A REAL-life Walt Disney animation artist will be demonstrating his work at Newent during this weekend's Onion Fair – and he will be helping others to learn his craft.
Kim Raymond will be showing how to create Winnie the Pooh and other 100-Acre Wood characters in the Vintage Picture and Framing shop in Church Street from 9.30am to closing time on Saturday.
"Everyone is welcome to come and see him at work," said Alex Davis, who organised the event, which he has called Winnie the Pooh Friendship Day.
"This is a wonderful chance for collectors and those curious about animation to see how characters are drawn," he said.
"Kim can be seen working on the drawings and will also answer questions about Disney artwork and sign certificates of authenticity for Disney art sold at the event.
"He will also help visitors to learn how to draw the characters themselves in a hands-on drawing session.
"The gallery's animation collection will include original one-of-a-kind original animation drawings taken directly from Disney's successful line-up of animated TV series such as the New Adventures of Winnie the Pooh as well as Walt Disney limited edition classics."
Alex and his business partner Robin Anderson started their art business two and a half years ago and have really seen it take off since creating an upstairs gallery at the start of this year. They show contemporary art as well as animation work.
He said there was growing interest in animation art which had led Disney to expand from its one base in London by offering them an exclusive dealership.
"Once people realise this is original material with certificates of authenticity they see the value in having them," he said.
"Since we started offering Disney work it is outselling the other paintings by a ratio of about five to one."