Richmond Kelsey Biography

 View Art by Richmond Kelsey

 

Richmond Kelsey (1905-1987) Born: San Diego, CA; Studied: Otis Art Institute (Los Angeles), Art Center School (Los Angeles); Member: American Watercolor Society, California Water Color Society. Richmond Kelsey began painting and exhibiting watercolors while studying art in Los Angeles during the 1930s. After serving in World War II, he settled in Southern California and worked in the animated film business, producing watercolor backgrounds for Walt Disney Studios‚ and feature films and cartoons. In addition to his animation work and fine art watercolor painting, Kelsey also illustrated eight children‚ stories for the Golden Book series and wrote and illustrated a book called Good Enough Gismo.

Biographical information:

Interview with Elmer Plummer, 1984

Who's Who in American Art.

Biography courtesy of California Watercolors 1850-1970, ©2002 Hillcrest Press, Inc.

California Watercolor

Disney Animation Department

 1971 Bedknobs and Broomsticks (background)

 1968 The New Adventures of Huckleberry Finn (TV series) (background artist - 1 episode)

 1968 The Little People (background artist)

 1965 The Man from Button Willow (background painter)

 1964 Hey There, It's Yogi Bear (background designer)

 1962 Gay Purr-ee (color stylist - as Richard Kelsey)

 1948 So Dear to My Heart (cartoon art treatment)

 1948 Melody Time (color and styling)

 Art Director

 1942 Bambi (art direction)

 1941 Dumbo

 1940 Fantasia (segment "Rite of Spring")

 1940 Pinocchio

 Writer

 1951 Alice in Wonderland (story)

 1946 The Whale Who Wanted to Sing at the Met (short)

 1946 Make Mine Music (story)

 

Books Illustrated by Richmond (Dick) Kelsey and friends

 

 

Marine Captain Richmond Kelsey in 1943. 

Kelsey commanded the relief mapping unit in the South Pacific 

During WWII. Richmond Kelsey started the war under Colonel 

Frank Capra of Hollywood producing fame, and helped prepare 

the Army orientation series.

 

Richmond Kelsey with General MacArthur and Admiral Nimitz

preparing for battle in the South Pacific.