Sadly, I learned the news that Family Circus creator Bil Keane passed away yesterday at the age of 89. Reading The Family Circus comic strip in the newspaper was a Sunday highlight growing up.
I keep an interesting book in my office called The Artist Within which features more than 200 artists photographed in their studios along with a small description and drawing. Below is the spread dedicated to Bil Keane.
Years before I ever realized that Bil Keane was the father of Disney animator Glen Keane, I had written to Bil Keane at the urging of a friend and mentor who had various cartoonist contacts. I don't recall what my letter said but I did receive an answer and a nice little sketch.
Earlier this year, I discovered the art and blog of Claire Keane (Glen's daughter and Bil's granddaughter) and was lucky enough to work with Claire on a project.
While Bil's legacy will live on through his Family Circus work, I thought it would be a fitting tribute to his life and work by sharing the other legacy he leaves behind in the talented family he has inspired as a father and grandfather and artist.
Below is the work of three generations of Keanes.
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| The Family Circus' Billy greets me in a Bil Keane sketch. |
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| Glen Keane's drawing in my copy of The Art of Tangled. |
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| Claire Keane's cover art for Anne of Green Gables. |
Labels: animation, art, Bil Keane, book, cartoon, Claire Keane, digital, Disney, Family Circus, Glen Keane, sketch, Tangled, tribute
