Animation Cel Definition and Art Gallery Collection
Animation Cel, short for Animation Celluloid, is a transparent sheet on which objects are drawn or painted for traditional, hand-drawn animation. Actual celluloid (consisting of cellulose nitrate and camphor) was used during the first half of the 20th century, but since it was flammable and dimensionally unstable it was largely replaced by cellulose acetate. With the advent of computer-assisted animation production, the use of the Animation Cel has been all but abandoned in major productions. Disney studios stopped using cels in 1990 when Computer Animation Production System (CAPS) replaced this element in their animation process, and in the next decade and a half, the other major animation studios phased the Animation Cel out as well.
Generally, the characters are drawn on an Animation Cel and laid over a static background drawing. This reduces the number of times an image has to be redrawn and enables studios to split up the production process to different specialized teams. Using this assembly line way to animate has made it possible to produce films much more cost-effectively. The invention of the technique is generally attributed to Earl Hurd, who patented the process in 1914. The outline of the images are drawn on the front of the cel while colors are painted on the back to eliminate brushstrokes. Traditionally, the outlines were hand-inked but since the 1960's they are almost exclusively xerographed on. Another important breakthrough in cel animation was the development of the Animation Photo Transfer Process, first seen in The Black Cauldron, released in 1985.
Production Animation Cels were sometimes sold after the animation process was completed. More popular shows and movies demanded higher prices for the cels, with some selling for thousands of dollars. Some cels are not used for actual production work, but may be a "special" or "limited edition" version of the artwork, sometimes even printed ("lithographed") instead of hand-painted. These normally do not fetch as high a price as original "under-the-camera" cels, which are true collector's items. Some unique cels have fetched record prices at art auctions. For example, a large "pan" cel depicting numerous characters from the finale of Who Framed Roger Rabbit sold for $50,600 at Sotheby's in 1989, including its original background. Disney Stores sold production cels from The Little Mermaid (their last film to use cels) at prices from $2,500 to $3,500, without the original backgrounds. Lithographed "sericels" from the same film were $250, with edition sizes of 2,500–5,000 pieces
Acme Catalogue (1994) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only 500 and Hand Signed...
$ 1,050.00 $ 201.00
Alley Oop (1995) by V.T. Hamlin (1900-1993) is an Original Collector U.S. Postal Stamp commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the popular Comic Strip Alley Oop and a Fine Art Lithograph Print of the Stamp Image. Comes Custom Framed, using acid free materials, and with a Letter of Authenticity. ** Please...
$ 250.00 $ 87.50
Bear For Punishment (1995) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline that Bears the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only 500, and is...
$ 750.00 $ 150.00
Beware the Eyes of Mars (2001) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Sold Out Limited Edition Sericel that Bears the Official Linda Jones Holographic Seal and Chuck Jones Stamped Signature. Includes a Chuck Jones Gallery Certificate of Authenticity. Measures Approx.: 14" x 11" (Image). Gallery List Price: $200.00 USD. This...
$ 200.00 $ 44.00
Bugs and Gulli-Bull (1993) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only 750 and is...
$ 1,400.00 $ 288.00
Bugs and Witch Hazel: Truant Officer (2002) by Chuck Jones (1912 - 2002) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, Numbered out of a total Edition Size of only 750...
$ 1,200.00 $ 254.00
Bugs Rabitaille by Victory Fine Art is a Limited Edition Hand Inked and Painted Animation Cel with Full Color Giclee Background Licensed by Warner Bros and has the Clampett Studio Seal of Authenticity, Hand Signed by Hockey Hall of Famer Luc Rabitaille, and is Numbered in Sequence at 10 out...
$ 750.00 $ 150.00
C3PO & Waiter by Filmation Associates is a Diptych with Original Production Drawing on Paper and Hand Painted Production Animation Cel. Comes Custom Framed using acid free materials, and includes a Letter of Authenticity. Measures approx. 33.5" x 17.5" (With Frame) and 25" x 9" (Combined Images). ** Please note:...
$ 1,500.00 $ 270.00
Cinderella's Dream (1997) is a Limited Edition Official Walt Disney Classic Sericel, no longer in production and completely Sold Out, with a Full Color Offset Lithograph Background. This Sericel recreates "Sequence 4, Scene 34 from Walt Disney's classic animated feature: Attending The Royal Ball in her enchanted attire. Cinderella meets her charming...
$ 500.00 $ 100.00
Coyote Crossing (1996) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only 750 and Hand Signed by...
$ 1,250.00 $ 250.00
Daffy Cavalier (1988) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, Numbered in Sequence at 232 out of a total Edition Size of only 500 and is...
$ 1,050.00 $ 210.00
Ducklaration of Independence (1990) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only 750 and Hand Signed...
$ 1,500.00 $ 300.00
Falstaff Brewing Company (Circa 1980's) is a Hand Painted Production Animation Cel with it's Paired Full Color Master Watercolor Background, both of which were actually used to create the Animation for the Falstaff Brewing Company TV Commercials. Includes a Certificate of Authenticity. Measures approx. 13" x 10" (Cel and Background). Gallery List...
$ 300.00 $ 50.00
Fish Tale (1995) by Chuck Jones (1912 - 2002) is an Extremely Limited Artist Proof Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises AP Numbered in Sequence at 41 out of a total Edition Size...
$ 1,100.00 $ 242.00
Gabby on Scaffolding (1992) by Max Fleischer (1883-1972) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel with Hand Painted Color Licensed by Fleischer Studios, Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only 125, and Bearing Max Fleischer's Authorized Signature. Comes with a Full Color Lithograph Background and includes a...
$ 395.00 $ 85.90
Gift of Friendship (2008) by Disney Studios is an Official Limited Edition Walt Disney Classic Sericel on a Full Color Lithographic Background, Serial Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of 1500 and is Marked with the Disney Logo. Comes Custom Framed using acid free and archival materials,...
$ 800.00 $ 150.00
Green Haired Monster by Filmation Associates is a Diptych with an Original Production Drawing on Paper and Hand Painted Production Animation Cel. Comes Custom Framed using acid free materials, and includes a Letter of Authenticity. Measures approx. 29" x 15" (With Frame) and 22" x 8" (Combined Images). ** Please...
$ 1,500.00 $ 270.00
Guarding Betty by Myron Waldman (1908-2006) is a Limited Edition Hand Painted Animation Cel Numbered in Sequence at 162 out of a total Edition Size of only 200 and is Hand Signed by the Artist. Includes a Full Color Lithograph Background and a Certificate of Authenticity. Measures approx. 12" x 14"...
$ 1,295.00 $ 233.00
Journey Back to Oz (1987) by Filmation Associates is a Limited Edition Fine Art Offset Lithograph Print on Paper Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only 850. Comes Custom Framed using acid free and archival materials, and includes a Certificate of Authenticity. Measures approx. 19.5" x...
$ 250.00 $ 87.50
Journey Back to Oz (1987) by Filmation Associates is a Limited Edition Fine Art Offset Lithograph Print on Paper Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only 850. Comes Custom Framed using acid free and archival materials, and includes a Certificate of Authenticity. Measures approx. 19.5" x...
$ 250.00 $ 87.50
Just Fur Laughs (1995) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Artist Proof Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, AP Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only...
$ 1,450.00 $ 232.00
Just Fur Laughs (1995) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Artist Proof Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, AP Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only...
$ 1,450.00 $ 277.00
Le Pursuit (1994) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Edition Two Part Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, Numbered in Sequence at 578 out of a total Edition Size of only 750 and...
$ 1,050.00 $ 231.00
Let's Rumble by Myron Waldman (1908 - 2006) is an Extremely Limited Artist Proof Edition Hand Painted Animation Cel AP Numbered in Sequence at 6 out of a total Edition Size of only only 15, and is Hand Signed by Myron Waldman. Includes a Full Color Lithograph Background and a Certificate...
$ 1,450.00 $ 290.00
Looney Landing (1996) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only 500 and Hand Signed by...
$ 900.00 $ 188.00
Mark of Zero (1993) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only 750 and Hand Signed...
$ 1,500.00 $ 270.00
Mark of Zero (1993) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, Numbered in Sequence at 165 out of a total Edition Size of only 750 and...
$ 1,750.00 $ 315.00
Marvin Martian by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Sold Out Limited Edition Sericel Bearing the Official Chuck Jones Stamp Signature and includes a Chuck Jones Gallery Certificate of Authenticity. Measures Approx.: 6" x 8" (Image). Gallery List Price: $200.00 USD. Own this amazing piece of Animation Art based on the...
$ 200.00 $ 44.00
Michigan J. Frog by Tom Ray (1919-2010) is an Original Pencil Layout Drawing on Paper, Circa 1990's, featuring one of Warner Bros. Looney Tunes Favorite Characters, Michigan J Frog. This Original Drawing by Tom Ray is Hand Signed by his widow, Brenda Ray. Measures approx. 12.5" x 10.5" (No Border). Gallery...
$ 500.00 $ 100.00
Mickey and the Beanstalk (1994) is a Limited Edition Official Walt Disney Classic Sericel, no longer in production and completely Sold Out, and comes with a White Offset Lithograph Background. This Sericel recreates "Sequence 8, Scene 14.7 from Mickey and the Beanstalk: in their quest to reach the Magic Castle, Mickey, Donald and...
$ 500.00 $ 100.00
Mine Mine Mine (1996) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only 500 and Hand Signed...
$ 1,000.00 $ 200.00
Orders Up (2000) by Myron Waldman (1908 - 2006) is a Extremely Limited Artist Proof Edition Hand Painted Animation Cel AP Numbered in Sequence at 27 out of a total Edition Size of only 50 and Hand Signed by Myron Waldman. Includes a Full Color Lithograph Background and a Certificate of Authenticity. Measures...
$ 1,295.00 $ 233.00
Origins of Tweety (2002) by Bob Clampett (1913-1984) is a Limited Edition Giclée on Paper along with a Hand Painted Animation Cel, Numbered at 100 out of a Total Edition Size of only 142 and features historical details of the origins of the iconic Warner Bros. character, Tweety Bird. Comes framed...
$ 1,050.00 $ 180.00
Page Master (1994) by Hanna-Barbera Animation Art is a Limited Edition Hand Painted Animation Cel with a Full Color Lithograph Background and Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only 200 and Bears the Official Hanna-Barbera Stamp. Includes a Certificate of Authenticity. Measures approx. 17" x 13.5" (Cel and Background) and...
$ 899.00 $ 143.00
Peter and the Wolf (1995) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, Numbered in Sequence at 71 out of a total Edition Size of only 150, and...
$ 1,050.00 $ 231.00
Pewlitzer Prize (1994) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only 750, and is Hand...
$ 1,050.00 $ 231.00
Pinocchio And The Emperor of The Night (1987) by Filmation Associates is a Limited Edition Fine Art Offset Lithograph Print of an Image reproduced from one of the Animated Film's Production Cels, and is Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only 850. Comes Custom Framed, using acid free...
$ 250.00 $ 87.50
Pinocchio, Skalaway Raccoon and Twinkle (1987) by Filmation Associates is a Limited Edition Fine Art Offset Lithograph Print of an Image reproduced from one of the Animated Film's Production Cel, and is Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only 850. Comes Custom Framed, using acid free materials, and...
$ 250.00 $ 87.50
Pouncing Lessons (2000) is a Limited Edition Official Walt Disney Classic Sericel, no longer in production and completely Sold Out, and comes with a Full Color Offset Lithograph Background. This Sericel was inspired by "Sequence 3.1, Scene 21.5 of the Classic Animated Feature: After a talk with Simba about the dangers of hyena territory,...
$ 500.00 $ 100.00
Puppy Disguise (1995) is a Limited Edition Official Walt Disney Classic Sericel, no longer in production and completely Sold Out, and comes with a Full Color Offset Lithograph Background. This Sericel recreates "Sequence 017, Scene 17 from 101 Dalmatians: six puppies in Labrador costumes get "the brush-off" from Nancy and reveal their true...
$ 500.00 $ 100.00
Rabbit of Seville III (1993) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, Numbered in Sequence a total Edition Size of only or 750 and Hand Signed by...
$ 950.00 $ 200.00
Red Hot (Red Sox) by Tom McKimson (1907-1998) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel with Hand Painted Coloring and Bearing the Official Warner Bros Seal, Numbered in Sequence at 15 out of a total Edition Size of only 250 and Hand Signed by the Artist. Includes a Full Color Lithograph...
$ 1,050.00 $ 210.00
Robin Hood: Bow and Error (1996) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline, Bears the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only 500...
$ 1,075.00 $ 225.00
Santa on Trial (1995) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only 500 and is Hand...
$ 975.00 $ 487.50
Sausage Factory (1996) by Chuck Jones (1912-2002) is a Limited Edition Animation Cel from a Sold Out Edition with Hand Painted Coloring on a Sericel Outline Bearing the Official Holographic Seal of Linda Jones Enterprises, Numbered in Sequence out of a total Edition Size of only 500, and is Hand...
$ 975.00 $ 200.00
Scooby Doo (1985) by Hanna Barbera is a Hand Painted Production Animation Cel with it's Paired Full Color Lithograph Background, both of which were actually used to create the Animation for the popular Saturday Morning TV Series Scooby-Doo. This Production Cel was created to produce the Episode "The 13 Ghosts...
$ 500.00 $ 100.00
Scooby Doo (1985) by Hanna Barbera is a Hand Painted Production Animation Cel with it's Paired Full Color Lithograph Background, both of which were actually used to create the Animation for the popular Saturday Morning TV Series Scooby-Doo. This Production Cel was created to produce the 1985 Episode "The 13...
$ 500.00 $ 100.00
Scooby Doo (1985) by Hanna Barbera is a Hand Painted Production Animation Cel with it's Paired Full Color Lithograph Background, both of which were actually used to create the Animation for the popular Saturday Morning TV Series Scooby-Doo. This Production Cel was created to produce the 1985 Episode "The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo."...
$ 500.00 $ 100.00
Scooby Doo (1985) by Hanna Barbera is a Hand Painted Production Animation Cel with it's Paired Full Color Lithograph Background, both of which were actually used to create the Animation for the popular Saturday Morning TV Series Scooby-Doo. This Production Cel was created to produce the 1985 Episode "The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo."...
$ 500.00 $ 100.00
Scooby Doo (1985) by Hanna Barbera is a Hand Painted Production Animation Cel with it's Paired Full Color Lithograph Background, both of which were actually used to create the Animation for the popular Saturday Morning TV Series Scooby-Doo. This Production Cel was created to produce the 1985 Episode "The 13 Ghosts of Scooby-Doo."...
$ 500.00 $ 100.00