Hollywood Artist Baltazar and Artworks from His Children’s Sci-Fi Epic “Timeless” Coming to UF
Armand Baltazar, the author and artist of “Timeless: Diego and the Rangers of the Vastlantic,” the first book in an epic children’s science fiction/fantasy series now in development as a major motion picture, will be visiting the University of Findlay’s Mazza Museum for a presentation and live digital illustration demonstration. Baltazar will also be loaning some of his pieces for an exhibition.
Baltazar will be speaking and illustrating on Wednesday, Jan. 23 at 6:15 p.m. in the Virginia B. Gardner Fine Arts Pavilion Great Hall, and will then sign books beginning at 8 p.m. Copies of “Timeless” will be available for sale. The public event, hosted by UF’s Visual and Performing Arts Department, will be free.
Selected sketches and finished artwork from “Timeless’” will be exhibited in the Dudley and Mary Marks Lea Gallery from Jan. 7 through Feb. 1. The exhibition will also be free and open to the public.
Published in 2017, “Timeless” features more than 150 full-color illustrations capturing middle school-aged protagonist Diego Ribera’s adventures in a world in which the past, present and future coexist. Diego learns of a special gift he has from within, which he uses to rescue his father from an evil group intent on disrupting the planet’s peace. Using dazzling text and art, “Timeless” focuses on themes of friendship, love, adversity and problem-solving.
The book has received stellar reviews. Publishers Weekly called it “not only wildly imaginative and attention grabbing, it’s downright beautiful… A series opener that conveys a true sense of wonder and excitement on every page.” Producer Ridley Scott, known for such blockbusters as “Gladiator,” “Thelma & Louise” and “Blade Runner,” wrote, “Vivid world creation and brilliant characters make ‘Timeless’ an unforgettable, wondrous journey that will stay with you long after the final page.”
The northern California artist and storyteller has worked as a visual development artist and art director for DreamWorks Studios, Walt Disney Feature Animation, Image Movers Digital and Pixar Animation Studio. His filmography includes DreamWorks’ “Prince of Egypt”; Disney’s “Princess and the Frog”; Image Movers Digital’s “Christmas Carol”; and Pixar’s “Cars 2,” “Brave” and the Oscar Award-winning “The Good Dinosaur.” During his spare time, he created “Timeless,” which began as a simple illustrated adventure story for his son.
For more information about “Timeless” and Baltazar, visit timelessandbaltazar.com. He is also on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.