May 18, 2013

New Toy Story PixArt Triple Dose: The Final Countdown!

Buzz and Woody by Dave Perillo

Surely you’re familiar with the great work of Philadelphia illustrator Dave Perillo (aka Montygog)!  One look at today’s piece and you should instantly recognize his distinct style – great colors, fun stylization, awesome design.  We were over the moon when Dave agreed to contribute a piece to our countdown celebration and we couldn’t be more pleased with this great image.  Buzz and Woody are lookin’ sharp in this wonderfully executed take on the iconic characters!  To see more great work like this, visit Dave’s blog.  You’ll find tons of great illustrations and fantastic tributes to many beloved characters from the pop-culture stratosphere.  We were particularly impressed (and amused) by his “What’s Happening!” lunch box design for the Cartoon Madness 5: Lunchbox Show (Alcove Gallery).  We thank Dave for taking the time to contribute to our Toy Story tribute.

Ken & Barbie Disco Party by Wendi Chen

Woo-hoo.  It’s party time!  Toy Story 3 is now available on DVD and Blu-ray and we’re celebrating.  Ken & Barbie are dressed in their best to mark the occassion.  This fabulous piece comes to us from Michigan illustrator and visual developer Wendi Chen.  Her website is currently under construction but you can view more of her great work at her blog and Flickr page.  Make sure to look for the great Kung Fu Panda piece she did for Dreamworks Fine Art gallery.  Great stuff.

Buzz by Lorena Alvarez

What better way to celebrate Toy Story 3 on DVD and Blu-ray than with a parade!  This gorgeous piece from artist Lorena Alvarez of Bogota, Colombia features everyone’s favorite Space Ranger looming large on the horizon – just like in a certain Thanksgiving Day parade.  We’re fans of Lorena’s brightly colored and intensely detailed images.  One look at her website and Flickr page and you’ll be hooked.

A big thanks goes out to Lorena, Wendi, and Dave for joining our Toy Story 3 Blu-ray/DVD release party!  Now, what are you waiting for?  Get out there and grab your copy of TOY STORY 3 on DVD and Blu-ray – if you haven’t already done so!  Read more about the great special features on the sets in our in-depth review here.

Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

New Toy Story PixArt Double Dose: Buzz, Woody, Bonnie & Friends

Woody and Buzz by Amy Mebberson

Here’s another does of goodness from BOOM! comics artist extraordinaire Amy Mebberson. We’re just crazy about this former Disney Toons animator’s cheerful images and illustrations. See so much more of her fabulous work at her website and blog. Keep an eye on Amy’s sites – there’s some FUN stuff on the way. Stay tuned for more details.

Bonnie and Friends by Jerrod Maruyama

Wow, this incredibly cute piece from illustrator Jerrod Maruyama really warms the heart. Bonnie was extraordinarily adorable and we feel that Jerrod truly captures the charm she displayed in Toy Story 3.  Jerrod recently joined The Pixar Times team and has become an invaluable part of the blog.  You can see lots more of Jerrod’s work on his Flickr page and website.

A big thanks to our amazing contributing artists, Jerrod and Amy. They each gave us multiple pieces during our countdown to Toy Story 3‘s home release, and we are so thankful.  Here we are on the eve of the big day.  It’s been fun, but it’s not over!  We have two more pieces of PixArt going up tomorrow!

Speaking of which, the wait is almost over as Toy Story 3 is out on DVD and Blu-ray TOMORROW!  Read more about the great special features on the sets in our in-depth review here.

Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

New Toy Story PixArt Double Dose: Halloween/Mash-up Edition

Toy Story by Anuj Shrestha

Hey, howdy, hey!  It’s Woody the…Midnight Cowboy?  Just in time for Halloween comes this unexpected mash-up from New York Illustrator Anuj Shrestha.  This is a very different kind of buddy movie for our pals Buzz and Woody and we think it’s just great.  We knew Anuj would bring an interesting perspective to our tribute and he certainly doesn’t disappoint with this humorous image.  You can see more of Anuj’s thoughtful work at his website.  Some of Anuj’s clients include The New York Times, Playboy, Financial Times (UK), and Kahani Magazine.  His comics work has appeared in the Rabid Rabbit and Secret Identities comics anthologies.

Shogun Warrior Buzz by Barry Prioste

Here’s a fun mash-up for all you retro-toy fans out there – Buzz Lightyear as Shogun Warrior!  Concept artist and visual developer Barry Prioste sent us this awesome piece based on his favorite childhood toy.  We think it’s a good match.  Barry is based in the San Francisco Bay area where he is currently employed in the video-game industry.  Check out more of his great work at his blog.  And if you aren’t familiar with the original Shogun Warriors toys, look ‘em up.  These 1970′s precursors to TRANSFORMERS were a lot of fun.

We’d like to thank Barry and Anuj for contributing as our countdown celebration is nearing its goal.  TOY STORY 3 comes to DVD and Blu-ray on Tuesday!  Read more about the great special features on the sets in our in-depth review here.

Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

New Toy Story PixArt Double Dose: Slinky, Buzz, & Woody

Slinky by Joy Steuerwald

Uh oh. Looks like someone’s jealous of Slinky Dog! This precious piece comes to us from San Francisco Bay Area illustrator Joy Steuerwald. If you like this image, wait ’till you check out her website and blog. There’s plenty of adorable images, illustrations and canine creations to make you go “awwwwwww”. Joy’s list of clients include The Learning Company, FUNSCHOOL.com, and Ghostbot studios to name a few. Be on the look-out for the children’s book she illustrated – “One Christmas Story” (2003).

Buzz and Woody by Xander 13

Check out this whimsical take on everybody’s favorite Space Ranger and Sheriff. This fun stylization comes from New Zeland artist Alex Leighton (aka Xander 13). Alex runs Mukpuddy Animation with a couple of his buddies and when he’s not doing that, he’s painting. Check out his great stuff on his website, deviantART page, and Flickr page. You’ll find some fun paintings and illustrations of some very familiar personalities. We’re particularly fond of his wood-block characters. Check it out!

Our thanks to Alex and Joy and for letting us show these great images. It certainly helps us pass the time until Toy Story 3 is released on DVD and Blu-ray this Tuesday, November 2!  Read The Pixar Times’ full review of the Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack.

Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

New Toy Story PixArt: Cowgirls

Cowgirls by Amy Mebberson

Jessie the yodeling Cowgirl meets Slue Foot Sue and we couldn’t be more charmed with the result.  Born in Australia, where she was an animator for Disney, Amy Mebberson currently resides in Portland, where she is a comic artist and illustrator.  She was kind enough to send us this wonderful piece celebrating the two most famous red-head cowgirls in the Disney-Pixar family.  We’re sure you’ll love her work as much as we do.  Check out her websitedeviantART page, and Flickr page to sample her amazing work.  You’ll find lots of stuff for BOOM! Studios where Amy has been hard at work on their line of Muppets and Pixar titles.  But that’s only one part of her great portfolio.  There’s lots to see and love!

We’re so pleased with Amy’s work you just might see another piece coming up sometime soon.  Thanks Amy!

And don’t forget to pick up your copy of TOY STORY 3 on DVD and Blu-ray on Tuesday November 2!  Read The Pixar Times’ full review of the Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack.

Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

New Toy PixArt Double Dose: Toy Ensemble & Stretch

Stretch by Anneka Tran

We asked freelance illustrator Anneka Tran to contribute a piece to our Toy Story celebration because we loved her adorable images.  And boy, did she deliver.  Her style shines through in this simply wonderful piece – just as we expected it would.  Stretch has never looked more appealing.  Based in Staffordshire, England, Anneka has many examples of cuteness on her website, her blog, and her Flickr page.  Wherever you go to see her work, we’re sure you’ll be as impressed as we were with her colorful characters and illustrations.  They’re well worth a visit.

Toys by Jill Howarth

Bingo!  We’re just crazy over this great piece from Boston illustrator Jill Howarth.  Jill, who once worked as a designer and art director for Hasbro (fun!), now works as a freelance illustrator specializing in spot illustrations for all kinds of publications – from annual reports to consumer packaging.  One look at her website and Flickr page and you just might recognize some of her whimsical images!

A big thank you to Jill and Anneka for finding the time to contribute these wonderful images.  It certainly puts us in the mood to watch TOY STORY 3 on DVD and Blu-ray – available Tuesday November 2, which is only five days from now!  Read my review of the Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD set.

Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

New Toy Story PixArt Double Dose: Totoros

Toy Story by Laura Müller

Yodelayheehoo!  Jessie is kickin’ it with her good friend Totoro in this beautiful piece from German illustrator and comic artist Laura Müller.  I’m a big fan of cute and Laura does cute like no other. Her beautifully detailed style is definitely her own and you can find more of this gorgeous work at her website and DeviantArt page.  We think you’re going to like what you see!

We’re so fortunate to have artists from around the world contributing to our countdown.  We thank Laura for this beautiful piece and for recommending another artist whose work you will see next:

Toy Story Onemuri by Rio Rock

Looks like it’s nap time for Woody and friends – including new friend Totoro!  According to our friend Rio Rock, nemuri is Japanese for sleep.  The “o” ist just an honorific prefix. Onemu (without the ri) is kid’s talk for sleeping or being sleepy.  To us this translates as ADORABLE!  Also based in Germany, Rio Rock came highly recommended from fellow PixArt contributor Laura Müller.  And we see why she did – his work is great!  You can see more of his fun work at his website and DeviantArt page.

Both Rio Rock and Laura were part of the Darkstalkers Tribute book from Udon Entertainment.  Pretty cool stuff!

We would like to thank Rio Rock and Laura for their great contributions to our very international countdown.  And have we mentioned that Toy Story 3 is coming to DVD and Blu-ray on November 2? I just posted an in-depth review of the Four-Disc Blu-ray/DVD set, which you can read here. Six days left until its release!

Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

New Toy Story PixArt: Space Ranger Buzz

Buzz by Francisco Perez

We’re all a buzz over this great take on our favorite Space Ranger!  Miami illustrator Francisco Perez (Pac23) has taken us to infinity and beyond with his version of Buzz Lightyear and we think it’s out of this world.  Check out more of Francisco’s exciting work at his website and blog.  There’s much to see from this very talented and versatile artist.

We thank Francisco for this great piece and joining in our celebration.  Let this be a reminder that TOY STORY 3 will be available on DVD and Blu-ray November 2.  Only one week remaining!

Check back again tomorrow for another double dose of PixArt as we feature two brand new pieces from our artist friends in Germany.  Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

New Toy Story PixArt: Go Hamm! Go!

Go Hamm! Go! by Juan Molinet

An amazing race, indeed! This colorful and completely original piece comes to us from Argentine illustrator and designer Juan Molinet (Rey Misterio).  Based in Bueno Aires, Juan said he created this image “because [he] love[s] races, monsters, and of course toys!”.  Enough said.  We just love this very playful piece and if you want to see more, check out Juan’s Flickr page and follow him on Twitter.

Our thanks to Juan for contributing this fun piece to our countdown.  Check back again tomorrow for another double dose of PixArt as we feature two brand new pieces from our artist friends in Germany.  And don’t forget to pick up your copy of TOY STORY 3 on DVD and Blu-ray on November 2!

Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

New Toy Story PixArt: Toy Story Alien Toss

Toy Story by Jannie Ho

Alien toss! Our celebration countdown continues with this adorable and playful piece from Illustrator and designer Jannie Ho. Jannie has worked on countless children’s books and publications. Her resume is impressive including such clients as Cranium, Highlights, Nickelodeon, and Time Magzine for Kids, just to name a few. Once you see her work (for those few who haven’t already) you’ll know why she’s in such demand. Check out the great images on her website Chicken Girl Design and her blog.

Our sincere thanks to Jannie for contributing this wonderful image to our celebration countdown. And don’t forget to pick up your copy of TOY STORY 3 when it comes to DVD and Blu-ray November 2.  That’s about a week away from now!

Check back tomorrow for more, all-new Toy Story art.

Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

New Toy Story PixArt: Buzz

Buzz by Jez Tuya

Imagination, nostalgia and innocence are just a few words that came to mind when we saw this piece from illustrator Jez Tuya.  When asked about his inspiration for the image, Jez said “I guess the whole idea of dressing up for Halloween, as well as  looking back to the the things I did in my childhood, like building cardboard box forts, armor, etc., is what sparked the idea.”  We think he captured that pretty darn well.

Jez is a freelance illustrator based in Wellington, New Zealand, who illustrates children’s books and school journals  for a range of publishers and clients.  He’s been doing that for well over a year now.  For more of his work, check out his great blog.  While you’re there, take a look at the children’s book he recently illustrated, “The Very Important Godwit” (Random House).  Great stuff!

We thank Jez for his time and talent on this piece.  It makes us all the more excited for the release of TOY STORY 3 on DVD and Blu-ray November 2.  We are only a week and a half away!

Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

New Toy Story PixArt: Toy Story

Toy Story by Podgy Panda (Richard Kuoch)

Whether you know him as Podgy Panda or Richard Kuoch, you just gotta love his adorable characters and illustrations.  We are pleased as a panda to present this great sketch featuring the stars of Toy Story 3.  To see more of Richard’s art and to find out just what exactly makes a panda “podgy”, check out his website or follow him on Twitter and ask him yourself.  He’s a pretty busy guy and that makes us all the more grateful for his contribution to our countdown celebration.  Thanks Richard!

That’s another day down as we head towards the release of TOY STORY 3 on DVD and Blu-ray November 2. Less than 2 weeks now!

Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

New Toy Story PixArt: Bullseye

Bullseye by Melanie Matthews

We’re kickin’ up our heels over this great portrait of Woody’s trusty pal, Bullseye. If you’re familiar with the work of Melanie Matthews (Bearprint), then you know she’s an expert at this type of well-crafted, beautifully designed illustration and character design. Melanie is an illustrator and designer based in Melbourne, Australia, working primarily within the realm of children’s publishing. She loves design and illustration from the 50′s and 60′s, Little Golden Books, and vintage cereal boxes! You can view more of Melanie’s charming work at her Flickr page. Prepare to be blown away by her adorable images and artistic versatility.

We are so grateful that Melanie took the time to contribute this wonderful piece to our countdown celebration. And don’t forget - TOY STORY 3 is coming to DVD and Blu-ray on November 2, which is only two weeks from now!

Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

New Toy Story PixArt: Next Generation Andy

Next Generation Andy by Tracy Bishop

So many of us have personal and emotional ties with the Toy Story films. As the trilogy was released over a span of 15 years, we’ve all “grown up” with these films in one way or another. Today’s PixArt piece certainly celebrates the “new” generation of fans. This piece by illustrator Tracy Bishop was inspired by her son whose name just happens to be Andy! Tracy says her son owns the Toy Story toys and used this as inspiration for this very sweet image. To use her own words – “(My son) loves Toy Story. His very first movie that he saw in a theater was Toy Story 3. He’s the next Andy!”

Tracy, who currently resides in San Jose, CA, creates some very charming children’s illustrations and design work for the likes of Gymboree, Janie and Jack and more. You can see her creations at her great website. There you will find links to her blog, Flickr page, and Twitter account. We thank Tracy for contributing this very personal piece to our countdown celebration.

And don’t forget – Toy Story 3 will be released on DVD and Blu-ray Tuesday November 2. The countdown continues tomorrow with more brand-new art!

Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

Toy Story PixArt: Toy Story Kiddies

Toy Story Kiddies by Samy C

The gang’s all here!  Aren’t they just adorable?  Woody, Bo, Jessie and Buzz have never looked sweeter in this stylized take on the Toy Story characters from Samy C’s DeviantArt page.  Check out her pages for more cute fan-art and character designs.  Thanks to Samy C for allowing us to feature this colorful piece on our PixArt page!

Check back on Monday 10/18, as our artistic countdown to Toy Story 3‘s release on DVD and Blu-ray Disc continues. Less than 3 weeks left until the big day, Novemeber 2, arrives!

Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

New Toy Story PixArt: Peas In A Pod

Peas In A Pod by Chris Alexander

We can practically hear the “awwwwwww” as we post this adorable image!  PixArt is proud to present “Peas In A Pod” by the multi-talented Chris Alexander.  Chris, who works as a web designer and freelance illustrator in England, creates cuteness like no other. You may better know his work under the YIPORI label.

Take a stroll through his website, Yipori, as well as his blog, and your day is guaranteed to be brighter!  His irresistible character designs and illustrations are full of color, life and happiness.  You can also find Yipori on Facebook and Twitter.  Trust us – you’re going to want to keep up to date on Chris’ wonderful world of characters!  PixArt is thrilled to have this image as part of our countdown celebration to the release of Toy Story 3 on DVD and Blu-ray Disc November 2, 2010.

Thanks so much, Chris!

Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

New Toy Story PixArt: Lots-O-Huggin’ Bear

Lots-O-Huggin' Bear by Arnaldo Gonzalez

Despite his deceptiveness, Lotso certainly had charm.  We think Arnaldo Gonzalez’s piece captures that genteel side rather well, don’t you?  Born in Puerto Rico, Arnaldo currently lives in Miami FL.  He attended Miami International University of Art and Design where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Animation.  Check out his website, Andy Toonz, to see his exceptional character designs, 3D modeling skills and sketches.  We have nothing but high hopes for Arnaldo as he makes his way out into the professional world of animation!

We’d like to thank Arnaldo for his contribution to our ongoing celebration of Toy Story 3‘s home release. Remember, it is coming to DVD and Blu-ray disc November 2!

Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

New Toy Story PixArt: A Boy And A Girl

A Boy And A Girl by Charles Santoso (Pencil & Digital)

We are thrilled to feature this touching piece by Australian concept artist and illustrator Charles Santoso.  Charles currently works at Animal Logic in Syndey and his most recent project has been work on the film LEGEND OF THE GUARDIANS: The Owls of Ga’Hoole, which is currently in theaters.  For more about Charles and to see his awesome work, visit his blog, My Mini Tree House.  And check out his cool digital art book available on the App Store for the iPhone and iPod Touch here – a steal at just $2.99.

We are so grateful that Charles was able to contribute to our countdown celebration of Toy Story 3 on DVD/Blu-ray Disc.  We thank him for his time and talent.

Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

New Toy Story PixArt: Toy Story Band

Toy Story Band by Joey Ellis

A little music continues our celebration of Disney • Pixar’s Toy Story 3 release on DVD and Blu-ray Disc! This jazzy, colorful image was created by North Carolina artist Joey Ellis. Joey is a designer, illustrator, husband and father of two.  We’re just crazy about his work.  Check out his blog and you’ll see what we mean.  Disney characters, superheroes, and plenty of humor fill up Joey’s blog, Flickr pages, Twitter tweets, Facebook page and so on.  Links are available at his blog site.  And the next time you’re at Disney California Adventure (Anaheim, CA), look for Joey’s artwork featured on a World of Color throw blanket sold exclusively at the parks.

Thanks to Joey for joining the celebration!

Click here to view all of our PixArt pieces.

Pixar Swag At New York Comic Con 2010

New York Comic Con 2010

At the last New York Comic Con, Disney/Pixar held a special panel for Up a few months before the film’s opening. They screened the first hour of Up and director Pete Docter was on hand to talk about the film. Unfortunately, at the 2010 show this weekend, there are no panels planned for Cars 2. That doesn’t mean there was no Pixar fun to be had, though, as I was able to score some great exclusives. [Read more...]