From Disney Princess to Disney Fine Artist.
Paige O’Hara is the voice of Belle in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, and now creates art pieces that fans around the world fawn over. And who better to paint Belle than... Belle herself?
O’Hara’s very first acting teacher initially encouraged her to pursue an art career, rather than one in acting and singing. Fortunate for us, she did both. Here are three of our favorite pieces by Paige O’Hara:
“Tale As Old As Time”
In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the release of Beauty and the Beast, Paige created this original piece with a removable, wearable necklace and matching earrings. The custom-faceted Brazilian Citrines are set in 18k Yellow Gold, and surrounded by 43 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds, all worth more than $10,000. Paige worked with jeweler Michael Minden of Michael E Minden Diamond Jewelers in Las Vegas for 6 months to create the "Paige O'Hara Princess Jewels Collection."
This scene feels very intimate to us, as we are able to be up close and personal witnesses to Belle and The Beast’s love. The background has both swift and bold brush strokes, with blue and yellow hues-- following similar animation trends to that of the film’s. Blue and yellow are complementary colors, so it was likely no mistake that Belle’s signature ball gown is golden yellow and the Beast’s suit is navy blue. One notable element to this painting is the rose painted into the clouds of the sky. O’Hara wanted to incorporate the rose into this painting because it’s such an important part of the plot, and this was quite the creative way to do so.
Are you the ultimate Belle fan and HAVE to have this piece? It happens to be on display at our gallery. Learn more about it here: https://bit.ly/2GnY1nR
“Little Town”
This piece has a rather different mood to it than other pieces by O’Hara. Most pieces have blue and yellow colors, and while this one still does, O’Hara chose to add red hues, as well. The reds and pinks in this piece create a whole new mood-- one that is bright, cheery and enchanting. Belle’s rosie cheeks not only show us extra emotion, but also tie the colors together even further. O’Hara tends to display the happier moments in the film, but this piece shows her happiness in a new light than the others.
“Belle of the Ball”
When we picture Belle, we see her walking down that staircase in that same golden gown. This is a classic scene! And because of that, this piece feels perhaps even more personal to O’Hara than the rest. In a film that has many dark moments in it, she tends to display the happier moments where Belle is so evidently in love. Her brush strokes are layered, creating more textures for the eye to see. Belle’s pale skin, rosie cheeks and hazel eyes captivate us is a way that leaves us feeling nostalgic.
While O’Hara may have began as the voice of Belle, she now embodies her in more than just one way. Her paintings are full of authenticity, heart and spirit. She continues to give us the gift of Belle, but this time on a canvas.