Gaston’s Fountain

This painting was so much fun! Our family has watched the animated classic many times, memorizing the songs and even using some of the cherished dialog in our normal conversations - “If it’s not Baroque, don’t fix it.” The creation process began with a reference trip to the Magic Kingdom and time spent sketching outside Gaston’s Tavern. Of course, a LaFou’s Brew from the tavern was necessary fuel for the creative fires! (This drink is a little-known Disney beverage gem - highly recommended!)

As I circled the fountain, taking photographs that I would use once we travelled back home to the studio, I got too close to the water and we heard Gaston himself tell me to “Get off my fountain.”

As I began the painting process on the illustration board, I felt it was very important to try and convey as much of Gaston’s spirit into the piece as I could. It was easy to keep reminding myself that Gaston himself donated this fountain and refers to this place as the “manliest of all places!”

I relied heavily on the underdrawing as I built up the colors and layers of paint. The complimentary interplay between the blues and oranges add a bright vitality to the piece. Even though the overall color scheme is warm, I wanted to reflect the rich green patina of the bronze statue faithfully because I felt it brings an important touch of realism to the piece. I almost could hear Gaston say to me “and don’t I deserve the best?”