's happening in town? From underground club nights to the biggest outdoor festivals, our top picks for the week's best events will always keep you in on the action.

Privacy Policy Cancel Continue

After his work on two of Disney's most popular recent films, Coleman left the Disney Corp. Contrary to popular belief, jackbooted agents of Michael Eisner do not track down Disney's ex-employees and "disappear" them for knowing too much. Today, Coleman has achieved international recognition as an impressionist painter. His hazy light is as much a calling card of his painting as his signature. Because Coleman often paints tropical landscapes, it comes as little surprise that his work comes to the Wyland Gallery. Wyland himself all but personifies the kitschy, almost stereotypical tendency of South Florida artwork to incorporate seascapes, shells, dolphins, and other seagoing themes.