Sometimes a painting begins with a commission. Sometimes that commission quietly changes everything.
Dream It, Do It began when a couple who had just purchased a home in Golden Oak asked Greg to create something inspired by the community’s oak-tree emblem. Greg imagined far more than a beautiful tree: he filled its branches with Hidden Mickeys and beloved characters, rewarding the owners with new details to notice each time they looked again.
The finished painting touched a chord well beyond that first home. The Golden Oak Sales team acquired an entire special edition to welcome new owners, allowing the image—and the sense of possibility within it—to become part of many new beginnings.
We will always be grateful to Russ for the commission that opened this extraordinary chapter. More than a decade later, Dream It, Do It remains our most collected painting. And one intimate detail still belongs to the beginning of its story: the original owners’ initials are hidden within the tree.
A commission became a tradition; a tree became a place where dreams, memories, and discoveries could grow together.
The funniest paintings often work like a perfectly timed scene: every character has a role, and every expression advances the joke.
For Big Thunder Goof, Greg built the story around Goofy’s wonderfully unconvincing bravery. He is aboard the wildest ride in the wilderness, trying very hard to look courageous while his face tells a completely different story.
Around him, the reactions complete the comedy. Chip and Dale laugh from below, delighted by the spectacle, while Donald looks at Goofy as though he cannot believe anyone could make such a fuss. Then comes Greg’s final visual punch line: the locomotive itself is named I’m Brave.
It is a painting about that familiar moment just before the drop—when excitement, nerves, and laughter all arrive at once—and about the friends who will lovingly make sure you never forget your expression.
The train says I’m Brave. Goofy’s face lets the collector decide.
In December, I met Megan and Dan, two beautiful people who had just suffered the unimaginable loss of their very young son, Connor.
They were visiting Downtown Disney and searching for something meaningful to place with Connor’s ashes when they saw my illustrations of Buzz Lightyear and Woody. They noticed that I was there and came over to speak with me.
After hearing their story and learning how much Connor loved Buzz Lightyear, I offered to design and build a special urn for him. I remain deeply grateful that they entrusted me with something so personal.
I wanted every part of the piece to celebrate Connor and the things that had brought him joy. Inspired by the Space Ranger ears he had worn, I first developed the design and carefully worked through how each element would come together. I shaped the wooden forms by hand, constructed the individual pieces, and hand-painted every detail—from the familiar colors and Space Ranger insignia to Connor’s name across the front.
This was far more than an art project. It was an act of love created for a little boy whose life touched everyone who knew him—and for two extraordinary parents who allowed me the privilege of making something that would forever hold their most precious treasure.
Of everything I have created, this will always remain one of the most meaningful and precious projects of my life.
To infinity and beyond…
Story 04
From the Studio
More Than a Piece of Art
Greg McCullough · 2016
In 2016, during an appearance at EPCOT, I met a young guest who hoped to become a Disney animator one day.
I have always tried to make time for young artists. I remember how important encouragement can be when someone is still discovering their abilities and wondering whether a creative dream is truly possible. If a young person wants to talk about art, ask questions, or show me something they have created, I want them to feel that their work—and their dream—matters.
That day, we spent some time talking about art and her hopes for the future. I offered a few suggestions and words of encouragement. It was a lovely conversation, but I had no idea that it would be remembered after the family returned home.
Her mother, Jessica, later wrote to Walt Disney World about their visit. She shared that our conversation had made the experience especially meaningful for her daughter.
Her message eventually reached George A. Kalogridis, who was then President of Walt Disney World Resort. He sent me a personal letter thanking me for helping make the Harris family’s visit one they would remember.
I have always treasured it—not because of who signed it, but because it reminded me that being an artist is about more than creating something beautiful.
Sometimes the most meaningful thing we can give is our time. A conversation, a little encouragement, or the simple act of taking someone’s dream seriously can remain with them long after the moment has passed.
I do not know where that young artist’s path eventually led, but I hope she continued to draw. Most of all, I hope she continued to believe in herself.
Keep making magic!
More stories will follow
Every painting begins before the first brushstroke.
As our studio journal grows, we will share more about inspiration, technique, texture, and the little details you might otherwise miss.
