The Painted Stage
Following is a selection of background and key art created for independent film and animated features. Painted by hand in traditional media, the work establishes atmosphere and spatial structure within each film, and was developed in collaboration with directors and layout artists.
Independent Film
Key Art
Watercolor and gouache environments created for Mathias Poledna’s Imitation of Life (2013), presented at the Austrian Pavilion of the 55th Venice Biennale.
Background
Feature Animation
The Little Prince (2015), directed by Mark Osborne, and premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Stop-motion sequences directed by Jamie Caliri.
Refined tone and atmosphere of key scenes.
Before / after revision study in digital paint, developed in response to a request for a more “epic” cinematic direction.
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Walt Disney Animation Studios
Lilo & Stitch (2002), directed by Chris Sanders and Dean DeBlois, watercolor on paper
Background
Background
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-Layout by Andy Harkness
-Walt Disney Animation Studios, The Archive Series: Layout and Background, edited by John Lasseter
-2002 Walt Disney World Feature Animation Exhibition, Hollywood Studios
Key Art
Background
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John Henry (2000), directed by Mark Henn, acrylic and scratchboard
Key Art
Background
Background
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Brother Bear (2003), directed by Aaron Blaise and Robert Walker, acrylic on board
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Background
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Mulan (1998), directed by Barry Cook and Tony Bancroft, acrylic on board
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Tarzan (1999), directed by Kevin Lima and Chris Buck, acrylic on board
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Archive & Credits
Walt Disney feature animation backgrounds painted by Geraldine Kovats. These images © 1997–2002 Disney Enterprises, Inc. and are presented here for archival and portfolio purposes. Accompanying text by Geraldine Kovats.