Brilliantly composed and filled with vibrant color, the paintings of Manuel Hernandez are a feast for the eyes. His meticulous attention to detail is the hallmark of his paintings. Traditionally trained, the Southern California native was originally inspired and influenced by the contemporary illustrative works of J.C. Leyendecker, Dean Cornwell and Norman Rockwell. Having studied and apprenticed as an illustrator, he developed his skills with pen and brush to a level of mastery that would come to satisfy even the most discerning eye of Disney art traditionalists.

When asked to contribute his artistic interpretation of the Walt Disney legend, Hernandez set about to create a fresh perspective utilizing a modern Americana theme made famous by his early illustrative influences. Armed with many years of study and an equally demanding self-drive for perfectionism, Hernandez incorporated the powerful style of muralist Diego Rivera, which, when blended with his illustrative technique, helped create the unique and passionate artwork for which he is noted.