I've literally been working on these six new paintings for 18 months ... so I've sort of been in D23-mode (that's an official state of being) for so long now that ... well, it has snuck up on me! But truthfully I can hardly wait and I'm beyond excited to share with you what's been cooking!
Before we get to the artwork, I'd like to share the important info - it's a tad different from typical shopping / signing / shipping experiences so I'm going to try to cover everything here.
SHOP THE ARTWORK
- D23 Marketplace in Hall D - All of my D23 releases (including originals and prints) will be available at the D23 Marketplace (we think it'll be in Hall D) during operating hours which is 9am to 8pm daily. I'll be at the Marketplace several times throughout the convention to say hi, help with your art choices and answer questions ... but the artists are being asked to refrain from signing while in the Marketplace.
GET IT SIGNED
- Pre-signed purchases - I realize that your time is precious and you've probably got a day full of panels, shopping and exploring planned during your time at the convention, so I'm pre-signing most of my work for you. If yours is not pre-signed, plan to join me at Talent Central or Catalina Lounge at the Hilton Anaheim, Lower Lobby.
- Talent Central, 8/15 • 3:30-4:30 - If you'd like to have anything additional (perhaps a dedication or a photo together), the D23 team has designated a one-hour window for signings and photos on Saturday, August 15, 3:30-4:30 at Talent Central.
- Catalina Lounge at Hilton - I've arranged a location (Catalina Lounge, Hilton Anaheim in the Lower Lobby) where holds will be located. I'll be there from time-to-time as well, so top in and say hi!
HOLDING ARTWORK (same-day pickup)
- Catalina Lounge at Hilton Anaheim, Lower Lobby- You've got a lot going on during D23. Panels and experiences aren't always compatible with holding a large, boxed piece of artwork. And of course you might not have time in your schedule to run your new artwork back to your hotel room or car.
- We can hold your purchased matted prints, rolled canvas, gallery wraps, limited editions and originals by Rob Kaz. We cannot hold any other items.
- How? During your purchase at the D23 Marketplace, just ask one of the Kaz team members to arrange the hold for you.
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When? Come by the Catalina Lounge between 10am and 6:45pm to pick up your purchased artwork that we are holding. Please note that all pickups must happen on the same day as your purchase.
SHIPPING ARTWORK
- Originals and Limited Editions - While many of your new artwork purchases can fit in your luggage to get home, we know it's not feasible to take large original paintings and framed limited editions on your flights. So, we will be offering shipping (on originals and limited editions only) for a flat rate.
Here's a graphic to help navigate all this info!
I can't wait to see you in Anaheim!
Now, let's get to the artwork!
ELECTRICAL SPECTACLE
That iconic music. The moment you hear that familiar electronic melody, you know you start running to see the Main Street Electrical Parade. And honestly, of course you do! Everything about this parade ... the music has you bouncing along ... the lights have you in complete awe, unable to look away ... the floats themselves are simply Disney!
Did you know that the Main Street Electrical Parade began in 1972 at Disneyland? 55 years ago! And we still get just as excited when we hear the parade is making a special appearance (the last being in 2022 for its 50th anniversary).
Which is your favorite float from the Main Street Electrical Parade?
LONG LASTING LOVE
One person's trash can lid is another person's heart. Gone, but not forgotten.
There were so many beautiful takeaway messages from Wall-E.
I love how Wall-E surrounds himself with bits of the past. He's rescued, nay curated, a host of items that simply refuse to be forgotten.
Some loves are simply long lasting.
I pinged you guys for some of your favorite Disney Park attractions that are now your Long Lasting Loves - gone but not forgotten - and you served up some real heartbreakers - some fresh in our hearts, others lingering memories. Tom Sawyer's Island, Universe of Energy, Dinosaur, Disneyland People Mover, Skyway, 20000 Leagues, Body Wars, Cool Zone (the best place to cool off at Epcot), the DHS sorcerer hat, the swan boats, double decker Epcot bus, Camp Minnie Mickey, Horizons, the Great Movie Ride, Push the trash can ... the list goes on.
Throughout the years, I've painted Wall-E more than once because, even with so little dialogue, this movie touches my soul in so many ways. But when painting it this time, I wanted to look deeper. I encourage you to do the same.
GOOD TASTE
There's art. And then there's ... art. And nothing quite compares to a Disney churro.
What else needs to be said?
#ItsAMetaphor
WALT'S WINDOW
One of my favorite things about Disneyland is the history. Seemingly otherwise insignificant objects or buildings that call back to people and time and magic. A lamp in a window might seem unremarkable, but then there's the lamp above the firehouse that's always on. Always reminding us.
Maybe you glance at it. Maybe you imagine. Maybe you nod. Whatever way you choose to tip your hat, keep reflecting on magic and wishes coming true.
DATE TO REMEMBER
There are TWO significant things to note about Date To Remember.
1) While the message might seem quite simple (Minnie and Mickey are on a date at Disneyland), notice the windows in the Emporium behind them. Those windows are also celebrating some pretty significant dates to remember:
- Beauty and the Beast is celebrating 35 years!
- Fox and the Hound is celebrating 45 years!
- 101 Dalmatians is celebrating 65 years!
- Alice in Wonderland is celebrating 75 years!
2) If you stood looking at Walt's Window (one of the other paintings I'm releasing at D23), and looked immediately to your right, Date To Remember would be what you'd see. Let's call it the first two parts of a potential multi-piece panoramic with other parts coming at a future ... pardon me ... date.
OPENING DAY
Hahaha. You thought the series ended with the four Walt Disney World parks? Yeah, me too actually. And I know there are some other maps popping up ... but of course I had to do Disneyland ... but with a twist.
In my newest painting, we see the map sitting on Walt's desk. Surrounded by a few other bits of nostalgia including an opening day ticket, a piece of Herb Ryman concept art and an opening day news headline, you can just imagine what these opening day moments might have been like for Walt.
Take notice of his reading glasses sitting just to the right. You could assume he was most surely combing through al the fine details even minutes before welcoming the very first Disneyland guests.