For Kenneth

November 10, 2024

I wrote the entry below a few years ago.  Well, today is, what would have been, Kenneth’s 58th birthday.  So, I brought this page and painting up to the top of my website.  And to Kenneth’s sons, Joey and Devon — I know this date is difficult for both of you, in addition to losing Rita “Faye” (Aug 2019) and Gene (Nov 20, 2018).  Your father and Gene and Rita adored both of you!  I hope this post finds you well.  

December 14, 2017 I lost a lifetime friend.  His name was Kenneth and he was 51.  Our mothers have been best friends since 10 years old and so Kenneth, his sister Dalene and I were like siblings or cousins.  We lost Dalene in 1986, at age 22 due to a tragic motorcycle accident.  Kenneth, I know, is now with her.  And so, what does that have to do with this painting?  Well, in about 1977, I was visiting Kenneth in West Palm Beach.  He and I were 11 years old.  His father, Gene, dropped us off at the matinee to see a movie.  That movie changed my life.  It was called the "The Jungle Book".  The art in that movie caused me to realized I wanted to paint.  But the memory of this film takes me back a more innocent time in Kenneth and I's life -- a time where we could enjoy the magic of Walt Disney's rendition of Rudyard Kipling's "The Jungle Book".  We laughed all the way through and later decided that I was Baghera (the big cat) and he was Baloo (the bear).  That depiction never changed for us and Kenneth was exactly right.  Kenneth was constantly reminding me throughout life that all I need is 'Bare Necessities' -- and he was so right, again.  Shortly after Kenneth passed away, I did a portait of him and his sister Dalene.  I didn't like it.  But when I decided to paint Walt Disney's "Jungle Book" scene, memories flooded my mind, and heart.  So, Kenneth -- this painting is for you.  I miss you man!

Every now and then I like to recreate the wonderful world of Walt Disney's imagination.  After all, it is the idea behind my artistic namesake, Tmagik.  The late great Walt Disney's character and the late and just as great artist Thomas Kinkade were merged together some time ago to create a set of paintings.  Here, I have done my best to recreate one of these.  I hope you like this.  It was a joy to paint.  I completed it last Summer; just never posted it.  To me, the depiction offers up a whole lot of thoughts and feelings.  The calmness of the water and the warmth of the home depict safety.  The colors offer hope for a renewed spirit as Spring is in full bloom.  And, of course, love is in the air, as the well lit depiction of Mickey and Minnie express gleeful love and shy appreciation.  All-in-all, it's the overall feeling of the best parts of life in full, living color and e-motion!  I hope you enjoy these great characters and remember, if you're day is less than depicted here -- "Use your imagination!"  Take care.

 - Tmagik 

This is my remake version of the original Lion King.  I love the art...so I'm  impartial to the 2d version.   Yet, I do have little ones in my family who are looking forward to updated version that comes out July 19th.  My own art name 'Tmagik' was self-generated from the idea of the magic of Disney.  So, before the cartoon version steps back, I thought I'd take a shot with this painting.  Enjoy!