About
Growing up in Colorado, I’ve always been passionate about the arts due to several influences: my brother, Brian. My uncle, Phil. And my high school art teacher, Dave Passarelli, who once said to me, “You have no idea what kind of potential you have.” With this boost of confidence and the support of my parents, I was inspired to become a professional artist. My journey began at the Kansas City Art Institute and then as an animation intern at Walt Disney Feature Animation my Junior year. I graduated from The KCAI in 1991 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Illustration, freelance Illustrated for a time in Denver, and ultimately returned to Disney Animation Florida in 1992 as a full-time In-between Clean-Up artist on a Roger Rabbit short (Trail Mix-Up -1993).
Disney Films
In 1993 I was promoted to Background Artist which is responsible for the stylized environments in which the animated characters exist : skies, clouds, ground planes, mountains, interior & exterior architecture, etc. I also had the great fortune to work with amazing people on many classic animated films: The Lion King, Pocahontas, Mulan, Lilo & Stitch, Princess and the Frog, and Background Supervisor on Brother Bear. Thumbnails & color keys (smaller studies & concept art) also became a large part of my job requirement.
For more film credit info:
imdb
Thumbnails, Color Keys & BG’s
After I left Disney in 2003 I started Kooser Studio. I have sold traditional paintings and prints in numerous fine art galleries throughout the western U.S. Since 2009, I have taught Painting, Concept Art and Illustration at the college level and have begun teaching painting workshops in and around Denver. None of this would be possible without the support from my wife, Brenda.
Traditional Landscape Oil Paintings
Traditional Portrait Oil Paintings
© All imagery, text, files & content copyright Kooser Studio | Barry Kooser