The self-taught artist began to invest early-morning hours in developing his unique abstract style. Lately that work has paid off. In 2016, he signed on with Disney Fine Art. Matousek is one of few artists authorized to create unique versions of beloved Disney characters, sold in galleries worldwide. Months ago, he inked a deal with Chuck Jones Galleries to paint Looney Tunes art.

His portrait work has also garnered attention. A friend recently commissioned him to paint Frederick Douglass. Little did Matousek know this year marks 200 years since the Civil War-era reformer was born, and his art would be featured as part of a national commission.

In an interview during a recent visit to Washington, DC, with his wife Kris and their son, Tom shares a journey animated by many surprises.

New Friendships, Open Doors

The Stream: When did you begin painting abstract animated characters?

Tom Matousek: Growing up, I wanted to be a Disney animator. I've always been an artist, busy drawing and creating something.

A few years ago, my wife Kris and I had an opportunity to attend a fundraiser for the arts at the home of someone I greatly admired named Marty Sklar. He was the original head of Imagineering, the division of Disney that creates theme park rides. Walt Disney himself hired Marty right out of UCLA in the early days of animation. (Painting: 'Goofy'/courtesy Tom Matousek/via Stream.org)

We brought some artwork with us, including a portrait of Walt Disney and a couple of the characters created special for that event. I didn't know then I could get in trouble for that! Thankfully, people really responded well to it. Even though we were afraid to approach Marty, he was very gracious and we hit it off.

The Stream: How did you then become a Disney Fine Artist?

Tom: Following that event, several people helped us. I had the opportunity to present my work to the CEO of Disney Fine Art. After a year, they decided to bring me on. The Fine Art team hosted my launch event at Epcot Center in early 2016.

My work for Disney focuses on their classic animated characters. It's the movies I grew up with like 101 Dalmatians and Peter Pan, along with newer ones like Lilo & Stich or The Lion King. If I have an idea for a painting, I do my own interpretation.

The Fine Art team gets it approved through Disney Consumer Products. They decide if they want to sell it as a one-of-a-kind original in a gallery, or publish it with limited editions. The latter is best because I receive royalties from all those prints.

Kris: Nearly all of his work gets accepted. People are really responding to it...

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